The Habit ; Black and white.

"Ebube, wake up," Mama said, tapping me lightly on my back. "Wake up," she repeated as I stretched myself in bed, my eyes half-open. Jerking back to reality, I remembered that it was the most anticipated day: the day of the Common Entrance Examination for "Friends of Our Savior Girls" High School. I jumped up in excitement and greeted Mama, who was already busy cleaning my room. "Nne Kunie, go and prepare. You know we have an examination today, and we wouldn't want to be late."

I dragged my feet across the floor, admiring the sunrays filtering through the curtains of my room, creating a beautiful pattern on the walls. I hurriedly took my bath and applied the popular yellow 'Stella Pomade' body lotion all over my body. I combed my thick afro hair and tied it into a bun. I didn't have a choice in picking an outfit because Mama had already done that. She chose the trendy blue jean skirt with flower embroidery and a pink top that Ada, my elder sister also had for me to wear. I barely ate my breakfast, which was the regular akara and pap we usually have every Saturday morning at home, due to excitement, before I went downstairs to join Mama, who was already waiting for me.

Mama looked resplendent in her white shirt and blue gown. She tucked her natural hair inside her white turban and wore long earrings. Mama doesn't apply makeup; it's against the rules in the Catholic charismatic group that she belongs to at church. The group restricts its members from wearing certain outfits, putting on jewelry and makeup, stating that it distracts them from the heavenly race. They are also not allowed to braid their hair with attachments or wear wigs because they claim it's from the marine kingdom, but they are allowed to braid their hair with Thread or wool, but Mama didn't stop us from braiding our hair with ex-tensions. Though the group not allowing its members to wear makeup didnt change anything because Mama always carried her yellow spot-free face with pride.

Mama held my hand as we walked down the street and boarded a taxi, which took us to "Friends of Our Savior Girls High School. I was filled with awe as we stood in front of the gate of my dream high school. As soon as we walked in, the fresh breath of air hit my nose, and it was in-credibly rejuvenating. The huge buildings, painted in white and wine colors, blended perfectly with the lush surrounding landscape, creating a harmonious and tranquil atmosphere."

The arrangement of the flowers in the school compound added a touch of elegance and color to the surroundings. The morning glory unfurled its vibrant petals as the rays of sunlight touched the flowerbeds surrounding the school compound. The sunflowers stood tall, their golden petals turning towards the warmth of the sun, revealing their beauty. I was marveled because it felt like I was in a paradise on earth. There were lots of buildings in the school compound, demarcated from each other with pathways. I was determined to do my best in the Common Entrance Examination so I could join Ada, my elder sister, who was already a student in the school. The serenity left me in awe because students were in session, but I could hear a pin drop.

There were other candidates as well who came to write the examination. It made me wonder if I was going to be selected because we were many in number, and it was rumored that the school doesn't accept lots of students, unlike other schools. Ada had already warned me to do my best because the school doesn't admit lots of students, unlike other schools that had about a hundred students and more per class. We were seated in the reception, likewise, other candidates and their parents. In less than an hour, a Reverend Sister dressed in a white habit and a black veil with a chaplet dangling from the black belt on her waist came out to address the candidates and their parents. She introduced herself as Sister Felicia, fair in complexion, pretty, and tall. It made me wonder if she was one of those angels God sent to earth. She looked elegant in her white habit and black veil.

She asked the candidates to move to the examination hall while the parents should wait at the reception. The examination started, and in less than an hour and thirty minutes, I finished the examination and submitted it to Sister Felicia, likewise other candidates. Mama and I went home while anticipating the examination result, which would be out in a month's time.

"Nne, bia lee!" Mama said as she came into my room from the kitchen, excitement evident as she danced and threw one leg in front of the other. "You have gained admission, oo! You passed, nwam. You will join your sister by October." I could not contain my excitement as I screamed with joy and hugged Mama tightly; she smelled of nutmeg and kitchen spices. I could not wait to brag to my friends. After all, I am now a high school student.

Mama took me shopping and bought all I needed for the boarding house. She was given a school supply list detailing what to buy and what not to buy. Mama was careful not to make mistakes with the contents of the list, especially in the undies section, which clearly stated that they must be in white color. Additionally, she was given a list of provisions to buy for me, as some items were not allowed. Mama was already familiar with these restrictions because she also shops for Ada, my sister.