Oksana’s New Year Surprise: A Secret Visit Home, Unexpected Encounters, and the Dream That Led Her t…

Olivia arrived at her mothers house for New Years Eve. She wanted to surprise them, so she kept her visit a secret. As she approached the little brick house, she smiled to herself and knocked on the door. Within moments, her younger sister Charlotte bounded down the hallway and flung her arms around her.

The day whizzed by in a blur of laughter and preparations. Olivia and Charlotte chopped vegetables for the salads, while their mother busied herself over Olivias favourite mealshepherds pie with extra mashed potato on top, just how Olivia liked it.

I had a feeling youd show up, her mother laughed, I nearly bought a second dozen eggs yesterday, just in case there were more mouths to feed. Honestly, I thought you might not come alone. Havent spoken to anyone new since George, have you?

No, Mum, lets not go there, Olivia replied, waving her mothers words away.

Just then, her mobile buzzed. Olivia glanced at the screen, startled by the caller.

Earlier that week, Olivia had been swamped with her year-end work reports. I love and loathe this time of year in equal measure, shed thought to herself, groaning at spreadsheets and emails. All these numbers and checks Tomorrows finally the last day, and then Ill be off for two whole weeks. She desperately needed a break, longing to spend time with Mum and Charlotte.

Shed finished her report late into the evening, hunched over her laptop. Her boss had promised: if the committee found no errors tomorrow, Olivia was free until the twelfth of January. Motivated, she double-checked everything; she wanted to catch the train north to her family. Presents had been stashed away for weeksa shiny new phone for Charlotte, and just one thing left to buy for Mum.

Shed purchased her train ticket at the start of the month, Just in case, shed thought, booking a lower bunk in a sleeper carriage, Ill refund it if my boss keeps me on.

That evening, Olivia dreamt of wandering through an English wood. Among the ancient oaks she spotted a little girl, maybe about five or six, sitting quite alone on a fallen log, flipping through a picture book.

Are you lost? Where are your parents? Olivia asked.

No, I just havent been found yet, replied the little girl, smiling mysteriously. Now youd best wake up, or youll sleep right through your destinytonight youll meet it, but first, finish your report!

Olivias eyes sprang open. Oh heavens, I almost overslept! She had to be at the office by nine on the dot for the final checkand her report was ready.

She dashed about her flat, dressing and slicking on a hint of makeup. Shed have her coffee at work. It was lucky the office was just five stops on the bus, and she even found a seat.

As she settled, she idly surveyed other passengersand there she saw the girl from her dream, perched just ahead. The little one winked at her. Olivia blinked, and in that moment a young lad, his rucksack skewed, stumbled past, breaking her reverie. When she looked back, the girl was nowhere to be seen.

Must just be tired nonsense, she reasoned. Dreams dont mean anything.

The office was already humming with activity when Olivia arrived. She hustled from desk to desk, tweaking numbers and answering questions. At midday, she filed her report without a single error. Her boss, Mr. Robinson, slipped her an envelope. Well done, Olivia. Just as promisedyoure off for the holidays. And heres a little Christmas bonus. Happy New Year!

Thank you, Mr. Robinson. Happy New Year to you, too! she grinned.

With her bonus, Olivia bought her mother a beautiful wool shawl and found a cheerful blouse for Charlotte. She loaded up on snacks and a bottle of bubbly for the train. By 7:30 that evening, she was collapsing breathless into her carriage, only to trip over someones rucksack in the corridor and tumble spectacularly.

She nearly burst into tears on the spot, but a pair of gentle hands helped her to her feet.

Im so sorry! said a warm, charming voice. That was my bagI meant to stow it before anyone tripped. Are you all right?

Yes, honestly, Im fine, Olivia replied, cheeks burning.

It turned out they were travelling in the same carriage. Introducing himself as Andrew, the young man was tall and striking. Olivia remembered the words from her dream: Tonight youll meet your destiny. Could it possibly be him?

Andrew offered to tuck her bags away. As they settled in, he explained he was visiting her town for a business meeting, away again by New Years Eve. Its just overnight. By the time Im back, the fireworks will be starting. And you?

Im just visiting Mum and Charlottethey let me have a bit of time off at work. Ill spend the whole holiday with them, Olivia smiled.

And do you have a boyfriend waiting back home?

No, nothing like that! I havent met anyone Id want to see in the New Yearor the rest of the years, really, she admitted. How about you? Is someone waiting for you?

No, Im a bit of a lone wolf myself. Still looking for the right person to stay by my side for good.

Olivia had to fight the impulse to blurt out, Youre my destinythe girl told me so! and went red at the thought.

Andrew grinned. You get so rosy when you blush, your cheeks go just like a ripe apple. Its rather adorableyouve got a lovely smile.

She laughed self-consciously. I always do that in awkward momentscant seem to help it. And you just made me even more embarrassed!

Lets have some tea and get settled. Mum packed heaps of apple tart and said I must share with my neighbours.

Just then, an older lady and a little boy found their seats. As introductions were made, Olivia and Andrew stepped into the corridor to let them settle. The woman, Mrs. Sutton, explained she was taking her grandson to visit his mother in another town for the holidays.

Soon, everyone was in the compartment, passing round Mrs. Suttons homemade biscuits and Andrews apple tart. Afterwards, Andrew and Olivia admired the festive lights as they passed through a big station, and Andrew asked if they could exchange numbers.

Of course, Olivia saidher heart fluttering.

When do you head back? he asked.

Im taking the train home on the tenth, she replied.

Oh, ages yet! StrangeI feel like Ive known you for years. Isnt that odd? Like were old friends straight away.

Olivia nodded. I think something about trains makes people open upthe journey brings people together, even if its just for a few hours.

Maybe youre right. Well, shall we try to get some sleep?

She smiled and agreed.

The train rumbled into her hometown the next morning at ten. Olivia had kept quiet about her arrival; she wanted her visit to be a true surprise. She slipped her key from under the stone where her mother always hid itjust in case.

Standing with Andrew beside the taxi rank, the two wished each other well for the holidays. Hope you meet someone wonderful this New Year, someone youd want to stay with forever, Olivia told him.

He smiled back. And I wish the same for you, Olivia.

She almost wished she could ask him to stay, to come with her, but she wasnt the sort to impose. She brushed aside the thought and readied herself for home.

At her mothers doorstep, Olivia knocked, barely able to contain her excitement. The door swung open and Charlotte flung herself into her arms, squealing with joy.

The day flew by in a blurlaughter, stories, last-minute preparations. Mum bustled about the kitchen, putting the finishing touches on shepherds pie, looking over with a knowing smile. I just knew youd come. Yesterday I bought twice as many eggs because I had a feeling though I still hoped you might have brought someone for dinner. You really havent met anyone since George?

No, Mumlets not dwell, Olivia answered kindly.

Then her phone rang, startling her. She glanced at the display and was shocked to see Andrews name.

Hello! Did you make it home? she asked.

Andrew sounded a little sheepish. Not quiteIm stuck here. I only know one person in this town, so I wondered would you have room at your table for a lonely traveller on New Years Eve?

Olivia laughed with delight. Let me check with the lady of the house Mum, would it be all right if my friend joined us this evening? Hes stranded and has nowhere else to go.

Of course! About time someone broke up all the girl talk around here, her mother said, winking.

Olivia returned to the phone. Youre in luckshe says yes! Jot down the address.

Her heart sang as she hung up. The little girl in her dream had been right; by waking her early, shed helped Olivia seize her chanceOlivia had managed her report, and tonight, she just might have found her own bit of destiny.

The lesson Olivia learned was to listen not only to the tasks life presents, but to her hearts quiet whispers and to remain open to the unexpected joys that come when you seize the moment. Sometimes, a fresh start and a little faith are the best way to welcome new happiness into your life.