Merry Little Christmas

Springfield, Missouri The gentleman stepped into Dr. Lara Crane's office, folded his hands politely and made an announcement. "I have had a smashing time." Lara's heart stumbled as she rose from her chair to greet the African student. "Tell me what happened, Peter." "The situation began when I drove my car around the corner of the university library.At the moment of turning, I observed another automobile. Both were traveling very slowly, because the law allows driving at only ten miles per hour on the campus. Just then, I noticed that the other automobile was in the same lane as mine.This was when I heard the unpleasant sound of the two cars bumping together.The police arrived quickly and then an ambulance, and everyone is well." "I'm so glad you weren't hurt, Peter." His mouth broadened into a wide smile that brightened the glow of his smooth chocolate skin. "God is good. The bonnet of my car was pushed in, but yet, it drives quite well." Letting out the breath she had been holding, Lara assumed a stern expression--one she was forced to wear far too often as director of the International Student Program at Reynolds University. "Peter, it's only November, and this is your third accident since you came to Missouri. The government is likely to take away your driver's license.You may even face deportation back to Kenya." "This is why I have come to see you, Dr. Crane.You will assist me." "I can't help you drive, Peter.You're going to have to remember to stay in the right lane." She held up her hand to illustrate. During her two-year stint with a hunger relief agency in Africa, Lara had learned to communicate with a mixture of hand signals and language. Even talking to competent English speakers like Peter Muraya, she continued the practice. "I realize that in Kenya, people drive on the left side of the road," she told him."But here in Missouri, you must stay on the right." "Yes, even when turning a corner." "Especially when turning a corner." She shook her head. "Did the police write you a ticket?" "Not at all.The other car was not harmed in the collision. The driver was a very kind man, and he said he would not pursue me." "You hit someone head-on, but the other car wasn't damaged? How can that be?" "It was a strong car. This was the type of automobile named for that kind of bird which can fly without any sign of movement in the wings." Peter gestured animatedly, attempting to outline the shape of the mystery vehicle as well as demonstrating the flight of the unnamed bird. "The wings cannot be seen. It is a small bird that prefers to eat only nectar--" "A hummingbird."A young man with a mop of dark brown hair breezed through the open door of Lara's small office and dropped his textbooks on her desk. "He hit a Hummer." Lara's mouth dropped open. "Peter, you ran into a...one of those big..." Now she was gesturing again. "A Hummer," the younger man explained."That's what he hit. I'm not surprised there was no damage.Those things are built like tanks." Lara shifted her attention away from the Kenyan student. "And you are...'" "Daniel Maddox." Instead of offering his hand, he held out a yellow flyer he had pulled off a campus bulletin board. "Sorry to cut in on your conversation, Dr. Crane, but I'm on my way to class. Hey, do you still need help? This notice says you're looking for places to put international students. I've got an extra house." Wearing a faded sweatshirt, baggy jeans and a sweat-stained ball cap, Daniel Maddox didn't look as if he could afford even one house, let alone have an extra to share. But with ten years' experience at the university, Lara had learned to be wary of appearances.A man might claim to be the son of an African prince yet be unable to pay his tuition. A girl might appear to have stepped out of an Asian slum, then turn around and buyPalmer, Catherine is the author of 'Merry Little Christmas ', published 2006 under ISBN 9780373785711 and ISBN 0373785712.