The magic power and Devin Power

Chapter 10: Lesson For All

Clara hesitated. "I'll explain everything when I see you. Just wait there; I'll come to pick you up." Without waiting for a response, she ended the call.

At her new home, Clara turned to James, who was lounging on the couch. "James, I need to borrow your car to pick up my mom."

"Sure," James said, handing her the keys without hesitation.

Clara drove to her former residence and found her mother sitting on a bench outside. Parking the car, she stepped out and walked toward her.

Her mother's eyes widened. "Oh my goodness, Clara! You have a car now?"

Clara shook her head. "No, Mom. The car isn't mine; it belongs to my boyfriend."

Her mother's expression shifted to curiosity. "Boyfriend? You didn't tell me you had a boyfriend. Is he the one you're living with?"

"Yes, Mom," Clara admitted quietly.

Her mother sighed, shaking her head. "You should have told your father and me that you've found someone."

"I'm sorry, Mom. I'll explain everything once we get to the house. Let's go."

Clara helped her mother into the passenger seat and drove back to the estate.

As they drove, Clara explained how she had met James and how their relationship had developed. Her mother listened quietly, occasionally nodding but saying little.

When they entered the estate, Clara pointed to her building. "This is it," she said as they approached.

Her mother's eyes lit up. "This estate is beautiful, and I love the color of your house!"

"Thank you, Mom," Clara replied with a smile.

She parked in the driveway, and they entered the house. Inside, James was seated in the living room, engrossed in a game on his phone.

When James noticed them, he quickly stood up and greeted her mother warmly. "Welcome, ma. Please, have a seat."

Clara's mother settled on the couch while Clara went to the kitchen to fetch refreshments.

"My daughter has told me about you," Clara's mother began, addressing James. "I'm happy to meet the man who has brought her so much happiness. But I must admit, I was upset that she didn't tell us about you sooner."

"I'm sorry about that, ma," James replied politely. "You're very welcome here."

Clara returned with a tray of bottled water and biscuits, setting it on the table in front of her mother. "Here, Mom. Have some snacks while I prepare a proper meal," she said.

"Thank you, my dear," her mother replied.

As Clara busied herself in the kitchen, James and her mother continued talking. They discussed his background, his work, and his future plans.

"So, when will you officially come to meet our family?" Clara's mother asked.

"I'll visit next month," James replied confidently.

"And when do you plan to marry my daughter?"

"By God's grace, we'll set a date after she finishes her education."

"That's good. What do you do for a living?"

"I'm a building construction engineer," James said.

Her mother nodded, visibly impressed. "That's wonderful. Please, take good care of my daughter," she said firmly.

"I promise, ma," James assured her.

Their conversation lasted about half an hour before Clara joined them at the dining table. Together, they enjoyed a warm, hearty meal.

Clara's mother stayed with them for a week, bonding with the young couple and offering her blessings before she left.

******

Clara and her two friends, Clement and Joy, left their department as the school's closing bell rang. Their laughter echoed through the air as they chatted about the challenging assignment from earlier that day.

As they walked along the campus path, Clara suddenly stopped. "Hey, look over there!" she exclaimed, pointing to a crisp one-thousand-naira note lying on the ground.

Clement's eyes lit up. "Wait here! Let me grab that money," she said eagerly. "I'll keep it safe and return it to whoever lost it. If I find them, they'll think I'm such a good person."

What Clement didn't realize was that Clara could hear her unspoken thoughts—an ability Clara rarely revealed. "You'd better rethink that plan," Clara warned, her tone serious. "Sometimes trying to be a 'good person' can lead to trouble. For all you know, picking up that money could be dangerous."

"Dangerous? Don't be ridiculous." Clement dismissed her with a wave. "Nothing will happen to me. It's just money."

"I'm not saying it will, but what if you never find the owner? What then?"

"I'll find the owner," Clement replied confidently. Just as she spoke, a gust of wind blew the note a few feet away. Determined, Clement chased after it and snatched it off the ground.

In an instant, her body stiffened. Before Clara and Joy's stunned eyes, Clement transformed into a goat.

Clara and Joy froze in shock. "Oh my goodness!" Clara exclaimed, instinctively stepping back. "I've heard stories about people turning into animals, but I never believed them. And now I'm seeing it with my own eyes!"

The goat turned to face them, its eyes wide and confused. Although it couldn't speak, Clara could hear its thoughts as clearly as if they were words. Why are my friends running away? Clara, Joy, come closer!

"She's trying to talk to us," Clara said, cautiously inching forward. "Joy, it's safe. She's still Clement."

Joy shook her head, her face pale with fear. "Are you sure about that?"

Clara nodded and addressed the goat directly. "Clement, do you realize what's happened? You've turned into a goat because you picked up that money!"

The goat stared at its hooves, comprehension dawning. Oh no! This can't be happening! Clara, please help me. I don't know if you can hear me, but I need your help!

"I can hear you," Clara replied grimly, "but I don't know how to fix this."

"Clara, how are you hearing her?" Joy asked, her fear momentarily giving way to curiosity.

Clara waved off the question. "That's not important right now. We need to figure out how to help her."

Joy paused, thinking. "I know a pastor who might be able to help. He's dealt with strange cases like this before."

"Good idea," Clara said. Turning to the goat, she added, "Follow us, Clement. We'll take you to someone who can help."

The goat bleated softly in agreement, and the three began their journey.

---

An hour later, they arrived at the pastor's house. Joy knocked on the door, and a deep voice called from within, "Come in!"

Joy opened the door, and they stepped inside. Clara instructed the goat to wait outside, and it obediently stood by the entrance.

"Good afternoon, Pastor," Joy greeted respectfully. "We need your help. One of our friends turned into a goat after picking up a one-thousand-naira note from the ground."

The pastor raised an eyebrow. "Where is the goat?"

"Outside," Joy answered.

"Bring it in," the pastor instructed.

Joy stepped out and gestured for the goat to enter. It followed her into the living room, its hooves clicking against the tiled floor.

"Let us pray," the pastor said, clasping his hands together. He led a fervent prayer, his voice rising with intensity. After a few minutes, he motioned for everyone to sit. The goat, seemingly understanding, attempted to climb onto a chair.