31 December
This New Year’s Eve, I decided Id surprise Mum by turning up unannounced for the celebrations. I thought itd make for a good start to the yearshed have no clue I was coming. With a wrapped scarf tucked under my arm and a phone for my little sister in my bag, I approached the old family house in York, heart thudding as I rapped on the frosted blue door.
It swung open, and my little sister, Emily, came flying towards me, squealing and wrapping me in a tight hug. The day vanished in a rush of chopping veg, laughter, and the sound of Mum prepping what shes always called French-style roastmy favourite, ever since I was a boy.
Over dinner, Mum gave me that knowing look she saves for moments when shes absolutely certain shes right. Tom, I had a feeling youd turn up. Look, I even bought in extra eggs. To be fair, I half expected you might bring someone with you. Youre really not seeing anyone new since Alice? she asked, her voice gentle but insistent.
I waved her off, Come on, Mum, lets not get into that nowlets just enjoy being together. Right then, my phone buzzed and I almost dropped my fork in shock.
The last few weeks had been manic. Month-end reports, audits, stocktakesit seemed never-ending. New Years is love and loathing in equal measure, I muttered to myself late last night as I pored over spreadsheets, caffeine coursing through my veins. The manager had promised if the commission found no mistakes, Id be free till the 12th of January. That was the little lifeline that got me through December.
I’d played it safe and bought my train ticket weeks agojust in case. Ill refund it if Im chained to the desk, Id told myself, picking a bottom bunk in the sleeper carriage to be sure of a decent rest.
Strange dreams plagued my sleep last night. I met a little girl, about six, alone in a sun-streaked English wood, perched on a mossy stump, paging through a book. Her eyes met mine.
Are you lost, does your mum know where you are? I asked.
She shook her head cheerfully: Im not lost; Ive only yet to be found. But youdont sleep through your fate. Youll meet it this very evening! Up you get, youve got that report to deliver, remember?
My eyes snapped open at the crack of dawn. I glanced at the alarmbarely time to get ready. If I missed today, Id ruin everything.
I dashed through the flat, tidied up a quick shave, threw on my best jumper and jacket, planning for a coffee at work. Luckily, the Number 23 was waiting, and five stops later I was disembarking at the office. I collapsed into a seat and tried to shake the dream, only to glance up and, I swear, spot the girl from my dream sitting across the aisle, book and all. She winked at meat least, I think she didthen, in the shuffle of a young lad with an oversized rucksack, she vanished.
What an odd trick of the mind, I muttered, convincing myself it was just tiredness.
Everyone was already at the office when I arrived. The morning was a blur of shared panic and desk-to-desk chats as we finished final checks. My report was spotless; the boss gave me a thumbs up and pulled me aside with an envelope. A well-earned bonus, Tom. Happy New Year.
Thank you, Mr. Wilkinson. And the same to you!
Buying Mum her scarf didnt even make a dent in the bonus, so I also picked up a stylish blouse for Emily, then loaded up on treats, crisps, and some fizz. By 7:30pm I was rushing for my carriage, tripping spectacularly over a rucksack parked outside my compartment and landing flat out in the corridor.
Mortified, I struggled to my feet, but a warm pair of hands pulled me up.
Oh, Im so sorry, thats my bag! Couldnt fit it in the compartment yet. Ive got butterfingers, clearly, said a man with a kind smile and the sort of easy confidence that put me instantly at ease.
Dont worry, no harm done, I said, blushing slightly.
Turns out we were sharing the same compartment. He was tall, with an open, affable face.
Suddenly, the words of the mysterious girl drifted through my memorywas this what she meant about meeting my fate?
We settled into the journey. His name was James, and he was headed to York too, just for businessone important meeting, then a mad dash back before the celebrations.
And you? he asked.
Off to surprise Mum and my sister. I hardly get away from London these days, so finally having some time off over the holidays is brilliant.
He chuckled, No family for me, either. On my own, searching for that someone I want to ring in New Years with and maybe stay for life.
A heavy pause hung between us as I turned red again, flustered by thoughts I dared not voice. He grinned, You know, you go all rosy. Its rather charming.
I cant help it, I admitted. Always blush at the wrong moment.
Best leave you be, then but first, would you like a cuppa? My mum packed me apple cake and insisted I share.
Before we could tuck in, an older woman and little boy joined us, so we left them to settle and wandered the corridor, gazing at brightly-lit towns and fairy lights from the window. York looked magical.
James turned to me, You wouldnt mind swapping numbers, would you? In case, you know
I smiled. Id like that.
We stood and chatted, both of us surprised by how comfortable it all felt, as if we were old mates catching up, rather than strangers sharing a train compartment. Strange, isnt it? I said. Maybe its just good old train camaraderiehear someones story, share a bit of your own, then go your own way.
Maybe, he replied. Shall we turn in?
I nodded, feeling strangely content.
The train rolled into York right on ten oclock. I hadnt told Mum or Emily I was coming it was meant to be a proper New Year surprise. I slipped in with spare keys and as I said goodbye to James by the waiting taxis, he wished me a wonderful family holiday, and I returned the wish, hoping hed find someone special too.
Truth was, I liked him. A lot. But pushing myself on someone wasnt my way, and well, how could I just blurt outstay, and lets see what happens?
Shaking off the melancholy, I geared up for the reunion with my family.
Knocking on the door, I was met by the blinding joy of Emily racing into my arms. The day sped by with all the chopping, laughter, and Mums roast slowly filling the house with its rich aroma.
Later, as we finished up, Mum mused, I bought extra eggs this yearfelt in my bones you were coming, Tom. Thought maybe youd turn up with someone new. Not seeing anyone since Alice, are you?
No, Mumand lets leave that conversation for another year.
Just then, my phone chirped with a new message. My heart did a little somersault.
James.
Hi. Didnt quite make it home on time, he wrote. Only know you hereany chance a stranded traveller could join your New Years?
I half-laughed, half-grinned, and turned to ask Mum if it was okay for James to come round. She only smiled. Of course! Heaven knows we could do with another man about the place.
I flicked James our address, and grinned at Emily. Maybe that little girl in my dream had been right all along. Because I handed in my report, and that very night, I truly did meet my fate.
I learnt something, toosometimes the best surprises happen when you let go of certainty and simply let the year unfold.
