**Diary Entry – A Lesson in Fate**
Looking back on life, I’ve come to believe—no, to *know*—that nothing happens by chance. Every meeting, every bond, is written in the stars. Some might call it coincidence, but I’d wager my last pound they’re wrong. You’ll hear folk say you can outwit fate, bend it to your will. But mark my words, no one ever has. We’ve all got our secrets, tucked away where no one else can see. Mine’s no different, though I’d sooner take it to the grave than let it out.
Staring out the window at the wild apple tree in bloom, I was reminded of another May, years ago. The scent of lilac hung thick in the air as Lucy and Emily walked home from school, both in their final year. They’d been inseparable since childhood—neighbours, classmates, keepers of each other’s secrets. Emily was the shy one, cheeks flushed like poppies whenever she was flustered. Lucy, though? Quick as a whip, always stepping in to defend her friend.
“Em, you’ve got to stand up for yourself. A swift clip round the ear with your textbook, and that Tommy Jenkins wouldn’t dare tie your plait to the chair again,” Lucy would say.
Tommy sat right behind Emily, tugging her braid when she least expected it. The moment she stood, she’d tumble back down to a chorus of laughter. Of course, no one guessed the boy fancied her—his way of getting her attention. Emily wanted none of it. “He’s nothing but a troublemaker,” she’d mutter.
“Lucy, I couldn’t. I’d feel awful, even if he deserves it,” Emily would reply.
“Suit yourself. I’ll sort him out next time,” Lucy vowed.
After school, they enrolled in college together, training as retail managers. Lucy started seeing Jack from another class, always dashing off to meet him while Emily stayed home.
“Come on, Em! Jack’s mate’s a right laugh—always telling jokes. Fancy joining us?” Lucy would tease.
Emily shook her head. “I’d rather wait for the real thing. Someone special.”
“Sitting at home won’t magic him into existence,” Lucy scoffed.
Then one day, Lucy came home fuming. Jack had spent their entire cinema date flirting with two girls across the aisle. “I gave him a piece of my mind, and he told me to sod off. Said he was bored of me. Well, I sent him packing too!”
Jack never came back, and Lucy moved on.
Months later, near the end of their course, the girls strolled through the park. Emily carried a book, lost in thought, when a tall lad brushed past, knocking it from her hands. He stooped to pick it up, apologising with a grin. “Sorry about that—honest mistake.”
“Don’t fret,” Lucy said breezily, but Emily just smiled, silent.
The lad—Oliver, though he preferred Olly—had warm blue eyes and tousled hair. The moment their gazes met, something shifted.
“Fancy that,” Emily thought, her cheeks burning. Olly couldn’t look away either.
Lucy, ever sharp, noticed. *She fancies him. But I’ll handle that—she’s too timid to fight for him.*
Olly, though, only had eyes for Emily. “Mind if I join you?” he asked, glancing at her. Emily nodded, and they walked together, Lucy chattering away while Olly stole glances at her quiet friend.
That evening, Lucy lay awake, Olly’s face haunting her. *He’s nothing like Jack—solid, interesting.* Emily, too, stared at the ceiling, heart racing. *Could this be it?*
The next night at the cinema, Olly sat between them. Halfway through, his fingers brushed Emily’s, and she didn’t pull away. Her pulse hammered—*he’s chosen me.*
Afterwards, as they walked home, Olly stopped Lucy. “Emily, could I have a word?”
Lucy froze. “Should I leave?”
“Sorry, Lucy. Just need to ask Emily something.”
Lucy stormed off, seething. *That little mouse stole him!*
Olly and Emily talked for hours, smitten. Lucy grilled Emily later, but she spilled every detail, guileless as ever.
Desperate, Lucy cornered Olly outside his school. “You’re making a mistake. Emily’s not who you think. She’s been with half the lads in town—never sticks with one.”
Olly frowned. “Why tell me this? She’s your friend.”
“Because I love you,” Lucy blurted.
He walked away without a word.
Two days later, Emily burst in, glowing. “Olly proposed! We’re getting married!”
Lucy forced a smile. *I won’t let this happen.* But the wedding came and went—Lucy skipped it, claiming a headache.
Three days later, she found a letter in her postbox. Just one line from Olly: *”Don’t tempt fate. You’ll only hurt yourself.”*
Now, years on, I wonder—was it destiny, or did karma swing back like a boomerang? Two failed marriages, no children, just empty rooms and that letter I can’t forget.
Fate’s not something you cheat. It cheats *you*.
