Story 08 – Part 2 – Tranquility of Family

“So, Dad,” Jordan said as his mother started talking recipes with Wilanna, “what exactly do you two have in mind? I’ll help you anyway I can.”

“I think, for now, your mother just wants to spend time with her son,” his dad explained. “She won’t admit this, but I think your mother went through a little bit of withdrawal after you left. She had just wanted someone to mother, since we don’t have any grandchildren to spoil.”

Jordan sighed. “Dad. That’s not nice.”

“Well, I do happen to live with your mother.”

“I know, I know.”

“I’m sorry,” his father laughed. “I really shouldn’t tease you. Your mother just loves children. Of all ages.”

“I know,” Jordan assured. “She’ll love this place in a few minutes. This apartment complex has been acting as a bit of a foster family to some children.”

“Foster family? Now that actually sounds like a good idea. Maybe we should try that.”

There was a knock at the front of the lobby and Jordan looked over. Tech was standing in the doorway, his school bag slung over his shoulder. The teen quickly signed ‘who’ and Jordan was quite proud of himself when he was able to sign back ‘my parents’ to Tech. So long as the signing was kept to a few simple words, Jordan could actually understand what Tech was saying.

“Dad, this is Tech Morgan,” Jordan introduced as Tech sauntered over. “He and his mother live on the floor below me. Tech, this is my father.”

“Pleased to meet you, young man,” Jordan’s father said as he shook Tech’s hand.

Tech pulled out his notepad and quickly jotted down a few words. ‘Nice to meet you too. Sorry, but I can’t talk.’

“Oh, I’m sorry. Do you have a sore throat?”

‘Something like that,’ Tech wrote.

--Sorry,-- Jordan signed.

--No worry,-- Tech responded.

Jordan was actually really enjoying learning sign language. Tech was his primary teacher, but Vire did help him practice. It was fun, and an excuse to tease Vire about his car. Tech signed something else and Jordan had to admit that he did not know most of the words. After a little bit, Tech finally simplified it to ‘homework’ and left with a wave of his hand.

“Seems like a nice young man,” Jordan’s dad said. “What college does he go to?”

“He’s actually in high school, Dad,” Jordan said.

“Well, people keep looking younger anyway,” his father sighed.

“You’re setting yourself up with a comment like that.”

“Well, I am older than everyone in this building.”

The two laughed and made a few more jokes. Everyone who knew them had always said that Jordan had inherited his father’s easy going nature. As they sat together, catching up with each other and joking around, a horde of children ran into the lobby. Though none of the children were related to each other, they laughed and spoke with each other as if they were kin. It was really fun to watch as they clamored in, followed by Tasha.

It certainly did not take his mother long to hover over the children. Once his mother was properly introduced, the kids had no problem accepting her. Sometimes Jordan had no idea how his mother could have been a teacher for so long and yet still love children so much. Not all children were lovable little angels. Jordan knew that since he and Nero were occasional troublemakers when they were growing up. Nothing too bad, but certainly not angels all the time.

“It’s a full house again,” Nero said happily. “Part of me doesn’t want any of them to leave.”

“Well,” Carmine said quietly as he walked up from behind. “All but six of them have actual family. But I do know of place that will take them as if they were family.”

“My parents?” Jordan suggested.