The magic power and Devin Power

Chapter Four: The Kindness Exchange

"No trouble at all," he replied, gesturing toward his car. "Come on, let me give you a lift."

He opened the back door for her, and Clara slid in, feeling the cool leather seats beneath her. James settled into the driver's seat, started the car, and they set off.

"So, are you a student?" he asked, glancing at her through the rearview mirror.

"Yes," she replied. "University of Benin. What about you?"

"I'm a contractor," he said with a hint of pride. "Work keeps me busy."

"That sounds… good," Clara replied, studying him curiously.

James reached into his pocket as he continued. "About your phone," he said. "How much do you need to fix it?"

She blinked, surprised by the offer. "It'll probably cost around five thousand naira."

"Here, let me help you with that." He handed her a small stack of bills. "Now you can get it repaired. Take my card, too, so you can call me once it's fixed."

Clara accepted the money and the business card with a practiced smile. "Thank you, sir."

They continued chatting, exchanging small talk as he drove her to her destination. When they finally arrived, Clara thanked him again as she stepped out of the car. With a polite wave, James watched her walk away before driving off.

******

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?"