"Don't worry about it… We've got some equity in the house and we can cash in some of our HH- and E-Bonds not to mention we have some CDs that are reaching maturity." He said confident as he reviewed bank statements and other financial paperwork figuring out how to pay the additional $47,000 dollars per semester it would cost for a four-year education at Stanford.
"Are you sure honey?" She asked sounding worried. "He doesn't have to go out to California. Northwestern is just as good." Nervously she was wringing her hands together. Getting up, Jacob walked around his desk and sat on the sofa with his wife. He pulling her into his arms, he kissed the top of her head while comforting her. Louise gently laid her head on his shoulder; basking in his warmth "Look we have plans for our children's future. Markus is going to be a lawyer like his daddy and Dinah is going to be the doctor that you never got to be; remember?" He reminded her. Tears glistened in her eyes. She couldn't understand what she had done to deserve this much love from one man; but whatever it was, she was thankful for his love of not only her but also her two children.
"But still, Jacob that's a lot of money." She continued insisting.
"Everything is going to be alright. We'll be fine. I can make that money back up in no time. These are our children's future we're investing in. If we don't, then who will?"
"I guess you're right…" She tearfully conceded nodding her head to his question as he leaned down wiping away her tears.
"Of course I am. You know I'm up for that partnership in the firm next year. We'll be fine. There will be more money with that promotion." He told her helping to ease her spirit about them underwriting the expense of such a prestigious university.
* * * * * * *
June 12, 1996 - Jayden's Birthday - Jacob's Family Anniversary
"You've got plans?" Marla asked surprised by her son's words. This was not like him. Every since that humiliating sixth birthday party she threw for him when his father had said he would come but again was a no-show; Jayden had stopped celebrating his birthday.
"It's nothing big…" He told her flippantly. "Avery said he is gonna treat me to pizza…" Jayden smoothly lied as he gently rubbed at the piece of paper balled up in his left hand. The paper seemed to be burning a hole through his hand. He hoped that his mom hadn't noticed his nervous twitching.