Chapter Three

'Go back to your seat and focus,' the teacher instructed, adjusting her glasses.

'Thank you, Madam Agnes,' I replied politely, making my way back to my seat. I could feel the weight of everyone's gaze upon me, but this time, I directed my attention towards the History lesson, silently praying for the classes to come to an end.

'Everyone, please turn to page 31 of your History textbook!' the teacher announced.

Immediately, the students flipped their textbooks to the specified page, and a hush fell over the previously noisy classroom. The students outside had returned to their classes, leaving only the gentle rustling of the wind to break the silence.

When the final school bell rang, signalling the end of the day, I grabbed my backpack and prepared to leave the classroom. Just as I was about to exit, my best friend, Chioma, approached me.

'Eva, what was going on with you today?' Chioma asked, her smile brightening the room.

I looked up at my petite and pretty friend and chuckled. 'I couldn't help it. I just wanted to eat some udara...' I shrugged.

'What was that about the bamboo tea family tradition?' Chioma enquired, her curiosity piqued.

'If you're curious to learn about my family tradition, you should come to my house on December 25th,' I said, laughing. 'Do you enjoy drinking tea?'

Chioma shook her head. 'I hate drinking tea. Who drinks tea for Christmas celebrations?' She pouted her lips.

'That's why it's special to my family. You should come and taste it,' I said sweetly. 'Are you still planning to buy fireworks?' I asked as Chioma started making her way towards the door.

Chioma turned back, smiling, and replied, 'Yes... Fireworks bring the magic of Christmas. For you, your family's bamboo tea tradition makes Christmas worth celebrating.'

I swung my beige backpack over my shoulder and happily walked out of the classroom with Chioma. Together, we headed toward the udara tree. After plucking two udara fruits, we left the school compound and hailed a taxi to the bustling Owerri market.

'It seems like I have to prepare myself for the Christmas Bamboo event at your place on the 25th of December,' Chioma giggled, savouring the delicious udara fruit as we alighted from the taxi and made our way towards the lively market.

'Christmas Bamboo?' I repeated, glancing over at Chioma. 'You know what? I actually kind of like that name,' I chuckled. 'Christmas Bamboo,' I mused to myself, letting the words roll off my tongue.

Chioma flashed a dazzling smile. 'Feel free to use it if you want.'