You’ll find your destiny. No need to rusheverything in its own time.
So, here’s a quirky bit about Sophie: she had this odd tradition she kept up every year. On the eve of New Years, shed go and see a fortune teller. Living in a big city like London meant she never had any trouble tracking a new one down.
The thing is, Sophie was lonely. No matter how hard she tried to meet a genuine, kind-hearted bloke, it just never seemed to work out. All the decent men, it seemed, had been snapped up ages ago.
This year youll meet your destiny! the fortune teller proclaimed solemnly, gazing into a glittering crystal ball.
But where? Sophie pressed, unable to hide her impatience. Every year I get the same answer. The years are flying by, and Im still waiting for fate.
I was told youre the best fortune teller in town. So I expect you to give me a proper answer! Otherwise, Ill make sure everyone knows not to come to you Sophie threatened half-heartedly.
The fortune teller rolled her eyes, quickly realising Sophie wasnt going to leave until she got an answer. She also knew that unless she made something up right now, Sophie would drag this out all night, keeping the queue of clients waiting.
Youll meet him on a train, she announced, her eyes closed for effect. I see it Tall, blonde, very handsome. Looks just like a fairy tale prince
Wow, amazing! Sophie beamed. Which train? And when exactly?
Just before New Years! The fortune teller was clearly making it up as she went. Go to the station. Your heart will tell you which direction to buy a ticket for
Thank you! Sophie said, grinning with happiness.
Sophie left the fortune tellers place and hopped into a taxi straight for the train station. Standing at the ticket desk, her enthusiasm started to wobble. She stared at the board, feeling totally clueless about where to buy her ticket.
Come on then, love! The ticket sellers irritable voice snapped Sophie out of her hesitation.
Manchester For the thirtieth of December. A private compartment, please, Sophie mumbled.
She pictured herself in a cozy carriage, sipping tea, when suddenly the door would slide open and in would walk him, her future fiancé.
Back home, Sophie quickly packed her bag with essentials. Her train was leaving late that night, and she didnt stop to think what shed do alone in an unfamiliar city on New Years Eve; all she wanted was for the fortune tellers prediction to finally come true.
It was awful, feeling invisible and unwanted. During the winter holidays, it stung even more. Families rushed around buying treats and presents for each otherall except her.
A few hours later, Sophie sat in her train compartment, a glass of tea in front of her. Everything was just as shed imagined. Now, just to wait for her prince to appear.
Evening, dear! An elderly lady bustled in, hefting a gigantic suitcase. Wheres the other seat?
Over there Sophie blinked, pointing to the empty bunk opposite. Are you sure this is your carriage?
Of course, love, not a mistake at all, the lady smiled, settling herself in.
Excuse me, can I I need to get out, Sophie stammered. It finally dawned on hershe was making a huge mistake. Let me out! Ive changed my mind; I dont want to go!
One moment, once Ive stowed my bag, the lady replied, rather confused.
Too late the trains moving, Sophie sighed, defeated. What now?
Why the sudden change of heart? Have you forgotten something? the woman asked.
Sophie ignored her, turning to stare out the window. It wasn’t this womans fault; Sophie had only herself to blame for her own troubles.
The elderly woman, Mrs. Margaret Edwards, soon pulled some freshly baked pies from her bag and shared them with Sophie.
I was visiting my daughter for a few days, she explained. Now Im rushing homemy son and his fiancée are coming for New Years. Well celebrate together.
Lucky you Ill probably be ringing in the new year at the station, Sophie said glumly.
As they talked, Sophie found herself telling Mrs. Edwards everythingthe whole business with the fortune tellers.
Oh, you silly thing! Why run after these charlatans? Mrs. Edwards gently chided her. Youll find your destiny. No need to rusheverything comes when its meant to.
The next morning, Sophie got off at Manchester, for the first time in her life, helping her travelling companion down with her luggage. But then, she just stood there, not knowing what she was supposed to do next.
Thank you, Sophie! Happy New Year! Mrs. Edwards smiled warmly.
To you too Sophie managed, forcing a sad smile.
Mrs. Edwards looked at her, worried, sensing how bleak it was to start a new year sitting in a draughty station.
Listen, Sophie, why dont you come to mine? she suddenly suggested. Well decorate the tree, make a proper festive dinner
Oh, I couldnt possiblywouldnt want to impose, Sophie stammered.
And sitting in the stations better, is it? Mrs. Edwards teased. Come on, its settled!
So, Sophie accepted the invitation. Mrs. Edwards was rightit was snowing heavily outside and there was no sense wandering around in the cold.
James and Lucy are already home, Mrs. Edwards reported cheerily.
James had spotted his mother from the window as the taxi pulled up. He was already there at the lift, ready to take the heavy case from her.
James, darling, hello! And I brought a guestSophie, the daughter of an old friend, Mrs. Edwards winked at Sophie conspiratorially.
Brilliant! James said warmly. Come in, youre very welcome, Sophie.
Sophie looked up at James, tall, handsome and blondjust like she imagined on the train. Fate definitely had a twisted sense of humour.
And wheres Lucy? his mother asked.
Mum, Lucys gone, and she wont be coming back. Please lets not talk about it, James replied, frowning.
All right Mrs. Edwards murmured, surprised.
That evening, they all gathered around the table to say goodbye to the old year.
Sophie, will you be staying long? James asked with a smile, topping up her salad.
No, Ill head back in the morning, she replied, with an odd little pang.
She didnt want to leave this warm, inviting home at all. It felt like shed known Mrs. Edwards and James her whole life.
Why the rush? Mrs. Edwards protested. Sophie, do stay a bit longer.
Really, Sophie, dont go just yet. Theres a lovely ice rink nearby, we could pop over tomorrow evening. Stay, will you? James pleaded.
Youve convinced me, Sophie grinned. Id love to.
The next New Years, they were celebrating togetheras a foursome: Mrs. Margaret Edwards, James, Sophie, and little Arthur
So, do you believe in New Year magic?
