Different Yet Unique: The Tale Of Coffee Bean, Tea Bag And Mr Magic Pot

"I hate these new year's parties!" Tea Bag muttered to itself, straightening part of its new filter dress to cover up its dried, ground leaves neatly like a person would dress up for an event. An attractive look should gain it some popularity at the New Year's party at Eco Exotic Hotel.

"That weird, goody-two-shoes Coffee Bean wouldn't miss the party for the world," Tea Bag complained. "It loves the attention it gets from guests. This year I'll make sure they dislike it and pick me instead. Humph! I've been here a lot longer."

It was a new year's tradition in Chinatown that Coffee Bean and Tea Bag would entertain guests at a chosen party with their best brew.

This year, it was decided Mr Magic Pot would be the judge and decide the best drink for the year. The aim was to put to rest the age-old rivalry between the two beverages.

^_Source

On the night of the New Year's party, the weather was crisp and cold, with a gentle snowfall covering the ground in a blanket of white. Chinatown was filled with the soft glow of lanterns and the sound of laughter and cheer as guests gathered at Eco Exotic to celebrate the start of a new year.

After the wining and dining, the chill in the air made guests seek the warmth and comfort of the hot beverages. Time slowed and guests moved in slow motion as Mr Magic Pot weaved its magic. The guests must not get wind of their conversation.

"Greetings, my friends," the magic pot addressed the beverages and its trainee pots. "As we enter the new year, let's begin this competition to see which of you truly is the superior beverage—"

"Please! You know it's me," Tea Bag interrupted rudely. "Do we need to say more?"

Mr Magic Pot puffed some steam out of its gooseneck in exasperation. "Honestly, Tea Bag? You get worse every year with your meanness."

Tea Bag crumpled in a frown. "Then maybe you should not be the judge. You are partial already, picking this fake beverage over m—"

"Hey, Tea Bag! I take offence at that name calling. I'm no fake beverage and you know it," Coffee Bean quickly defended itself but with a smile. Tea Bag crumpled some more.

"Enough, both of you," Mr Magic Pot cut in with a loud commanding tone. "Let's start the competition already. I will prepare a pot of each of your finest blends and our guests will decide which one they prefer. The winner will reign as the Drink of the Year. Take your place on the buffet table, please. May the best brew win!"

Mr Magic Pot brewed up a strong, aromatic cup of coffee and a delicate, fragrant cup of tea within seconds. It poured the beverages into its trainee pots.

As Coffee Bean and Tea Bag stood on the buffet table beside their pots of drink, time picked up at a usual pace and the guests filed by to pour their drinks.

Tea Bag eyed the always smiling Coffee Bean with jealousy and hatred.

Coffee Bean had always been the life of the party, with its bold and rich flavour that left everyone feeling energised and ready to conquer the world. Tea Bag, on the other hand, was often overlooked and overshadowed by the coffee bean's popularity.

As guests stretched out to pour some coffee, Tea Bag slightly pushed Coffee Bean out of the way. Not to keep people waiting, the guests shrugged, poured some tea instead and walked away. Coffee Bean quickly righted itself on the buffet table to stay in sight of the guests.

The tension in the room was palpable. Coffee Bean planned to address Tea Bag's cheating ways after the competition.

Few minutes later, Coffee Bean did not realise it was close to the edge of the table. A slight shake of the table by Tea Bag almost led to Coffee Bean tipping over had not a waiter with good reflexes stretched out his hands and caught Coffee Bean and its pot.

Coffee Bean scowled at Tea Bag for a moment before putting on a big smile for the waiter who returned it to the centre of the table. A guest poured some coffee into her cup and walked away, sniffing the delicious aroma and nodding her head in satisfaction.

As the clock struck midnight, Mr Magic Pot, which had been observing the rivalry between the two, decided to intervene. "Enough, you two," It warned Tea Bag and Coffee Bean.

Tea Bag crumpled in dismay and sadness. It noticed that most guests preferred the boldness and aroma of the coffee, while a few enjoyed the soothing properties of tea.

"I'm tired, Mr Magic Pot," Tea Bag said. "Everywhere people always pick Coffee Bean over me. Maybe it's time I own my defeat and move away."

"Don't be like that, Tea Bag," Coffee Bean implored, forgetting the nasty things Tea Bag did earlier.

"Coffee Bean is right, Tea Bag," Mr Magic Pot said. "Don't be quick to throw in the towel. From my estimation, you both were liked equally."

"For real?" Tea Bag lightened up in surprise. "I thought—"

"Yea, you thought so because you were too busy being resentful, not realising some guests chose you as well." Mr Magic Pot admonished Tea Bag. "You are beverages but neither of you is better than the other. You are different but unique and equally loved because of your healing and energising properties. Remember that!"

Coffee Bean and Tea Bag nodded in agreement at Mr Magic Pot's wisdom. They vowed to work even harder to improve their flavour and appeal for the next year's competition.

And with that, Mr Magic Pot bid everyone a happy new year, knowing that the best was yet to come.

STB Creative Writing Prompt #25 Link