Fate Extended Its Hand

Fate reaches out

Emma’s family seems normal at first: a dad, a mum, everything appears to be in order. By the time she reaches Year6, Emma begins to notice that something is wrong at home; the atmosphere has gone sour. Both parents have taken to drinking heavily, dad first and then mum. As she approaches the end of her GCSEs, Emma realises she cannot rescue them from this mire they keep sinking deeper.

The parents often quarrel, and their anger lands on Emma.

Why does this happen to me? she sobs, curling up in the corner behind the wardrobe, hoping they wont see her while they unleash their fury.

Get out and fetch some milk from the shop, her father barks late one night. She refuses, terrified of the darkness outside, and he threatens to hit her if she hesitates.

Go ask our neighbour Vera for some cash, were out of money, beg her nicely, her mother snaps as she pushes Emma toward the door.

When Emma reaches Year10, she starts slipping out whenever her parents are drunk. The village of Little Harton has an abandoned cottage on its edge; she hides there, then sneaks back at dawn, gathers her notebooks and rushes to school.

One evening she decides:

After I finish school Ill get my GCSE results, save every penny, and leave this village. Ill move to a larger town and maybe find a place to study. She begins stashing away whatever she can, though its hard.

When the results arrive, Emmas grades are mediocre. She grabs her passport, a battered backpack filled with the few coins she has saved, and heads for the town of Harrogate without telling anyone. She wants a proper education, a stable family, a normal life not just survival.

Harrogate greets her coldly. She finds a local sixthform college, hands over her application, and is told that many people are applying and her low grades make admission unlikely. Paid places are out of reach she has no pounds to spare. Disappointed, she sits on a bench at the bus stop and watches the world whirl by.

Everyone seems to have a purpose, rushing somewhere, she thinks. I have nowhere to go. Im almost broke, but I cant return home who knows what awaits me there? Staying here isnt an option either.

She remains on the bench until dusk when a stout, elderly woman with a small handbag approaches.

Love, why are you sitting here? Ive seen you go into the shop, come back, and sit again. Something wrong? the woman asks gently.

I have nowhere to go. I came from the village hoping to get into college, but they rejected me because of my grades. I cant afford tuition, Emma sobs.

Got any friends here? the woman probes.

No. I cant go back home; my parents are always drinking, and Im scared Ill end up like them.

Dont worry, dear. I understand. Since youve decided to leave home, you must think about what comes next. Come with me I live in a hall of residence, but at least you wont have to sleep on a bench. Im Nancy Simmons; most people just call me MrsSimmons.

Emma hesitates but follows. MrsSimmons tells her she too once lost her home when her own daughter, Tina, left her broke after a failed partnership with a dubious businessman. I ended up working as a cleaner at the railway station and got a room here, she says, and I noticed theres something off about you, love.

They arrive at the cramped hall where MrsSimmons lives. Exhausted, Emma eats a small portion of food. MrsSimmons promises, Tomorrow morning Ill take you to the café manager near the station. They always need staff; youre young, healthy, and pretty. Anton, the manager, might give you a job and a room in the hall. Maybe fate will finally smile on you. Many girls come to the city chasing happiness, but few actually find it.

Emma thanks MrsSimmons and falls asleep quickly.

Emma has never dated anyone before, but when she meets Anton, she falls for him instantly. Hes charming, constantly asking her about herself, and she answers shyly. Anton smiles indulgently, hires her as a waitress, gives her a small room in the hall, and starts slipping little gifts lipstick, mascara, cheap perfume. She melts under his attention.

One evening after her shift, Anton offers, Emma, hop in the car; Ill drive you home. You look exhausted. She blushes, feeling cared for, and thinks, Is this finally my lucky break?

She returns to the hall late, and on a weekend a young man named Max, a longhaul truck driver, knocks on her door.

Hey, you live here? he asks.

Yes, on the second floor.

Im Max, also from a village, came to the city for work but plan to go back. I havent seen you before.

Im Emma, just arrived from Little Harton. He chatters about his routes, the towns hes seen, offers her sweets when he stops for tea. Their friendship stays platonic; Max senses Emmas heart belongs to someone else.

Anton rents a flat for their secret meetings, and Emma moves in. He warns her, Im married, Emma, but I love you and will provide for you. Stay a good girl and Ill take you to the seaside this summer. Emma, overwhelmed by his affection, ignores the warning, believing his love outweighs his marriage.

Months later she discovers shes pregnant. She rushes to tell Anton, throwing her arms around his neck.

Anton, were having a baby

He snaps, What are you talking about? I have a wife and two kids. I dont want a child with you. He slams a wad of cash on the table, Take this and disappear within three days, or Ill make sure youre never heard from again. He storms out, leaving Emma stunned.

Remembering MrsSimmonss words about few finding happiness in the city, Emma collects her belongings, drops the key in the post box, and trudges back to the hall. MrsSimmons comforts her with tea, saying, Life can be cruel, love, but you must endure. Your child will be yours, and fate may yet lend a helping hand.

That night, as Emma drifts off, Max bursts in, Emma, you back? I brought you some biscuits. He sits, pours tea, and listens as she recounts her betrayal. He reassures her, Dont waste your tears on a scoundrel. Youve got a baby to think about, and Ill get you food. Well sort this out together.

Soon Max returns with bags of groceries, unpacking them in the tiny kitchen. Emma watches his steady movements, recalling MrsSimmonss promise that fate reaches out.

Time passes. Emma and Max settle in his familys cottage in the Yorkshire countryside, renovating it, adding a second floor as they await the arrival of their daughter. Their son, now three, plays nearby. They live happily, surrounded by the rolling hills and the promise that destiny, after all, did extend a helping hand.