Victor had been driving through the countryside when he noticed a girl standing alone by the roadside. It was already quite late and there wasnt a soul in sight. He pulled over.
Could you give me a lift? the girl asked.
Yes, of course. Hardly any cars pass by here at this hour. Have you been waiting long?
Yes, she nodded, and suddenly tears rolled down her face. Victor looked at her in surprise.
Victor had set out for the road in his lorry. The cab was filled with the lovely aroma of freshly baked pastieshis favourite, filled with potato. His mum had made them for lunch, and theyd come in handy on his journey.
Even though it was a bank holiday, he was workinghe needed to deliver a load today.
He reached over, picked out a still-warm pasty, and ate it with satisfaction. Then he switched on the radio, found some lively music, which quickly lifted his spirits.
By the time night had properly fallen, Victor came upon a small village just off the road. As he passed the bus stop, his headlights caught the outline of a girl stretching out her arm, trying to flag down a car.
He slowed and stopped. The girl seemed chilled to the bone and hurried eagerly towards the lorry.
Can I get a lift? she asked, obviously shivering.
Of course, hop in. There arent many vehicles about now. Its late. Have you been waiting long?
Too long, she replied, then suddenly broke down in tears.
Victor stared at her bewildered.
Is something wrong? he asked gently.
Between sobs, she began her story:
My names Felicity. Today is Old New Years Evenot really a thing here, but my friend at work thought it would be fun to celebrate. She invited me to her parents’ cottage in the country for the long weekend; her husband was going to do a barbecue, set a proper feast, all that. She told me to call when I arrived at the bus stop by the village shop and shed come meet me.
I agreed, especially as Id split up with my boyfriend just before Christmas. She didnt want me sitting at home, feeling down. So I got on the bus to Foxwell, arrived there, got off, and called her.
She said, Pop into the shop, Ill be there in five minutes.
But when I looked around, there was nothing at alljust fields, and the village about three hundred yards down the lane.
I glanced at my bus, just pulling away, and saw the sign said Oakwick, not Foxwell.
Only then I realised Id taken the wrong busthe real Foxwell was in the opposite direction.
And the bus was gone… I shouted after it, but the driver didnt hear me. Two hours later I realised it had been the last one for the night.
No cars going towards the town. I almost walked to the village, but decided to try my luck at hitching a ride.
So I ended up here, waiting or rather, standing around, for nearly three hours.
If it werent for you, I really dont know what I would have done. Thank you so much…
Lets drop the formalities, shall we? Victor said with a warm smile.
Felicity smiled back and nodded.
Victor really liked Felicityshe was charming, genuine, and unpretentious. She clearly knew how to take care of herself. As they drove on, he stopped the lorry and said,
Now youve warmed up, its time for supper. My mums pasties are a treatfancy one?
They shared their food: Felicity had some cold cuts, cheese, and a bar of dark chocolate in her bag, so together they made a proper country meal.
Later, when it was time to get some rest, they arranged themselves in the lorryFelicity up top, Victor on the seats below. As they were lying down, Felicity suddenly asked,
Victor, are you married?
No, Im not.
Why not?
Well, Ive just met a girl I really like, but I havent told her that yet.
I see.
Right, off to sleepweve got to get this delivery sorted in the morning.
Their journey went smoothly. Felicity laughed, saying it was her first adventure like this, and now she was actually glad things had turned out as they did.
Along the road, Victor became certain fate had brought a wonderful girl his way.
When they finally drove back into town, he turned to Felicity and asked for her phone number.
And what about that girl you said you liked? she teased.
I meant you, Victor laughed. I really like you, and Id love to get to know you moreif you dont mind, that is.
Id like that. Youre a true gentlemanhelped me out of a sticky spot and treated me kindly all the way, she replied, smiling.
They were married in April. Lifes twists truly are what people call fateSome evenings, when Victor finished a late run, he would find Felicity waiting for him in the kitchen, a fresh tray of pasties cooling on the table and a smile as warm as any sunrise. They teased each other about that first meeting on the shadowy road, and Victor always insisted it hadnt been luckit had been fate in the hush between headlights and night.
Years later, every time Januarys chill rolled in, theyd take a drive through the sleeping countryside, past empty bus stops and silent villages, windows fogged by laughter, hands entwined over the gearshift. Their little boy once asked, How did you and Mama meet? Victor winked at Felicity, and together they said, On a lost road, when the world seemed emptybut really, it was just beginning.
And every Old New Years Eve, they made potato pasties and set a place at the table for chance itselfbecause sometimes, the best turns in life happen in the quiet spaces, when a light finds someone waiting in the dark.
