Chapter Nine: The Rescue and Revelation
Without thinking, Clara extended her hand. In an instant, the tray hovered mid-air before gently landing on the ground, with the food still intact.
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Some guests chuckled at the young woman's misstep, while others expressed concern. James and two nearby men rushed to help her up.
"Are you okay?" James asked, his voice filled with concern.
"I'm fine, thank you," the server replied, brushing off her uniform. "I'm just relieved the food didn't spill."
She picked up the tray and brought it to Clara and James' table, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Here's your food. It's safe, but if you'd prefer, I can get fresh plates for you."
Clara shook her head and offered a kind smile. "There's no need. It's perfectly fine."
"Alright. I'll bring you some water to wash your hands before eating," the server said.
"Thank you," James replied. "Please bring two bottles of water as well."
The server nodded and returned shortly with the water, setting everything on the table. Clara and James washed their hands, thanked the server, and began eating.
After their meal, they rested for a while, enjoying the cool ocean breeze and the music drifting through the air. Eventually, Clara leaned toward James with a playful smile. "Let's dance," she suggested.
James grinned. "Why not?"
Hand in hand, they joined the others on the sandy dance floor, swaying to the DJ's beats. Laughter and cheers surrounded them as they danced, completely lost in the moment.
After the party, Clara suggested they go horseback riding to spend more time together.
James agreed immediately. Spotting two horses nearby with their owner, he approached the man, negotiated a price, and handed over the payment. With a nod of approval, the man gave them permission to ride. Clara chose the black horse, while James mounted the white one.
The pair laughed and chatted as their horses trotted leisurely along the path, the gentle breeze adding to their enjoyment. Soon, they urged the horses to pick up speed, their laughter echoing as the animals galloped.
As they approached the ocean, they decided to turn back. Guiding their horses along the trail, they noticed a group of people playing near the shoreline. Suddenly, a man was swept into the ocean by a powerful wave.
He struggled against the current, which dragged him farther out to sea. On the shore, his girlfriend screamed for help, her face streaked with tears.
Clara, noticing the commotion, turned to James. "I'm going to rescue him," she said firmly.
James grabbed her arm, his eyes wide with fear. "Clara, don't! I can't lose you."
"Don't worry," she reassured him, her voice calm but resolute. "I'll be safe and bring him back. Trust me—I have my magic ring."
James hesitated before nodding. "Alright. Just... be careful."
Clara approached the distraught woman, who was pleading for someone to save her boyfriend. "I'll do my best to bring him back," Clara said gently.
"Thank you! God bless you," the woman sobbed. "Please, save him!"
With a determined nod, Clara dove into the ocean. As she swam, her mind raced with possibilities, searching for ways to use her magic.
Several men also jumped into the water, trying to locate the drowning man. Despite their efforts, they found no sign of him. One by one, they returned to the shore, shaking their heads.
"He's gone," one of them said solemnly. The woman's cries grew louder as she whispered desperate prayers, clinging to hope.
But Clara wasn't ready to give up. Closing her eyes, she activated her magic ring and envisioned the man's location. Moments later, she appeared near him.
Relief washed over her—until she spotted a massive shark heading toward him.
"Oh no, a shark!" she gasped, panic flooding her veins as the predator turned its attention to her.
The shark charged, closing the distance rapidly. "Jesus, it's coming for me!" Clara cried, swimming as fast as she could. But the shark was faster.
Desperate, she used her ring again, imagining herself on the shark's back. In an instant, she found herself clinging to its slippery surface. The confused predator stopped, thrashing as it tried to locate her.
Seizing the moment, Clara slid off and swam toward the man. But the shark spotted her again and resumed its pursuit.
Clara turned, stretching out her hand and commanding the shark to sleep using the power of her ring.
The shark slowed, its movements growing sluggish, before sinking into the depths in a deep slumber.
"Thank you, God," Clara whispered, her heart racing. Grabbing the unconscious man's arm, she focused on returning to the shore.
In a flash, they reappeared at the edge of the ocean. Clara dragged the man onto the sand, collapsing to her knees, her chest heaving with exhaustion.
The man's girlfriend ran toward them, her face alight with relief. "He's alive!" she cried, tears streaming down her cheeks.
James hurried over, his expression pale with worry. "Clara, you're back! I was so scared—I couldn't stop imagining the worst."
"It wasn't easy," Clara admitted, her voice trembling. "But thank God we're safe."
Together, they worked to revive the man, performing CPR and checking his pulse. After several tense moments, the man coughed and opened his eyes, gasping for air.
"You're alive!" his girlfriend exclaimed, throwing her arms around him. She turned to Clara, her gratitude evident. "Thank you so much. God bless you for what you've done."
The man, still weak, nodded. "You saved my life. I'll never forget this."
Clara smiled. "Thank God you're okay."
Insisting on showing his gratitude, the man asked for Clara's phone number and bank details. Shortly after, Clara received a notification for a five-hundred-naira transfer.
Overwhelmed with emotion, she turned to James. "He didn't have to do that, but I'm so grateful."
James smiled warmly. "You deserve it. What you did was incredible."
After bidding farewell to the grateful couple, Clara and James mounted their horses and continued their ride. The ocean breeze washed over them as they reflected on the unforgettable experience.
---
Clara's mother decided to surprise her daughter with a visit. However, upon arriving at the house she had rented for Clara, she was stunned to find it empty. Clara had moved out without informing her. Alarmed, she pulled out her phone and dialed Clara's number.
"Hello, Clara. How are you?" her mother asked as soon as the line connected.
"I'm fine, Mom. How are you?" Clara replied.
"I'm fine. How's your dad?"
"He's doing well."
"Clara, where are you living now?" her mother pressed, her tone firm.
"I'm staying in an estate in town," Clara replied casually.
"And you didn't think to tell me you'd moved?"
"I'm sorry, Mom."
"Well, I'm standing in front of your old house right now. I came to stay with you for a while, only to find out you've moved."
"Oh… I'm sorry, Mom. I should have told you," Clara said apologetically.
Her mother's voice grew sharper. "How did you get the money to live in an estate?"
"I'm not renting it, Mom. I'm staying with someone," Clara admitted reluctantly.
"Someone? Who?"