Sophie arrived at her mothers home in Oxford for New Years Eve. She wanted it to be a true surprise, so she hadnt told anyone she was coming. With an excited heart, Sophie stood outside the familiar red brick house, knocked, and waited. Moments later, her little sister, Emily, burst through the door in delight. The day flew by in the warmth of reunions and festive preparations. While she and Emily chopped vegetables for the salads, their mother bustled about the kitchen making Sophies favourite dishshepherds pie.
I had a feeling youd turn up, her mother remarked with a grin. I almost bought an extra carton of eggs yesterdayjust in case. Funny, but I thought you might not be alone. Since you and Oliver split, youve hardly seen anyone, have you?
No, Mum. Can we not talk about that? Sophie deflected, quickly moving on.
Suddenly, her phone buzzed. Sophie glanced at the screen and nearly dropped the knife in shock.
Heavens, I both love and dread New Years, Sophie had thought to herself the previous day. The endless reports, number crunching, and double checks at her job had worn her out. Tomorrow was finally the last dayone more hurdle, and then shed be free for two whole weeks. Im utterly knackered after this month, she admitted inwardly.
That evening, she sat at her laptop at home, wrapping up the annual report. Her boss had told her that if tomorrows review went smoothly, she could take leave until the 12th of January. She was determined to get everything perfectit had been far too long since shed seen Mum and Emily.
She still needed to dash to the High Street for her mothers present. Emilys new mobile was already bought and wrapped.
Her ticket for the evening train was tucked in her handbag, purchased weeks ago just in case. If my manager doesnt sign off, Ill cancel, Sophie had reasoned, choosing a lower berth in a comfortable compartment.
That night, she found herself dreaming vividly. In a thick English wood, she came upon a little girl, maybe five or six, sitting on a stump engrossed in a book. Sophie asked,
Are you lost? Where are your parents?
The girl replied, No, I just havent been found yet. But dont oversleep! Your fate awaits you this eveningyoull meet it today. Wake up quickly, you need to hand in the report!
Sophies eyes flew open. She checked the time. Goodness, almost overslept! Of all days, she couldnt be latethe final review meeting was at nine sharp, and she was prepared.
She sprang out of bed in a blur; her dream slipped away as she rushed about the flat. Fifteen minutes was all she needed, and soon she touched up her make-up and grabbed her bag.
Coffee could wait until she reached the office. Wrapping her coat around herself, Sophie hurried down the steps and jogged towards the nearest bus stop.
Thankfully, the office was only five stops away, and there was an empty seat on the bus.
As she settled in and took in the faces around her, her heart skippeda girl from her dream sat a few rows ahead, who gave her a sly wink. But at that moment, Sophie was jostled by a young man heaving a rucksack, almost knocking her off balance. She frowned at him, but when her gaze darted forward again, the girl had vanished.
Well, thats fatigue playing tricks on me, Sophie thought, trying to brush off the odd feeling.
At work, everything was a whirl until lunchtime. Thankfully, she delivered the report without a hitch; her manager even gave her a congratulatory thumbs-up.
As promised, youre free, he said, handing her a cream-coloured envelope. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Sophie!
And to you, Mr Thompson! Thank you so much! she beamed.
With her Christmas bonus, Sophie bought her mother a beautiful wool shawl and chose a pretty blouse for Emily as an extra treat. She picked up all manner of festive treatsmince pies, crackers, a bottle of bubbly. At 7:30 sharp, breathless but satisfied, she boarded the train, failing to notice the rucksack near her compartment. She tripped and sprawled full-length in the aisle.
She felt tears prick her eyes, but strong hands gently helped her to her feet.
Im so sorrymy fault, said a pleasant voice above her, I didnt move my bag in time.
He had an easy charm and a warm smile.
Thats all right, Sophie blushed, hoping no one else had noticed.
As luck would have it, her rescuer was in her compartment. Sophie stole a quick look at himtall, handsome, with kind blue eyes. Suddenly, she remembered the girls words from her dreamshed meet her fate that very evening.
Could it really be him? she wondered with a shy smile.
He offered to stash her bag, and soon they were politely sitting facing each other, introductions exchanged. His name was Andrew, and he explained he was only in Oxfordshire for the daya quick business meeting.
Ill have to brave the night train back, but Ill make it for New Years at home. What about you?
Im off to see my mum and sister for the holidays. I havent been with them in ages. Got a little time off from work, finally.
And your boyfriend or husband?
She shook her head, Not at all. Havent met the right one, I suppose. What about youanyone waiting for you?
Andrew chuckled. No, same as you. Still hoping to find the one Ill want to spend every year with.
Im your fate, the little girl told me, Sophie nearly said aloud, blushing fiercely at her own daydreams.
He smiled, noticing. You get this lovely rosy blushits rather charming.
It happens all the time, Sophie confessed, embarrassed. Especially in awkward moments, like this one.
Alright, Ill try not to tease. Would you care for some tea? My mum packed some apple cake and insisted I share it.
Just then, an elderly lady entered their compartment with her six-year-old grandson. Sophie and Andrew stepped out, letting them get settled.
The lady, Mrs Green, was taking her grandson to visit his mother for the holidaysshe had to work in another city, and hadnt managed any time off.
Later, the group gathered for tea, sharing Mrs Greens home-baked biscuits and Andrews apple cake.
Afterwards, Sophie and Andrew wandered into the corridor, gazing out as the train rolled through a town all twinkling with Christmas lights.
Would you mind if we exchanged numbers? Andrew asked, voice hopeful.
Not at all, Sophie said softly.
When are you heading back?
On the tenth, she replied.
He smiled. So youre staying a while. Funny, meeting you felt so natural, as if Ive known you forever.
Sophie agreed, Theres something easy about chatting with you. Maybe thats the magic of train journeysstrangers become friends for a little while, then move on.
Maybe so, Andrew agreed. Shall we get some sleep?
Sophie nodded and smiled.
The train arrived at Oxford at ten in the morning. Sophie hadnt told her family of her arrivalit was meant to be a proper surprise. She knew exactly where the spare key was hidden.
After saying goodbye to Andrew by the station taxi, he wished her a joyful holiday, and she in turn hoped hed meet someone special this New Years Eve.
A lovely wish. I hope you find someone toosomeone youd want beside you for life, he replied. They both smiled, parting ways.
Sophie liked Andrewmore than she expectedbut she had never been one to chase after anyone. Still, she couldnt help but wish shed asked him to stay and celebrate New Years together.
She brushed aside those thoughts and hurried on for her reunion.
Reaching her mothers house, Sophie beamed and knocked quietly. The door flew open, and Emily squealed in delight.
The day dissolved in laughter and preparations. Their mother cooked the shepherds pie that Sophie adored, and the three women decorated the house, telling old stories and making new ones.
I thought you might not come alone, her mother mused that evening, setting extra cutlery on the table. Any special friends in your life these days, love?
Mum, please
Her phone chimed unexpectedly. Sophie glanced down and nearly dropped itAndrew.
Hi! Did you make it home okay? she asked, heart beating faster.
Well, actually, I didnt. I was calling because, honestly, I dont know a soul here apart from you. Would you mind a lonely traveller joining your festivities?
Sophie burst out laughing, pure joy bubbling up.
Let me ask the lady of the house. Mum, what do you saycan a friend join us for the holiday? Hes new here, tickets home must have sold out.
Her mum grinned, The more, the merrier! Itll be nice to have a man about the house for a change!
Sophie smiled and told Andrew the address, feeling a surge of excitement.
The little girl in her dream was right. Sophie had made it in time, handed in her report, and that evening, her fate truly did come knocking.
And so, as laughter and warmth filled the home, Sophie realised that sometimes, lifes surprisesunexpected meetings, strange dreams, new beginningslead us precisely where were meant to be. The best things often appear when we least expect them, provided we have the courage to open the door.
