Emma Clarke has an old, slightly odd tradition. Every year, on the eve of NewYear, she walks into a fortunetellers flat. Living in a big city makes finding a new seer easy, so she never has to travel far.
The trouble is that Emma feels alone. No matter how hard she tries to strike up a conversation with a respectable young gentleman, nothing works. It turns out all the respectable lads have already been taken.
This year youll meet your destiny! the darkeyed fortuneteller declares, eyes fixed on a glittering crystal ball.
Where? Where will I meet him? Emma asks impatiently. Everyone tells me the same thing every year. The years pass and I still havent met my fate.
Ive been told youre the best seer in town, Emma threatens. I want you to tell me the exact place! Otherwise Ill write a nasty review.
The seer narrows her eyes, realizing shes dealing with a frantic woman who wont let go easily. She decides not to lie, knowing the girl would sit in the waiting room all evening, blocking the line of others desperate for a glimpse of their futures.
In a train! she says, eyes shut. I see him now tall, blond, incredibly handsome. Like a storybook prince.
Oh wow! Emma exclaims, delighted. Which train and when?
Right before NewYear, the seer giggles. Go to the station. Your heart will tell you which direction to buy a ticket.
Thank you! Emma smiles, her mind swarming with hope.
She steps out of the seers flat, grabs a black cab and darts to Kings Cross. By the window of the ticket office her excitement flickers; the timetable looks like a maze. She stares, bewildered, at the board.
Excuse me! a brisk voice from the clerk snaps Emma out of her daze.
York on the thirtieth of December. A compartment carriage, please, Emma stammers.
She can already picture herself in a snug compartment, sipping tea, when suddenly the door swings open and the man shes been dreaming of steps insideher future fiancé.
Back home, Emma starts packing essential items in a hurry; her train departs late that night. She doesnt think about what shell do in an unfamiliar town on NewYears Eve. All she wants is for the seers prediction to materialise as quickly as possible.
Feeling unwanted during the festive season hurts more than any other time. While families crowd the Christmas tables and exchange presents, Emma feels left out.
A few hours later she sits in her compartment, a steaming mug of tea in hand. Everything is just as she imagined. All thats left is to wait for the prince to walk through the open door.
Good health to you! a sweetvoiced old lady shouts, hurling a massive suitcase into the carriage. Wheres the other seat?
Emma, a little flustered, points to the shelf opposite her. Is this really your carriage? the lady asks.
No, dear, Im not mistaken, she smiles, collapsing onto the empty seat.
Excuse me, could I get out? Ive changed my mind, Emma whispers, finally realising the absurdity of her plan. Let me leave! I dont want to travel after all!
Hold on, Ill hide my bag, the old lady says, puzzled.
The train lurches forward. Emma sighs heavily. What now?
Did you forget something? the lady ponders.
Emma turns to the window, understanding that the woman isnt at fault; shes the one who invited trouble upon herself.
Soon the kindly stranger pulls warm, homemade scones from her bag and offers them to Emma.
My daughter was visiting earlier, now Im hurrying homemy son and his fiancée will be arriving soon. Well ring in the NewYear together, the lady explains.
Its a shame Ill probably spend NewYear at the station, Emma sighs.
She finally tells the old lady everything about her frantic quest.
Youre a fool! the lady chides. Why chase these charlatans? Your destiny will come when the time is right. No need to rush.
The next morning Emma steps onto a platform in a town shes never seen before. She helps the old lady out of the carriage and watches her disappear into the crowd, unsure what to do next.
Thank you, Emma! Happy NewYear! the lady calls over her shoulder.
And you, too! Emma replies, a hint of sadness in her smile.
The woman pauses, not quite knowing how to lift Emmas spirits. She realises a NewYear spent on a cold platform isnt the best start.
Emma, why not come to my house? she suggests suddenly. Well put up a Christmas tree, set a festive table
Its a bit awkward, Im not sure Emma hesitates.
Is it comfortable to sit on a platform? the lady jokes, smiling. Come on, thats not an option.
Emma finally accepts. Outside, a snowstorm whirls, making a trek across the station pointless.
My son James and his sister Lucy are already home, the lady says.
James watches from the window as his mother arrives in a cab. He rushes to the lift, grabs the heavy suitcase from his mothers arms, and greets her.
James, love, Im not aloneIve brought a guest. This is the daughter of an old friend, Emma, the lady winks conspiratorially.
Great! James replies. Please, come in, Emma.
Emma looks at the tall, handsome blond standing beside her mother and blushes. Hes exactly the man she pictured on the train. Fate, it seems, enjoys a good joke.
Wheres Lucy? the mother asks.
Shes not here, and she wont be coming back, James mutters, his brow furrowing. I dont want to discuss it, okay?
Okay the mother replies, bewildered.
That evening the family gathers around the table, ushering out the old year.
Emma, will you stay with us long? James asks, sliding a salad onto her plate.
No, I leave in the morning, Emma answers, a strange sadness in her voice.
She really doesnt want to rush away from the cosy home. It feels as if shes known Mrs. Margaret Hughes and James her whole life.
Why hurry? the old lady protests. Stay a bit longer, dear.
Honestly, Emma, stay a while. We have a lovely iceskating rink, and we could go tomorrow night. Dont leave so quickly, James pleads.
Youve convinced me, Emma smiles. Ill stay happily.
Soon the NewYear arrives, and the four of themMrs. Margaret Hughes, James, Emma and little Oliverwelcome it together.
Do you believe in NewYear miracles?
