AllFreeNovel
Share Us
There is no response.
“You have no idea what it takes to raise a child, Alana. A good parent builds a foundation, and that takes money, sacrifice, and all you have to give emotionallyeveryday. It is not easy under the best of circumstances. Your father has done it alone, with joy. Because his love for you is so great. But you have not considered any of it.”
Tears start streaming down Alana’s face.
“You are his first consideration. Before himself. Do you have any idea how much your schooling has cost him? Guess.”
“I don’t know.”
“Thirty thousand dollars. That’s for one year.”
What? Are you kidding me? Thirty thousand? I am as shocked as Alana.
“You don’t really understand what a big ticket that is because you have been given everything you ever needed. Now multiply that number by four and you have the cost of just your high school years. Many universities don’t even cost that much. And that little one, is how important it is to him that your education provides you with the very best chance to succeed in life.”
“I didn’t know.”
“And what about his own accomplishments and dreams? It has taken years for him to have a restaurant that pays for your schooling. That established business is back home. Now, you think how much more fun it would be here around your new friends. On the beach every day, wearing pretty clothes and talking to boys. Do you see the differences between his choices and yours? One is made from love.”
Alana puts her face in her hands.
“I didn’t think it out, Tutu. I’m sorry.”
She dissolves in tears, and it is heartbreaking to see. But also a lesson in love. Nani opens her arms.
“Oh honey, I know. Come here.”
Alana moves to her side and snuggles into her embrace. Nani takes a Kleenex and wipes her granddaughter’s nose.
“You need to talk to him. Say whatever is in your heart. But consider his heart too. Don’t you know he’d rather be here too? But he has responsibilities.”
“Yeah. I know he would.”
“He would love for the choice to be that simple. But it is not. Sometimes sacrifices have to be made for a greater good.”
“I understand.”
She picks up Alana’s chin and sends a final thought.
“Life is mysterious. We can’t always see how perfectly it’s working out. Have a little faith.”
Nani’s eyes find mine and I know the message was every bit for my ears too.
Chapter 19
ALEK
“I’m sorry, Dad.”
I sit in the car, outside Nani’s, listening to my daughter’s mea culpa over the phone. Her soft, apologetic voice breaks me. She is still a child.
“Me too, honey. It just got away from us. Neither one of us are hotheads. Not really.”
She gives a half-hearted chuckle, but I know she still wants what she wants.
“The new school is going to be really good. I’ll like it.”
She is fibbing, but it is for my benefit. Guess I did something right.
