Dating Destiny

By Ellie Rose Hawkins

Discover destiny's path to true love.

When Nancy is betrayed in love, she gives up on romance, convinced she is not destined to find her soulmate. Then Nancy stumbles across Diana, a mysterious clairvoyant with an important message. But can Diana really see the future?
Zack, on the other hand, is careful to mind his heart, given his family’s tradition of arranging marriages. Whilst keeping to himself has done him well so far, fate has other plans in store for him. On the night that he and Nancy meet, two worlds collide and are changed forever.
Can two very different individuals find place in their lives for someone so unexpected?
Will Nancy and Zack, survive the disastrous consequences that fate has in store for them?
Dating Destiny is book 1 of The Tea Leaves Series.

Start the magical adventure of mystery, fate and fortune now!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ellie Rose Hawkins
• Release date: Nov 28, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463185766

Ellie Rose Hawkins

Ellie Rose Hawkins is a sexy mysterious romance author. Ellie Rose has had a variety of careers and traveling to the Middle East. Ellie Rose is now settled in the UK, writing the new mystical romance Tea Leaves book series. The Tea Leaves series follows Nancy and her friends as they traveling on destiny's path to find true love.The mystical wheel of fortune and intervention of Fate, along with mysterious fortune tellers are entwined in the series. Fortune Fair is a short story, which is the prequel to the new Tea Leaves book series. Book 1 is Dating Destiny. Book 2 is Arabian Desert Magick, which will be released shortly. Book 3 will be Creating Soul to be released in 2019. Ellie Rose Hawkins can be found at http://ellierosehawkins.com or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ellierose.hawkins

Book preview

Prologue

Fate or Fortune?

Nancy had visited a fairground during the summer of 1997 with her best friend, Mickie. As they were leaving the fair, an eccentric old woman had jumped out in front of them. She was dressed in a purple cloak with silver trim and stars and moons embroidered on it, her long silver hair curled around her shoulders. A floor-length black dress swirled around her ankles. She even wore green slippers that curled up at the toes. It was Madame Marigold the Mystical, fortune-teller and seer of destinies.

Mickie had persuaded Nancy to have her palm read. The fortune-telling tent had smelled of damp straw and the incense stick that was burning on the table. Black silk covered the chairs and red velvet covered the table, with a giant crystal ball sitting in the centre. It was just like a fortune-teller’s tent that you read about in books.

Your lifeline is strong, and you will lead a long life indeed. Your love line tells me that you will find happiness and a marriage that will last for the rest of your life. You will have a baby girl. The man who will sweep you off your feet will be tall, dark and handsome. Madame Marigold prophesied Nancy’s fortune slowly. She had taken Nancy’s hands and studied them before revealing Nancy’s path of destiny.

Nancy and Mickie had left the tent in fits of giggles because Mickie had just received a love note from Bobby, a ride operator at the fair, and had fallen madly in love with him. Bobby just happened to be tall, with dark hair and was reasonably handsome. The girls were convinced that either Madame Marigold was a fake or that she had somehow mixed up their destinies.

Nancy and Mickie returned to college for another year. Mickie visited the fair whenever it was nearby and kept in contact with Bobby. Their relationship became more serious. Nancy was still single but wanted to find her one true love.

Chapter 1

It has been said that we really only fall in love with three people in our lifetime. Yet, it’s also believed that we need each of these loves for a different reason. The second is supposed to be our hard love—the one that teaches us lessons about who we are and how we often want or need to be loved. This is the kind of love that hurts, whether through lies, pain or manipulation.

www.elephantjournal.com

September, 1998: University of Portsmouth accommodation allocation office

A year later, Rose had lost Jack in Titanic, the criminal underworld of London was revealed in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and missing a train changed a couple’s destiny in Sliding Doors. Billie Piper and Robbie Williams were singing their hearts out. Furbies had invaded many homes, and Google was founded, changing students’ lives forever! Nancy had lost her first senior school love, but she was intrigued by the mysterious fortune teller’s prediction that she would marry a tall, dark, handsome stranger.

***

It was hot and stuffy in the hall, with students everywhere waiting to get their keys for their new accommodation. No one really knew what was going on. Everyone wanted to get their room, unpack and head off to the freshers’ fair. The room smelt of hot, nervous, excited students. Nancy found an empty spot near the open window and was enjoying the fresh air that occasionally slipped into the room. She missed Mickie, her best friend from college. She hoped that she would be able to find at least one person to hang out with. Nancy was interrupted from her personal thoughts by someone speaking.

Excuse me have you got the time?

Nancy turned around to find the voice belonged to a short, skinny guy with medium-length, floppy blond hair. He reminded her of David Beckham. He was wearing blue stonewashed jeans with a black hooded sweatshirt. Nancy glanced at her watch. It’s 1 p.m.

Thanks. I’m Chris, by the way.

I’m Nancy. Nice to meet you.

So, what are you studying? he asked.

Drama and Business Studies. What about you?

History. I’m repeating the first year, had a lot going on last year. So, are you staying on campus then?

Yes, I’m just waiting for my key.

Same here. How about when we’ve dumped our stuff in our rooms, I’ll take you and show you around? I know where to get the best deals in freshers’ week, he smiled.

Sure, that would be nice. Nancy was starting to think university life was going to be awesome. While they were waiting for their keys, Chris told Nancy he loved football and was really into David Beckham, who he thought was an absolute hero. Nancy didn’t know much about football, but it was nice to meet someone who had a hobby that they really enjoyed. Nancy told him she liked watching movies and reading books. Chris asked her if she had seen Titanic, and Nancy replied that she had.

Chris spun her around, so her back was leaning against him and he spread her arms out wide.

I’m flying, Chris, I’m flying, said Nancy, who couldn’t help herself when it came to drama. They had drawn the attention of some of the other students in the room, who were watching them perform the iconic scene from the film.

Nancy turned around to face Chris, and he kissed her quickly on the mouth. Nancy felt a quick shock to her lips that ran down her arms to her fingers that were entwined with his. The group of students that had gathered to watch their amateur dramatics clapped and wolf-whistled. Nancy, feeling a touch embarrassed, let go of Chris and made a quick curtsy to try and deflect the red-hot blush that was coming over her.

Well, that will give them something to break the ice with tonight in the student pubs, said Chris. Nancy giggled. Chris took a bow and received more applause and a few more wolf whistles, and then the crowd dispersed.

I’m room twenty-three, but I don’t know which floor, said Nancy, when they eventually collected their keys.

I’m room seven, on the ground floor. Your room will be on the second floor. Come with me, and I’ll show you, offered Chris.

Chris helped Nancy haul her luggage up the two flights of stairs, and they both reached the top panting and smiling at each other. Chris showed Nancy to her bedroom and the kitchen that all the girls on the second floor would share. There was also a communal shower room. Nancy had a wash basin and toilet in her flat. She wasn’t keen on the idea of having a shared shower room but guessed she would survive somehow.

Okay, come down to my room in a few hours, say 7 p.m., and I’ll take you in to the city to show you the nightlife around here, how does that sound? asked Chris.

I'll see you then. Nancy closed the door to her new room. Now to unpack, she thought, sitting on the bed with the first suitcase. Nancy took out her new Nokia phone, her first ever mobile. Nancy’s mum, Sue, wanted to make sure she could keep in touch with her daughter while she was at university. Sue had worked overtime just to pay for the phone. It was a pay-as-you-go and was expensive to use, so it was just for emergencies. Nancy put it carefully in the bedside cabinet so it wouldn’t get lost while she was unpacking.

Just then there was a loud knock on the door, which swung open followed by a student’s cheerful voice.

Hello! In walked a pair of black Doc Marten boots, black jeans and a red and white plaid shirt. The girl had shoulder-length brunette hair, and her bright green eyes shone at Nancy. Hey there, I’m Sharon. I live across the hallway in room twenty-four, she said, walking straight into the room. What’s your name?

Blimey, they are friendly around here, thought Nancy. Usually, people wouldn’t even make eye contact in her hometown. They would keep their heads down and pretend not to see you even if they knew you.

Nancy stood up and offered her hand to Sharon. Hey, I’m Nancy..

"Did you hear about the couple doing the Titanic scene downstairs? Apparently, it was awesome! Or so James says. Apparently, the guy was really hot!"

Nancy wanted to hide under the duvet but decided to try and change the conversation instead. Who’s James?

He’s a friend I met during the summer, and it turns out he is studying here too! You’ll love him, he is a real sweetie, I’ll have to introduce you to him, said Sharon.

Phew, thought Nancy, relieved that she had successfully changed the subject.

Anyway, going back to this scene in the accommodation office. James said the girl was hot too, all the guys were looking at her. Now, what did James say about her, said Sharon, tapping her chin thoughtfully with one finger. Oh yes, I remember, a tall girl about my height and size, long brown-blonde hair, wearing a blue baby doll dress, with nice tits, finished Sharon.

Nancy cringed in horror.

Oh shit. Was that you? said Sharon, just noticing Nancy’s hair and dress. Bloody hell. Everyone is talking about you two. Who is he? And are you an item yet?

Sharon was like a steamroller, barely pausing for breath. Nancy slumped down on her bed, face in her hands, with her elbows resting on her knees.

Oh bugger, said Nancy, behind her hands. Sharon plonked herself down uninvited on the bed next to her.

Hey, don’t worry about it, everyone will have forgotten by tomorrow, but please tell me who he is? begged Sharon.

Nancy sighed. His name is Chris and he lives downstairs. It’s his second year here and he said he will take me out this evening to show me around the city, said Nancy.

That’s cool. Mind if me and James come along? We have no idea where anything is in the city, it would be great to get a guided tour! said Sharon.

Well, she doesn’t wait to be invited, thought Nancy. Still, if he turns out to be a creep then at least I will have people with me. I guess so. He asked me to meet him downstairs at 7 p.m.

Sharon looked at her watch. Fab, I can get unpacked, showered and changed. I’ll call James and ask him to meet us downstairs then! She bounded out of the room like a whirlwind, leaving Nancy on her own again.

What a start to university life, thought Nancy. Sharon was full on and a bit nosy, but she seemed friendly enough. Nancy started unpacking her things, deciding what she should wear tonight. It was September but was getting cold in the evenings. She guessed they would be walking, so trainers and jeans seemed like a good idea, with a jumper and her jacket.

Nancy found her towel and wash kit and went to check out the communal showers. When she got inside, she realised that it was a row of private cubicles. She breathed a sigh of relief. Nancy had been afraid the showers would be like the ones they had at school: a large tiled room with about eight showers, where you were expected to strip off naked in front of the rest of your classmates after a sports lesson. The teacher would touch your skin when you came out to see if you had got wet. If the teacher felt you hadn’t been in there long enough, she would send you in again. That was the introduction to year seven sports at school. Nancy hated it; she had always been overweight, and it was a humiliating experience. After a couple of weeks, all the girls had banded together and refused to take showers. It worked, and communal showers became optional. Although it meant spending the day sticky from teenage puberty sweat, it was preferable to having to strip naked in front of everyone and be touched by the teacher.

The university shower, to Nancy’s surprise, was nice and warm. She let the water rinse through her hair, and then gently massaged the shampoo into her scalp, feeling really refreshed. Nancy used her favourite coconut conditioner; it left her hair silky smooth and smelled of imagined holidays in the sun. She wrapped a towel around her head into a turban and another around her body. Wash kit in hand, Nancy stuck her head out of the door, scanning the corridor to see if any weirdos were hanging around. The coast was clear. Nancy darted across to her bedroom and made sure the door was locked behind her. She didn’t want to have to cope with any more unannounced visitors today.

Nancy was in the middle of drying her hair when there was a knock on her door. Sharon’s voice floated through the door.

Nancy, it's me, Sharon. Can I borrow you for a second?

Nancy thought there was no point pretending she wasn’t there. She will have heard the hairdryer. Nancy got up and opened the door a crack, as she was still wrapped in her towel.

So, I can’t decide what to wear tonight, said Sharon, pushing the door wide open and coming into Nancy’s room, holding up two different plaid shirts. One was pink and blue, and the other was green and grey.

Definitely the pink and blue, said Nancy, as Sharon held up each one for her to see.

Cool, that’s what I thought too Sharon replied. Do you want me to do your hair? I did hairdressing and beauty at college she added, seeing Nancy hesitate.

Okay, said Nancy, warily.

Fabulous, I’ll go and get my hair straighteners, said Sharon, rushing back out of the room.

Nancy locked the door again and quickly put her clothes on. Sharon blow-dried Nancy’s hair straight and then used her BabylissPro hair straighteners. They were her pride and joy. Sharon had begged her Aunt Claire to get them when she returned home from her backpacking adventure in Australia during the summer.

When Sharon was satisfied, she gave Nancy the mirror. What do you think?

Nancy stared at her reflection in the mirror. She had never seen her hair this straight before. It was like Sharon had the magic touch, or maybe the straighteners were enchanted.

It's awesome, thank you! Nancy was still admiring her hair in the mirror.

Anytime! Right, I’m going to go change. I’ll be back in twenty, said Sharon, as she disappeared out of the door.

Chapter 2

Saturday, 5th September 1998: 7 p.m., Student Accommodation

Sharon and Nancy walked down the first flight of stairs together. Nancy was wondering if she might lose a bit of her belly, with all this walking up and down the stairs. They walked along the first-floor corridor to room eleven, and Sharon knocked loudly on the door. Hey James, it’s us, are you ready? called Sharon.

Coming! yelled a voice from inside the room. The door opened, and a medium built, brown-haired, smiling guy came out. Nancy looked over James’s shoulder into his room. It was immaculate, with a Destiny’s Child poster on the wall over his bed. Nancy was sure she had seen what looked like a bottle of moisturiser on his chest of drawers. Well, I suppose he likes to look after himself, she thought.

Let’s go then, said James, quickly shutting the door behind him. The three of them set off down the last flight of stairs. Nancy knocked timidly on Chris’s door. He opened it and beamed at Nancy. Then he noticed James and Sharon lurking behind her and frowned slightly.

Hey, Chris, I hope you don’t mind Sharon and James tagging along, they are new here too this year, said Nancy.

James was experiencing a light bulb moment. He had thought Nancy looked familiar, now seeing her with Chris, he had suddenly remembered.

"It’s them, the Titanic couple, that I told you about! See, I told you they made a hot couple," James whispered to Sharon, but a little too loudly, and Nancy and Chris overheard him.

Sharon elbowed James in the ribs to make him shut up. Nancy was shuffling her feet, silently willing the ground to open and swallow her whole. Her face was burning, and her cheeks flushed a deep pink.

Yes, that’s us, said Chris taking control. "We’re the hot Titanic couple. Chris put his arm around Nancy, gave her shoulder a squeeze and kissed her gently on the cheek. Nancy got that electric shock feeling again. Come on let’s make a move, smiled Chris. Unless any other guests are coming?"

***

The walk in to the city only took about five minutes. Portsmouth shopping centre housed all the typical stores you’d expect to see, such as Marks & Spencer, Woolworth's and BHS, but it was after seven thirty so everything was closed. Nancy thought she would have somewhere to explore at the weekend, and maybe Sharon would come with her. Chris led them through the pedestrianised high street. There were a lot of people still around, even though the shops had been closed for hours. Some people looked like they were going home, and some were dressed up ready to party. At the end of the high street was a significantly sized fountain with what looked like mythological figures, holding heraldic-looking shields. The water wasn’t working, and it seemed to be abandoned, as though it hadn’t worked for several years.

Chris was pointing out various places of interest and the shops that offered the best student discount. Nancy hoped Sharon and James were taking notes too; there was no way she would ever remember all of this! Chris was also telling them funny stories about the history of the city.

There was a golden bust of a king, mounted in a wall. Legend had it that if it were removed from the wall, terrible misfortune would hit the city. In 1937, it was taken down and lent to an exhibition. Four years later, most of the place was turned to rubble! he said seriously.

I guess a world war would probably leave a city in ruins, said James, thinking this story was a bit of nonsensical rubbish.

Chris talked about famous people who had connections to the city, until they reached the student quarter. Chris took them to the Golden Bell, which seemed the cheapest pub for students to get a drink in a reasonable atmosphere. Most of the students looked like they were well acquainted with the bar, swigging pints of beer and fruity alcopops. A few of them already had shots of varying colours all lined up. Chris found an empty table in a corner. Sharon and Nancy bagged the seat, while James and Chris went off to the bar.

That Chris is quite hot, and he seems to really like you. He was checking out your bum while we were walking here, said Sharon, nudging Nancy and giggling.

Yeah, he seems quite nice, said Nancy dreamily, not realising that she had been watching Chris as he made his way to the bar. So, tell me about James. What’s the deal with him?

James is a terrific guy, he is so sweet to work with, but he can be a bit cynical sometimes. I was thrilled when James told me he was going to study here. I can talk to him about anything, he is such a good mate, said Sharon.

Talking about me again are you, Sharon? Budge over a bit, said James, coming back from the bar.

I hope you like this, said Chris handing Nancy a bright pink bottle of alcopop. Nancy took a sip. Fizzy, fruity and quite sweet, perfect.

It’s great, thanks Chris. Cheers everyone! said Nancy, raising her bottle to the rest of the gang.

They had a great evening together, taking it in turns to buy rounds of drinks and at 11:20 p.m. the pub emptied out. Students were falling over themselves and each other, some stopping to vomit on the road.

Yuck, that’s gross! Let's get out of here, said Nancy, feeling a bit light-headed herself. When they got outside Sharon decided she wanted a burger, and so did James. Nancy couldn’t face the thought of greasy food. Chris showed Sharon and James the best burger place in the city, or so he claimed, and then offered to walk Nancy back home.

Chris was reasonably quiet on the way back to the student accommodation. Nancy was swaying from side to side and trying to walk in a straight line. Then she stumbled on a loose paving slab, lost her balance and fell over.

Bugger, Nancy whispered to herself, feeling embarrassed. Chris helped her up and made sure she was okay. He took her hand as they walked past a park. Someone had forgotten to lock the gate.

Come on Nancy, we can take a shortcut through here, said Chris.

Are you sure it's okay?

Yeah, it will be fine Chris replied confidently. The park had a path running through it, and the plants were just starting to fade in the early shades of autumn. There were no lights in the park, but it was well lit by the full moon. Shadows from some old trees cast large, eerie shadows across the path. Suddenly there was a rustle as something shot out across the path right in front of them. Nancy shrieked and gripped Chris’s hand.

Chris laughed. Don’t worry, that’s just an urban fox looking for a midnight snack!

Nancy smiled shyly.

Chris turned to face her. I’m happy to have met you. You are great fun to be with, and I have really enjoyed today. He slipped his arms around Nancy’s waist, pulling her gently to him.

Me too, said Nancy, feeling her heart starting to beat a bit faster. Chris tilted his head slightly and leaned forward to kiss her. Nancy's body reacted and leaned towards his. Chris was kissing her gently on the lips, getting firmer and licking her lips with the tip of his tongue. Nancy had never kissed a boy using tongues before and nearly froze.

Just relax, Nancy, said Chris, feeling the tension in her body. He gently moved one of his hands up to the back of her head, pulling it gently towards him, running his fingers through her hair and gently massaging her scalp. Chris pulled Nancy gently closer towards him, so that their hips were touching. She was leaning into him more, and Chris was deepening their kiss, his tongue teasing hers and exploring the inside of her mouth. Nancy returned the gesture, tasting the beer and cigarettes from the pub.

Chris was full on with passion and Nancy’s body seemed to have a mind of its own. Chris gently led her into the shadows of one of the trees and Nancy felt the support of the old tree trunk behind her and the rough bark through her jumper. She could feel Chris getting excited and harder, as he pressed his hips into hers. Chris slipped a hand up inside her T-shirt and cupped her breasts through her bra. Nancy felt strangely aroused and didn’t want him to stop. Her nipples became hard against his touch, and she felt a tightening in her body. Chris reached between their hips and undid his flies. He put Nancy’s hand on his boxers and gently squeezed her fingers to clasp his hard cock. She gasped but didn’t let go, and Chris slowly moved her hand up and down his manhood.

Chris wanted Nancy badly but knew she may freak out if he tried to take her in the park. He sensed that she wasn’t very experienced, and that thought made him even more aroused. Chris slowly ran his hand around her bottom over her jeans, cupping her backside, squeezing gently, still kissing her. He moved his mouth down to kiss her neck, then lifted the front of her jumper and T-shirt. Nancy gasped as the cold air hit her hard nipples. Chris caressed her breasts and then sucked gently on her nipples.

Nancy had never done anything like this before, and her mother would be furious if she ever found out. She forced that thought out of her head as her eyes slowly glazed over with arousal. Chris gently lowered Nancy and himself to the floor, twigs cracking as they lay down.

You’re beautiful, Chris whispered in Nancy’s ear, rubbing himself against her body.

The ground rustled with the fallen leaves underneath their bodies.

I want to touch you here, said Chris, running his hand down over Nancy’s jeans, towards her crotch and her special place.

The moment was shattered as a loud shrieking sound, and a flap of wings screeched through the air above them. Nancy screamed, and Chris leapt up, startled.

Just an owl, said Chris as he did up his flies. Nancy was shaking with fright as she sat up and adjusted her clothes. Chris helped her get to her feet, and they brushed off the leaves and twigs that had stuck to their clothes. They walked back home hand in hand, not saying much. When they got back, Chris kissed Nancy good night. They agreed to keep things quiet but see each other privately.

Nancy was still feeling loved up as she dreamily climbed the stairs back to her room. She drifted along the corridor and then saw someone crouched on the floor outside her door. It was Sharon, and she was fast asleep. Nancy gently shook her awake.

Are you okay?

I was waiting for you. Where were you? I thought you’d got lost or something. Sharon mumbled, rubbing her eyes and yawning. Then Sharon took a proper look at Nancy who looked like walking bush with leaves and bits of twig sticking out of her hair and jumper. Sharon looked a bit closer and saw Nancy’s glow. Oh, you got lost with Chris? she winked.

Shush, Sharon. Don’t tell anyone, please? pleaded Nancy.

As long as you are okay, that’s good enough for me. I need my bed. See you tomorrow? Sharon yawned and turned towards her room.

Nancy went into her bedroom and thought, who knew it would be like this at uni! Nancy didn’t bother getting changed before getting into bed, falling into a deep sleep until the morning.

Chapter 3

December, 1998: End of term one at university

Sharon and James fast became Nancy’s best friends, and they spent as much time together as they could. Nancy continued seeing Chris and they were enjoying each other’s company. He was charming, polite, respectful and he had been invited to stay with Nancy’s family for the Christmas holidays, in a separate bedroom to Nancy.

Chris’s family had spilt up years ago and his mother was with her latest toyboy in Las Vegas for Christmas. Last year it had been Paris and the year before she had been in Egypt. His father had not made contact and Chris had had to learn to survive on his own. It would be nice to be part of a family Christmas again, he thought.

"I can’t believe it’s time for the Christmas break already. This term has flown by. We need to celebrate you and Chris becoming the official ‘Titanic couple’ of the year," laughed Sharon.

That sounds like a great idea. I’ll make sure Chris is free on Friday. Can you see if James can make it? said Nancy.

Oh, James will be free. He’s on the lookout for a hot boyfriend, said Sharon.

Nancy hoped she’d hidden the bewildered look on her face. She had thought James was a bit different to the other lads at uni, but she hadn’t realised he was into guys. James being gay didn’t bother Nancy at all, but she wished she had figured it out sooner. She always seemed so naive about these things.

***

Friday night finally arrived and the gang met up, ready to party.

Hello, you love birds, said James, as he saw Chris and Nancy outside the student accommodation. Chris was giving Nancy lessons in the art of French kissing, huddled in the porch, and they didn’t hear him.

"Get a room, you two! added Sharon in a loud voice. Nancy and Chris jumped at the sudden intrusion and sprang apart, looking like guilty teenagers caught behind