Mary hated it every time she had to choose between her sister and herself. For her, Martha was not just another person who shared the exact same features she had; sea blue eyes, yellow blonde hair, and slight bow legs. To her, Martha was an extension of herself so whatever would affect Martha, would come back to affect her. It wasn't just as simple as being twins.
Source
She sighed for the umpteenth time then slammed her face cap on, hopped on her bike, and rode out to see Uncle Peterson, he could help her.
He sat with his glasses perched on his nose, reading a newspaper. A soft smile touched her lips as she approached him. She remembered him sitting there on his patio, two bottles of beer on a table before him and her father as they chatted happily about their experiences during the war. She used to sit at her father's feet listening, instead of playing dress up with Martha and her neighbor's girls. It was there she first heard the words "camaraderie" and "combat".
Six years ago when her father died from Asbestosis, Uncle Peterson had told her she could come to him whenever she needed anything. She had long used up that opportunity but she knew he wouldn't refuse her anything, he was one loyal friend.
"Hi old man" a smile touched the corner of his lips. He was the only one who could tell the difference between Martha and herself at a glance.
"Mary." He patted the seat beside him.
"Have a seat. To what do I owe this visit?"
Mary chewed the insides of her cheek before lowering herself onto the half-broken armchair.
"I need some help. Martha doesn't want to go to college."
Uncle Peterson rubbed at his graying chin then dropped the newspaper.
"Martha is not one to make impulsive decisions. What's going on?" Mary took in a deep breath.
"Mom has some money but it can only successfully send one of us. Martha wants me to go."
Uncle Peterson sighed. He knew what it was like trying to convince one of the girls to choose herself over the other so he wasn't going to attempt it.
"Mary, I don't have any money to give you but I have a suggestion."
"I wouldn't take your money even if you offered it. That and your life" they both burst into laughter, lightening up the air.
"Why don't you take that money your mom has and put it into some savings and investment? That way, you both can go by next year."
Mary raised one of her brows
"Okay…? So how does that work?"
"Good question. You and Martha, get a job this fall. Save up your salary or a great part of it, then invest the money your mom has at the moment in stocks.
By doing so, your mom's money multiplies and if it doesn't yield returns, you have your savings to fall back to. It's a win, win."
Mary felt tears well up in her eyes. This was why she wanted him each time she needed something. He just always knew what to do.
"Thank you" She threw her arms around his shoulders taking in the scent of his aftershave.
"And in case you need someone to put you through on the investment, I'll give you Jo's number." Jo was his only son.
Mary saluted then hopped on her bike and rode back into town, she was going to find Martha and they were going to get jobs.
"So what can we do here at Vixen? There's just the gas station and the library that could employ us." Martha said when Mary gave her Uncle Peterson's suggestion.
"And they won't pay enough for us to save reasonably. We may need to leave then"
"We both cannot leave mom…"
"We have to choose Martha. You know I hate it when it's like this but we can't make any other convenient decision. Working here at Vixen for one year is going to be a water of both our efforts. We know nothing substantial will come out of it. We have to talk to Mom, if she really wants us to go to college, she'll let us leave."
When they took the idea to her, their mom was silent for a while before dabbing at her eyes.
"Your father made me promise that you both would lack nothing you would have had if he were to be alive. Just be sure to return to me, safe and healthy."
Mary went back to Uncle Peterson, an unmistakable twinkle in her eyes.
"Can I have Jo's number now? We're going to California."
Every month for one year, they sent half of their salaries to their high-yield savings account, spending the rest on a tight budget to ensure they didn't default. It didn't take up to 12 months to raise their tuition.
The risks they encountered with their investment made them lose half the amount they should have gained but like Uncle Peterson advised, they had their savings which yielded with interest, to fall back on.
In the end, they achieved their goal without having to take a loan or go into debt. Their decision to save and invest simultaneously turned out to be the best decision they had ever taken, together.
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