For what was expected to be Clara’s final sermon at St Peter’s, her usual nerves had been replaced with joy. She could hear the chapel was packed to the rafters before she had even walked in. Today was probably going to be her biggest performance at the altar ever, and the worshippers were in for a delightful surprise.
Tom had arrived early. He was determined to be sat on the very front row. He knew the secret that Clara was going to be confessing to and couldn’t wait to see how the congregation reacted. He could hardly sit still since he was so nervous about the announcement and swigged from his water bottle until it was almost empty.
The worshippers chatted amongst themselves: a mix of young and old, as well as the new and more established members of the church.
As Clara walked in, her head held high, she had the biggest smile on her face. You could hear a pin drop as the parishioners waited for her to speak. Finally, under the candlelight, Clara began.
‘Good day, everyone. I’d like to start by giving a very warm welcome to the new students who are joining us for the first time today. I do hope you’ll enjoy your time at Oxford. Naturally, I also want to welcome back the students returning for another year. It’s lovely to see you all back here after the summer. I do hope you’re all coming back refreshed and raring to go for the Michaelmas term.’
Clara remembered that Amy was missing this year. She had already started a residency in Edinburgh for which Clara had provided a glowing personal reference. Clara would miss her, but now she had new students to look out for.
‘And for those members of the congregation who are here to say goodbye to me today, I’m afraid I’ve got you here under false pretences.’
An audible gasp echoed through the chapel. Tom noticed the faces along the pews who looked on, confused. He felt slightly satisfied that he was one of the few who knew what was coming.
‘Someone once said to me that I was like one of the gargoyles around the city.’
She looked at Charlie who was watching her intently. He gave her a knowing smile.
‘At first, I was piqued. Why on earth was I like a gargoyle? Was it my unruly hair that made me look like a medusa?’
The crowd laughed.
‘So, then this person suggested that I was like one of the permanent fixtures of Oxford.’ Clara looked over at Charlie and smiled.
‘The more I thought about it, the more I realised he was right. I am a permanent fixture around here. I am a token gargoyle and, to be honest, there’s nothing else I’d rather be.’
Clara looked at Tom who was watching her with genuine pride.
‘So, I know this might come as a bit of a shock, but I’ve decided to stay where I am. I’m no longer leaving, and the lovely Lawrence has said that I can keep my job here, which is a bonus. So, you’re not going to be getting rid of me that easily, after all.’
The round of applause was deafening. Janet smiled, Margaret had tears in her eyes, Brian was clapping and Tom was whooping. Professor Binton unexpectedly high-fived a student next to him and the other students that Clara had helped at different points over the years were cheering her on. Lawrence looked at her with a big grin. She hadn’t even left, yet it felt so good to be back. This was her home and she would never ever think of leaving it again.
Clara was thrilled at being so appreciated and once the noise appeased, remembered all the lovely leaving gifts she’d received.
‘By the way, I’m sorry for anyone who already bought me a gift. I promise to give them all back.’
‘Oh no, you won’t,’ shouted Charlie.
Everyone else also soon agreed that she should keep her presents. They were a token of their appreciation, even if that hadn’t been their original purpose.
When the excitement between everyone finally died down, Clara returned to her sermon and what she was really there for.
‘Let us pray.’
As the heads bowed, Margaret prayed for good health and Brian prayed for his daughter to be happy and safe. Students prayed they would make it through university unscathed and Tom had only one prayer left to say.
‘Please let my son finally forgive me one day,’ he quietly prayed. He wondered if he was asking too much. After all, God had given him a new chance at life, he had beaten addiction and met a wonderful woman. What if this was a little too excessive? He didn’t want to be greedy.
When the prayers ended, the organ played as the congregation sang ‘One More Step Along the World We Go’. The atmosphere was charged as everyone joined in the chorus and Tom stood, bellowing out the song with all his might, realising how much he belonged here too, alongside his beloved Clara.
After the sermon had finished, the fellowship went on to enjoy their port and hot chocolates. Clara had brought in a huge tray of school vanilla cake sponge with rainbow sprinkles for all her friends and acquaintances to devour. Everyone was thrilled that Clara wasn’t going anywhere; even Julie was in a good mood. Clara watched as Julie chatted to Eleanora, who had come along to support her on this momentous occasion. Was she hallucinating or were her friend and Julie actually getting along? Clara had to find out.
‘How’s things, Julie?’ she asked.
‘Wonderful, and I was just saying to your friend how pleased I am that you’re not leaving us.’
‘Oh, really? That’s so kind.’
