You know, sometimes I think about how people search for their destiny, and it always brings to mind my friend Emily and her quirky tradition. Every year, right before New Years Eve, shed pay a visit to a fortune teller. Living in London made it easy to find a new onethere seemed to be one on every corner.
Emily had been single for ages. No matter what she tried, meeting a decent chap just didnt seem to happen for her. Shed joke that all the good men mustve already been snatched up.
This year, youll meet your soulmate! declared the fortune teller with piercing dark eyes as she gazed into a sparkling crystal ball.
But where? Will I find him? Emily pressed her, almost desperate. Everyone tells me the same thing every year! Time just keeps slipping by, and my soulmate is nowhere to be found!
I was told youre the strongest fortune teller in town. I insist you tell me exactly where! Otherwise, Ill give you such a bad review, Emily threatened, half serious.
The fortune teller rolled her eyes, realising she had a stubborn one on her hands who wouldnt leave easily. She knew if she didnt give Emily an answer, shed sit there till evening and keep all her other clients waiting.
In a trainyoull meet him there! the woman blurted out, closing her eyes for effect. I can see him now tall, blonde, very handsome. Like a prince out of a fairy tale
Wow! Emily grinned. Which train, and when exactly?
Just before New Years! the fortune teller continued, obviously enjoying this. Go to the station, let your heart decide where to book your ticket
Thank you! Emily beamed.
She hopped into a cab and sped off to Kings Cross. But standing at the ticket counter, her enthusiasm wavered. Looking at the timetable, she had no idea what destination she should pick
Yes?! barked the ticket clerk impatiently, snapping her out of her thoughts.
Manchester for the thirtieth of December. In a sleeper carriage, please, Emily murmured.
She could just picture itsitting in a cosy train cabin, sipping tea and suddenly, the door swings open, and in walks Mr. Right.
At home, Emily packed essential bits and bobs, ready for her late night train journey.
She wasnt even worrying about what shed do in Manchester on New Years Eve. She just wanted the fortune tellers prediction to come true, and quickly. Being single felt even worse at Christmaseveryone was out shopping for their loved ones, families planning festive dinners. All except for her.
A few hours later, she was sitting in her compartment with a mug of tea. Just as she imagined. Now, she just had to wait for her prince to walk through the door.
Evening, dear! said an old lady, lugging a huge suitcase into the cabin. Which seat is the second one?
Its there Emily blinked, slightly confused, pointing at the opposite bunk. Are you sure this is your carriage?
Yes, dear, Im quite sure, the woman smiled, settling in comfortably.
Sorry, could I just squeeze past please? Emily stammered. She was only now realising what a silly mistake shed made. Let me out! Ive changed my mind!
Hold on, Ill just put my bag away, the old lady said, not understanding Emilys panic.
Well the trains moving now, Emily sighed, feeling defeated. Now what?
Why the rush to get off, dear? Forgot something at home? the old woman asked.
Emily ignored her and stared out of the window, blaming only herself for the mess.
The old lady, whose name turned out to be Agnes, eventually pulled out some freshly baked sausage rolls and offered one to Emily.
I was visiting my daughter, but now Im heading homemy son and his fiancée are coming to celebrate New Years together, she explained.
Lucky you Ill probably spend New Years at the station, Emily replied, glumly.
One word led to another, until Emily finally shared the whole story of her misadventure.
You silly girl! Why trust those fortune tellers? Agnes scolded gently. Youll find your love. No need to rusheverything happens in its own time.
The next day, Emily got off at Manchester station, a city shed never seen before. She helped Agnes with her bags, then hesitated, unsure what to do next.
Thank you, Emily! Happy New Year, dear! Agnes smiled.
You too, said Emily, forcing a smile.
Agnes looked her over, realising standing around the station wasnt the best way to start the year.
Emily, come to my house! Well decorate the tree, set out a proper festive spread
Oh, I couldnt It just wouldnt be right, Emily mumbled, embarrassed.
And is sitting in the station any better? Agnes laughed. Come on, thats settled!
So Emily accepted the invitation in the end. Agnes was rightit was freezing outside with snow swirling about, and there was no point wandering the platforms.
Oliver and Beth are already home, Agnes said kindly.
Oliver saw his mum arrive from the kitchen window. He rushed to greet her at the lift, taking the heavy bag from her arms.
Oliver, love, Im not alone tonight, Ive brought a guest. This is the daughter of my old friendEmily, Agnes winked at her.
Brilliant! Please, come in, Emily, said Oliver.
Emily glanced at the tall, handsome blonde and felt herself blushhe was exactly the man shed imagined on the train. Maybe fate had played another trick on her
And wheres Beth? Agnes asked.
Mum, Beths gone, and shes never coming back. Can we not talk about it, please? Oliver said quietly.
All right Agnes replied, caught off guard.
That evening, they all sat together, saying goodbye to the old year.
Emily, how long are you staying? Oliver asked with a smile, piling some salad onto her plate.
Just till morning, she replied, with a hint of sadness.
She really didnt want to leave so soon. It felt as though shed known Agnes and Oliver her entire life.
I dont see why youre in such a hurry! Agnes protested. Please stay a bit longer!
Exactly, Emily, stay! Weve got a lovely ice rink nearbymaybe tomorrow we can all go. Dont dash off, Oliver pleaded.
Youve convinced me, Emily smiled. Id be delighted to stay.
The next New Years, they were four round the table: Agnes, Oliver, Emily, and little Harry
Do you believe in New Years miracles?
