Maydene's Driver

His coat was a wash of old tanned leather with stitches of gold silk patterned to match the invitations. It was ankle length and buttoned from collarbone to knee, the soft skin cut away at the sides to allow his long legs a freedom should he choose to stride. There were cuffs held with garnets. He wore gloves that could have been a second skin they fit so close. The rain was not stopping, even for the arrival of all the chosen guests. A huge black umbrella dangled with Pine Needles, Pine Needle Dancers fit with costumes of red floss. A top hat and red silk and wool scarf wrapped twice round his neck and Mandarin collar, punctuating his look.

The white Suburban specially built for Maydene's galas served her many and surprising ventures. Her driver wore a somehow familiar face. People stared, at first, but within a breath this was good cheer and friendly chatter that enfolded them. The rain's heavy thrumping made it difficult to notice his footwear but let me say to you readers, the driver wore circled toes and an almost sleigh like shape to it's heels. A handy pouch attached to the heavy button at his waist carried coins and dollar bills. When he spotted one of the gala's guests the Driver sprinted for the car, beamed at the arrival and held the huge umbrella over the door without letting rain on himself, or his charge.

"Hello, Happy Christmas. My name is Driver. Maydene's Driver." His voice and joyful demeanor could not have been more like a kitchen filled with gingerbread cookies. "I will take you across to the carriage, and return for your bags." Shaking his pouch he concluded, "Then, fill those slots with coins and bills enough for the weekend."

Larkin and Caitlin were the first to arrive. Caitlin drove Olympia and between them the two women carried a bag of gifts (that rode between them on the seat) and a pack back a piece stored behind the seat. Caitlin could not resist the urge to clap at the sight of Maydene's Driver and did just that as the two made the short trek across the commuter lot. Inhaling and laughing all the way, the sound of bells seem to be keeping time with their jogging. "Would you like the front seat?" Driver hesitated skillfully before sliding the Suburban's side door. "You mean ride shotgun, with you?" She was liking this so much. "A kind of Christmas treat adventure. Four eyes on the way ... and I have been informed of your particular way with lightning. Not that I'm asking for it you understand." There was that smell again. And that sound. Cookies and bells. Caitlin pointed to the passenger seat. Driver nodded and held the umbrella as the tiny woman climbed aboard.

As she waited for Driver to return Larkin spotted Jacob's van. He parked near-by. The lot was more than half-full, though many of the regular workers who commuted had already begun their holidays. Olympia was easy to spot. Jacob waved from behind the fogged windshield of his surveyor's van. Larkin motioned Jacob over to the truck. Covered from head to ankle in rain gear and rubber boots, Jacob angled over both his hands heavy with bags. Driver was already sprinting toward Olympia.

Since Jacob the Surveyor was aptly clothed against the rain and both his hands were full Driver reached a hand out to Larkin and deftly tucked her under the umbrella. "Shall we?" Off the two went. Jacob assured them he would make his way on his own. Driver pointed to the carriage. "We're just there!"

Jacob felt the large bag in his right hand rearrange. "I smell cookies," came the voice of Rabbit who had not yet had enough for breakfast. "I believe you smell gingerbread. And the size of those cookies will surprise even yourself old friend." Jacob laughed jostling the hare as his side-winding gait took them across that wobbly space reserved for magic.