Jacob didn't have to worry about Michael being his son's room mate at NIU because he left and continued his Pre-Med at the University of Chicago. That being said, Ira still followed his father's suggestion of getting a small single off-campus apartment.
The Stones had scoped-out and located the apartment during a summer weekend. It was clean and furnished which satisfied Rebecca. It was fairly close to campus, and that was good enough for Ira. And well, no room mates was all that Jacob really cared about.
Once settled in his new digs, Ira felt a little disconnected from his friends and so he ended-up studying at the library and going to more events than in his first three years combined.
It was so typical for Ira to watch sporting events through his camera lens, and the Homecoming Game at NIU was no exception. Later, when reviewing his prints, Ira noticed a girl wrapped in a parka. Who was this Homecoming Queen?
A week or so later, while waiting to meet with his career counselor, she passed Ira in the hall and dropped her books. Naturally, Ira moved-in quickly to assist. Their eyes connected and it was magic! "Hi." "Thanks, I am so clumsy, my name is Phyllis Lane," she said softly. "Glad to help. I'm Ira Stone," and so it began.
When Ira asked if he could bring Phyllis home for Thanksgiving, nobody hesitated, especially Jacob. Upon their arrival, Ira's Dad was actually very charming. He gave Phyllis his arm and whisked her into the house. Ira offered his arm to his Mom. Rebecca took it with a broad smile and they followed right behind.
Although, Ira and Phyllis had developed a physical relationship, in the Stone home, they were both virgins. Phyllis stayed in Ira's room, and Ira slept on the sleeper sofa in his Dad's office. That first night, Ira quietly went to his room and carefully opened the door which released a long, irritating squeak. Rebecca's quick arrival startled Ira, but seeing his Mom with her arms crossed and "the look" made him turn around and go back to bed.
The Thanksgiving dinner of 1978 was by far the most tasty. They ate until everyone groaned and could not take another bite.
When Ira and Phyllis were leaving, Jacob put his arm around his son and softly said, "don't mess this up, she's a keeper!" Turning and seeing his Girl and his Mom exchanging hugs drove the message home clearly. Ira knew what was expected. The decision had been made. There was no room for disappointment.
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