Chapter Three: A Growing Bond
James sat alone in his room, his thoughts circling around Clara. He wanted to reach out, but her phone was still broken. With no way to contact her, he debated making an unannounced visit.
"Should I just go to her place?" he muttered. "It's strange she hasn't fixed her phone yet—what's taking so long?"
As if in answer, his phone rang. Surprised, he picked it up, hoping to hear a familiar voice.
"Hello? Who's this?"
"It's me, Clara."
Relief and excitement washed over him. "Clara! How are you?"
"I'm fine," she replied smoothly. "Thanks so much for the money to repair my phone—it's working now."
"No need to thank me. Just thank God," he said modestly. "Funny, I was actually just thinking about you when you called."
"Really?" she asked with a hint of amusement. "Where are you now?"
"At home, relaxing. And you?"
"I'm also at home, going through my books."
"Good, I'm glad to hear you're studying. Are you managing to understand everything?"
"Yes, sir."
"Great. So, what time can I come by to see you?"
She paused briefly, then replied, "How about this evening? And maybe you could bring me something when you come?"
James chuckled. "Don't worry—I'll bring a surprise."
"Alright, sir," she replied, satisfaction clear in her tone.
"See you soon," he said, ending the call with a sense of anticipation.
---
Later that evening, James got ready, stepped into his car, and set off, his favorite Christian music playing. The familiar melody lifted his spirits, and he found himself singing along, excitement building with each mile.
As he approached a checkpoint, a police officer signaled for him to pull over. James lowered the music and rolled down his window.
"Good evening, sir," the officer greeted.
"Good evening," James replied politely, already reaching to open the trunk at the officer's request.
The officer inspected the trunk, found nothing amiss, and moved on to his next question. "Let me see your registration papers."
James raised an eyebrow, remembering that the officer had asked for them just yesterday. "I showed you these papers yesterday."
The officer's expression remained impassive. "I need to see them again. If not, I'll have to take your keys."
With a sigh, James handed over the documents. The officer scrutinized them, then asked, "Your driver's license?"
James showed his license as well. After a thorough inspection, the officer finally waved him on. James resumed his journey, turning up the music to shake off the encounter.
A short drive later, he reached Clara's building. Parking behind it, he made his way to her door and knocked.
She opened the door with a welcoming smile. "Come in, sir."
He stepped into her room, a small but cozy space. A modest bed was positioned near the window, and the blue and white walls featured a few simple designs. Her school bag was tucked neatly in a corner, giving the room an orderly feel.
With no chairs in the room, Clara invited him to sit on the bed. He did so, noting the heat inside. Clara handed him a small hand fan, and they settled on opposite ends of the bed.
"How are you doing, Clara?" he asked, shifting uncomfortably.
"I'm fine, sir," Clara replied, settling herself on the other end of the bed.
"I have to say, I love the way you've decorated this place. It's beautiful," he remarked.
"Thank you, sir."
James wiped his forehead with the fan. "This heat is unbearable. I don't think this fan is helping much. Do you have a generator?"
"No, sir," Clara replied, fanning him a little faster.
James sighed, reaching for his phone. "I should have brought you something, but I'll transfer 2,000 naira so you can get whatever you need."
"That would be nice, sir."
"Alright, just a moment," he said, handing her back the fan. "Here, keep fanning me." Clara took over, waving the fan steadily as he navigated his phone.
"Which bank do you use?" James asked, looking up briefly.
"PalmPay," she replied, reciting her account number. Moments later, her phone chimed with the incoming transfer.
She opened her banking app, her eyes widening. "Sir, you accidentally sent 20,000 naira instead of 2,000! Let me return the 18,000."
James looked taken aback, then smiled. "Thank you for your honesty, Clara. I didn't realize I'd made such a mistake."
Clara nodded and promptly returned the excess. "It's done, sir."
He glanced at his phone. "Got it. This heat is relentless; the fan barely helps. I'll make sure you have a generator soon, I promise."
Clara's eyes sparkled. "I'd be so grateful, sir."
James rose, gesturing toward the door. "Let's get some air outside."
They stepped out and found a bench nearby to continue their conversation.
"So, Clara, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?"
She smiled. "Reading and watching Korean dramas. How about you?"
"Mostly football. I also enjoy listening to the radio and relaxing with some cool music," he replied.
They continued with small talk about their favorite foods. Clara listened as James described his love for beans with bread and Titus fish, while she shared her fondness for pounded yam and noodles.
After a pause, James looked at her thoughtfully. "Clara, there's something I'd like to share with you."
"What is it, sir?"
He hesitated, then said, "I have a daughter. My wife… she passed away a while ago."
Clara's face softened. "I'm so sorry, sir."
"My daughter lives with my grandmother for now, but she'll be back soon," he explained.
Clara nodded. "Alright, sir. It's getting late, though, and I don't like cooking too late. Would you like some semolina for dinner?"
"That sounds perfect, Clara."
As Clara headed to the kitchen, James watched her with a gentle smile. He admired her calm, caring nature, even though they didn't know each other well.
When Clara finished cooking, she called James to the table. They ate together in quiet, comfortable silence. After dinner, they stepped outside to enjoy the cool evening air, continuing their conversation under the soft glow of the streetlights.
As the clock crept past 10 p.m., James glanced at his watch, his expression shifting to mild concern. "Clara, it's gotten quite late. I should head home."
"Alright, sir," she replied. "Let me walk with you to your car."
They walked to his car, but when James tried to start it, the engine wouldn't turn over. He tried several times, but it refused to start.
Clara looked at him thoughtfully. "Maybe you should stay here for the night and call a mechanic in the morning."
James shook his head. "I'd rather head home. I have a few things to finish tonight, and, honestly, I don't sleep well in hot places."
Clara nodded. "Alright. Let's walk to the junction so you can catch a bus."
James locked his car, and they began walking down the quiet street. However, as they neared the main road, two police officers stopped them.
"Don't you know it's against the law to be out this late?" one of the officers demanded harshly.
James raised his hands in a placating gesture. "We didn't know, officer. We're sorry. We'll head back now."
But the officers didn't relent. "No apologies here. You're both under arrest for breaking curfew. Don't say anything that might be used against you."
A police car was parked nearby, and the officers gestured for them to get in. Clara and James obeyed, sliding into the back seat. As the car sped away, Clara sensed the officer's thoughts, though he had no idea she could hear him.
Good catch tonight, the driver thought to himself. They'll have to pay 20,000 naira each before we let them go.
Clara's eyes widened. 40,000 naira for both of us? she thought, feeling a surge of panic. She glanced at James, who looked equally tense, though he was unaware of her secret ability.
After a moment, Clara decided to act. She closed her eyes and focused, willing the two officers in the back to fall asleep. Within seconds, their heads drooped, leaving only the driver awake. Next, she grabbed James's hand and silently wished for them to be back at the spot where they'd been stopped.
In an instant, they were back on the quiet street.
James blinked, astonished. "Clara, I saw the officers fall asleep, and now… we're here again? Did you… did you do that?"
Clara gave a small smile. "Yes. It was the ring my grandmother gave me. With this ring, anything I wish for will come to pass."
He stared at her, still processing. "That's incredible. Why didn't you tell me about it earlier?"
She shrugged playfully. "I wanted to surprise you."
They shared a brief laugh, but their relief was cut short when they heard a gruff voice behind them. "Hey, stop right there!"
They turned to see a hunter running toward them, his rifle raised.
"What are you doing out here at this hour?" he demanded, breathing heavily.
"We're just trying to reach the main road to catch a bus home," Clara explained calmly.
The hunter shook his head, scowling. "The law says anyone out this late should be taken to the police station."
He raised his gun, aiming it squarely at them. "Now follow me, or I'll put a bullet in your heads."
James took a step forward, his voice pleading. "Please, sir, we won't be out late again. Just let us go."
The hunter was unmoved. "Enough talk. Move, or I'll shoot."
Clara glanced at James, whispering, "Let's run on my count."
James nodded, and together they bolted down the street. The hunter shouted and fired a shot, but before the bullet could reach them, they vanished into thin air.
Back on the street, the hunter was left staring at the empty path in shock. "What? They… they vanished! Were they spirits or something?" He shook his head, murmuring to himself as he continued his patrol, bewildered.