~ FOUR ~

The dispensing lab was buzzing with activity as the lecturer, Dr. Nwosu, moved between the rows of students, inspecting their progress with his usual stern expression. The air was thick with the sharp scent of various chemicals, and the clinking of glass beakers filled the room.

Kaima carefully measured out a portion of lactose powder, her brows furrowed in concentration. Chelsea, on the other hand, was already growing restless, sighing loudly every few minutes.

"Kaima, I swear, I wasn't made for this life," Chelsea groaned, dramatically wiping imaginary sweat from her forehead. "Why didn't I just study something simple, like accounting?"

Kaima stifled a laugh. "Chelsea, focus. You don't want Dr. Nwosu catching you slacking."

Chelsea leaned closer, lowering her voice. "Honestly, Kaima, who actually enjoys this? Measuring powders, making capsules… I feel like a glorified chemist."

Just then, Chuma walked past, holding a neatly packed tray of capsules. He smirked. "Some of us actually do enjoy it, Chelsea. Maybe you should pay more attention."

Chelsea shot him a glare. "Look at you, Mr. Perfect. When are you not enjoying something academic?"

Before Chuma could respond, Dr. Nwosu's voice boomed across the lab. "Chelsea! What are you doing? This is not a place for gossip!"

Chelsea straightened up immediately, offering a nervous smile. "Sorry, sir! Just, um... confirming a formula with Kaima."

Kaima buried her face in her work to hide her laughter.

----

The resumption test had finally come to an end, and the entire Pharmacology Department buzzed with relief and excitement. Students poured out of the lecture halls in clusters, their voices filling the air with complaints, laughter, and sighs of exhaustion. Some debated answers from the just-concluded test, while others were more interested in the upcoming Bonfire Night, which was now only two days away.

Kaima, Chelsea, and Chuma walked toward the faculty lawn, where several other students had gathered to cool off and discuss the event.

Chelsea stretched dramatically. "I honestly think that test was designed to humble me. Who sets that many essay questions?"

Chuma chuckled. "You should have read beyond the slides, Chelsea. The questions were basic."

Chelsea shot him a glare. "Basic to you, not to normal human beings."

Kaima laughed, shaking her head. "Forget the test, guys. The bonfire is in two days, and I hear it's going to be bigger than last year's."

Chelsea's eyes lit up. "Yes! That's what I'm talking about. I need to know—what's the outfit plan? Because I can't come and disgrace myself."

Before Kaima could respond, a group of final-year students walked by, chatting loudly. One of them, a girl named Amaka, waved at them. "Hey freshers, are you guys ready for the bonfire?"

"We're not freshers," Chelsea grumbled, folding her arms. "And yes, we're more than ready!"

Amaka laughed. "Better be. I heard Henry and his team have gone all out this year. There's going to be a live DJ, games, and even a barbecue contest."

"Barbecue contest?" Chuma raised an eyebrow. "Interesting."

Nearby, Henry, the departmental president, stood under a tree with a few of his executives, issuing last-minute instructions with his usual authoritative tone. Kaima nudged Chelsea, whispering, "Look, Henry is at it again."

Henry's voice carried across the lawn. "We need to make sure everything is in place. Daniel, you're in charge of securing the venue by tomorrow morning. I don't want any last-minute confusion with the Student Union."

Daniel, a lean guy in glasses, nodded. "Got it, boss."

Henry turned to another executive, Chinwe. "Chinwe, please confirm with the catering team about the food arrangements. I want variety—small chops, suya, and drinks in abundance. No stories."

Chinwe nodded eagerly. "I'm on it, Henry."

"Good." Henry rubbed his hands together, his face lighting up. "And for security, I've spoken with the school's security unit. They'll send a few guys to make sure nothing gets out of hand."

A guy from the third-year class, standing nearby, called out, "Henry, what about the bonfire wood? You know we can't have a bonfire without an actual fire."

Henry smiled. "That's covered. We've arranged with the maintenance team to set it up safely. Don't worry, this year's bonfire will be unforgettable."

Chelsea whispered to Kaima, "This guy is serious. Maybe he should run for president of Nigeria."

Kaima laughed. "I wouldn't put it past him."

Another group of students joined the conversation, discussing what they were looking forward to.

"I just hope the DJ is good this time," a guy from the second-year class muttered. "Last year's music was dead."

"You worry too much," his friend replied. "The real fun is in the games. There's going to be a sack race and a dance-off."

Chelsea clapped her hands. "Ah! I'm winning that dance-off."

Kaima grinned. "You? Please, don't embarrass us."

"I have moves, Kaima. Just wait and see," Chelsea shot back playfully.

Chuma adjusted his glasses. "Well, I'm only interested in the food."

Kaima smirked. "Typical."

As the students continued their lively chatter, Henry clapped his hands loudly, gathering everyone's attention. "Alright, everyone! Let's make this event the best one yet. Be there on time, come with good vibes, and don't forget—no trouble."

A collective cheer erupted from the crowd, and the excitement for the bonfire grew even stronger.

As Kaima and her friends strolled back toward their hostel blocks, Chelsea nudged her. "Kaima, I have a feeling this bonfire is going to be full of surprises."

Kaima sighed, gazing up at the sky. "Let's just hope they're good surprises."

With two days to go, the anticipation was in the air, and Kaima couldn't help but wonder what the night had in store for them all.

----

Kaima sat cross-legged on her bed, her laptop perched on her thighs as the soft glow of the screen illuminated her face. The room was dimly lit, save for the bedside lamp casting a warm, yellowish hue. She let out a deep sigh, then smiled as the familiar face of her elder sister, Adaora, filled the screen.

"Ada, you won't believe what's happening in school!" Kaima gushed excitedly, tucking a stray braid behind her ear.

Adaora chuckled, adjusting the pillow behind her back. "Kaima, it's almost midnight. What could possibly be that exciting?"

Kaima rolled her eyes dramatically. "Come on, it's the Pharmacy Bonfire Night—the biggest event of the semester! Everyone's talking about it."

Adaora raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Bonfire? You guys have time for things like that with all those heavy books you claim to be reading?"

Kaima laughed. "Abeg, even we deserve to unwind once in a while. It's going to be huge this year—there'll be music, food, and games. The entire department is coming together. Henry, our departmental president, has been handling it like it's a national event."

Adaora smirked knowingly. "Hmm, Henry? Who's that? Should I be worried?"

Kaima rolled her eyes again. "Please, Ada, not every guy I mention is a potential boyfriend. Henry is just... very passionate about the department."

Adaora laughed. "If you say so. So, what are you wearing? I know you and Chelsea must have planned something."

Kaima's face lit up. "We're still deciding! Chelsea wants us to slay, but I don't want to overdo it. I mean, it's just a bonfire, not a runway show."

Adaora shook her head playfully. "Kaima, you always do this. Let loose a little! You never know who might be watching."

Kaima groaned. "You sound like Chelsea. She keeps saying the same thing."

"Well, she has a point," Adaora teased. "Any interesting guys going?"

Kaima's cheeks warmed slightly. "Please, Ada. It's just a social event. I'm not looking for anything."

Adaora gave her a knowing look. "Sure, sure. Anyway, be careful. And no matter how fun it gets, don't do anything you'll regret."

Kaima smiled. "I know, Ada. I promise."

There was a brief silence before Adaora spoke again, her voice softer. "I miss you, though. It feels like ages since Christmas break."

Kaima's smile softened. "I miss you too. Soon, I'll be home again."

They chatted for a few more minutes before Adaora yawned. "Alright, madam bonfire planner, I need to sleep. Have fun, but don't forget why you're in school."

Kaima grinned. "I hear you, ma. Goodnight, sis."

"Goodnight, Kaima. And don't forget to send me pictures!"

Kaima laughed as she ended the call, flopping back onto her bed with a sigh. She stared at the ceiling, excitement bubbling within her. The bonfire night was going to be amazing, and for once, she was looking forward to letting loose and having fun.