Chapter 5 Always Been Sharp

Jordan stepped inside the house after a long day at Zoe's, her phone gripped tightly in her hand. She walked straight to the kitchen, where her mom was busy chopping vegetables.

"Mom," Jordan called, trying to keep the excitement from bubbling over.

Her mom glanced up, wiping her hands on a dish towel. "Hey, sweetheart. How was-"

Jordan held up her phone, screen facing her mom. "The results came in."

For a second, her mom just stared, as if trying to process the moment. Then her eyes widened. "You got them?!" She grabbed the phone, scanning the screen, her hands shaking slightly.

A huge smile broke across her face. "Jordan! Oh my gosh, you did it!" She pulled Jordan into a tight hug, nearly knocking the phone out of her hand. "I'm so proud of you! I can't believe it's finally happened."

Jordan chuckled, still a little dazed herself. "Yeah, me neither."

Her mom pulled back, shaking her head in wonder. "I mean, you've always been sharp, but let's be honest-you weren't exactly serious about studying."

Jordan laughed. "Wow, thanks for that, Mom."

Her mom grinned. "Just saying! But look at you now. High school graduate!" She let out a breath. "It feels like time flew by."

Jordan tucked her phone into her pocket. "So... what do I get for graduating?"

Her mom smirked. "Anything you want. Name it."

Jordan's eyes lit up. "A small party-with Dad there?"

The smirk faded slightly. Her mom hesitated. "A party? Absolutely. But your dad..." She exhaled. "I don't know, sweetheart."

Jordan's excitement dimmed. "Did you talk to him?"

Her mom nodded. "I did. He's busy with work."

Jordan clenched her jaw. "Right. Work."

Her mom reached for her hand, but Jordan pulled away. "Is work really that important that you forget about your family?" She swallowed hard. "He doesn't even pick up when I call most of the time."

A heavy silence filled the kitchen. Then, from the corner of her eye, Jordan spotted Beth and Benji standing in the hallway, looking their way.

She forced a small smile. "Uh, I just remembered I have something to do. Be right back." She turned quickly and headed for her room, not wanting her siblings to see how upset she was.

Later that night, after everything had settled, there was a soft knock on her door.

"Jordan?" Her mom's voice was gentle.

Jordan hesitated, then sighed. "Come in."

Her mom entered and sat beside her on the bed. "I know you're hurt. And I know you miss him."

Jordan stared at her hands. "I just don't get it. Why doesn't he even try?"

Her mom wrapped an arm around her. "I wish I had the perfect answer for that. But what I do know is that you've achieved something amazing today. And no matter what, I'm here, Beth and Benji are here, and we're all so proud of you."

Jordan blinked back tears, leaning into her mom's warmth. "Thanks, Mom."

For now, that was enough.