**Diary Entry – A Lesson in Fate**
From the wisdom of her years, Hope has come to believe that nothing in life happens by chance. Every meeting, every encounter is written in the stars.
“People may call it coincidence, but they’re wrong,” she insists. “Some think they can cheat fate or change their path, but no one ever truly does. We all have our skeletons in the cupboard—buried deep, where no one should find them. I’ve got mine, same as anyone. But I’d rather they stayed hidden.”
Gazing out the window at the wild apple tree in bloom, she remembered another May just like this. The scent of lilacs filled the air as she and Faith walked home from school, both in their final year. Back then, the girls were inseparable—neighbours, classmates, keepers of each other’s secrets. Faith was the shy one, her cheeks always rosy as poppies, so delicate she might’ve been made of porcelain. Hope, on the other hand, was bold, quick to defend her friend whenever trouble arose.
“Faith, honestly, you’ve got to stand up for yourself. Next time Freddie tugs your braid, smack him round the head with your textbook. He’ll stop fast enough,” Hope would say.
Faith’s long plait was always Freddie’s target—he’d tie it to her chair so subtly she wouldn’t notice until she tried to stand, sending her tumbling back to laughter from the class. Of course, no one guessed he fancied her; this was just his clumsy way of getting her attention. Faith didn’t care for him—too rough, too immature.
“I can’t, Hope. I’d feel bad, even if he deserves it.”
“Suit yourself. I’ll deal with him next time,” Hope huffed.
After school, they enrolled in college together, studying retail management. Hope started seeing Jack from another class, always off on dates while Faith stayed home.
“Come on, Faith! Jack’s mate Steve’s a laugh—let me introduce you. We could all go out together.”
“No, thanks. I’d rather wait for someone special. The real thing.”
“Suit yourself. But don’t sit around waiting for Prince Charming,” Hope teased.
Faith didn’t want to intrude—third wheels never ended well. She believed her fate was out there somewhere, just not yet.
Then, one evening, Faith noticed Hope’s mood.
“What’s wrong?”
“Jack and I are done. We went to the cinema, and he spent the whole time eyeing up other girls. So I told him exactly what I thought.”
“And?”
“He told me to get lost. Said he was sick of me. Well, I told him where to shove it. If he ever comes near me again—”
He never did. Hope moved on quickly, but the memory lingered.
Weeks later, nearing graduation, the girls strolled through the park on a warm spring day. A young man bumped into Faith, knocking her book to the ground.
“Sorry—didn’t mean to,” he said, handing it back. His smile was warm, his blue eyes catching Faith’s.
Hope answered for them both. “No harm done.”
Faith stayed silent, but the spark between them was instant.
“George. But call me Georgie.”
“Hope,” she said, thrusting out her hand. “This is Faith.”
Georgie’s gaze lingered on Faith. “Not in a hurry, are you? Mind if I join you?”
Hope chattered the whole walk, but Georgie kept stealing glances at Faith.
“You’re quiet,” he remarked.
“Just listening,” Faith murmured, blushing.
Hope saw it all. Georgie fancied Faith. And Faith fancied him.
That night, Hope lay awake, Georgie on her mind. “He’s different. Not like Jack.”
Faith, too, couldn’t sleep. She’d fallen hard—and fast.
The next evening, the trio went to the cinema. Mid-film, Georgie took Faith’s hand. Her heart raced, certain Hope would hear it.
Afterwards, Georgie asked to speak to Faith alone.
Hope spun on her heel. “Fine. I’ll go.”
She seethed all night. “That little mouse stole him. But we’ll see.”
Days later, Faith burst in, giddy. “Georgie proposed!”
Hope forced a smile. Inside, she boiled. “I won’t let this happen.”
She cornered Georgie after work. “You’re making a mistake. Faith’s not who you think. She’s been with half the town—”
“Why tell me this? She’s your friend.”
“Because I love you.”
Georgie walked away without a word.
Two days later, Faith was engaged. Hope skipped the wedding, claiming illness.
Three days after, a letter arrived:
*”Don’t tempt fate. You’ll only hurt yourself.”*
Now, years later, Hope knows—fate can’t be cheated. Married twice, divorced twice, alone with no children, she understands. Some lessons come too late.
