This is Life Pal

her phone gripped tightly in her hand. She walked straight

rying to keep the excit

her hands on a dish towel.

e, screen facing her mo

he moment. Then her eyes widened. "You got them?!" She grabb

She pulled Jordan into a tight hug, nearly knocking the phone out of h

a little dazed hersel

"I mean, you've always been sharp, but let's be h

. "Wow, thanks

you now. High school graduate!" She let o

to her pocket. "So... what

. "Anything you

up. "A small par

ed. "A party? Absolutely. But your dad...

ent dimmed. "Did

"I did. He's b

ed her jaw. "

ally that important that you forget about your family?" She swall

the corner of her eye, Jordan spotted Beth and

hing to do. Be right back." She turned quickly and headed for

rything had settled, there

r mom's voic

ted, then sig

her on the bed. "I know you're

s. "I just don't get it.

But what I do know is that you've achieved something amazing today. And no m

s, leaning into her mom'

that wa