Christmas Drive

She let the steering wheel slide through her hands as the black, mid-sized SUV worked to complete its turn onto the vacant country road.
The headlights infiltrated the darkness and the teenager’s eyes widened as they worked to examine God’s frozen gift. Trees lined the road. All were naked, save a fine white coating.
She momentarily took her eyes off of the road and inserted a CD into a lighted slit in the dashboard.
The silence, which had previously dictated the atmosphere inside the automobile, was replaced with fine music. Soft. Relaxing. Insightful.
Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum…
A single hand was left to control the vehicle as its companion reached downward for a cardboard cup.
Music, once again became the focus. Soft. Relaxing. Insightful.
A new born King to see, pa rum pum pum pum…
She lifted the cup to her mouth but hesitated to sip the hot coffee. Strong. Bitter. Brilliant.
So to honor Him, pa rum pum pum pum…When we come.
Black liquid entered her mouth. She swallowed and she smiled.
The cup found itself nestled, once again, inside its circular home.
Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum. I am a poor boy too, pa rum pum pum pum…
Two hands now grasped the wheel. The index fingers on both hands lifted themselves above the others and swayed to the sound of music. It was soft. It was relaxing. It was insightful.
I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum. That's fit to give the King, pa rum pum pum pum…
Her focus drifted from the road and onto the trees that surrounded her.
Each branch was covered with its own homemade coating and reflected light as if it were light itself.
Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum, on my drum?
A thick aroma filled the air. It was strong. It was bitter. It was brilliant.
Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum…
She reached, again, for the cup and did nothing but hold it.
After another moment of hesitation she finally allowed the black liquid to flow freely into her mouth.
I played my drum for Him, pa rum pum pum pum…
There was no smile like before, but only a quick motion to free her hands.
She had waited for this moment.
Reaching for the volume knob, she slowly turned it to the right.
She adjusted herself in her seat and sang loudly:
“I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum…”
Both of her hands released the steering wheel and waved more passionately than even those of the finest conductor.
Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum. Me and my drum.
She smiled a brilliant, insightful, passionate smile but quickly regained focus as she was welcomed by the lights of her home.