The last time he had shown how he really felt, Daniel had smacked him across the face. It was the cause of one of our many big fights. We tried harder now to keep it from Jordan.
"You can leave now so he can study." I tried to usher Daniel towards the door because Jordan wouldn't dare eat while his father was here and my poor son was already as pale and thin as one could be.
"Son, tomorrow I'll drive you to the SAT centre. We leave by 5:30. Don't be late."
Jordan’s eyes widened.
It was the first time Daniel had ever offered to drive Jordan. It would be the first time Jordan would be in his father’s car. Even I couldn’t hold back my surprise.
“Really, honey?”
“Yes.” Daniel did not keep the coldness from his voice as he regarded me. “My son’s success is the most important thing to me.”
# # #
By 6:00am I was still waiting by Daniel's car with folded arms. He took his sweet time to arrive, leaving me and my son out in the cold while he enjoyed some breakfast.
"I thought you wanted us to get there on time?" I demanded.
"Mom?" Jordan cautioned.
He already made me promise not to fight Daniel but how could I not? Left to me, Jordan would still be in bed sleeping and I wouldn't wake him till 7am. He would wake up to a hug, hot food, prayers and an already packed bag. But Daniel had offered to drive and Jordan would never refuse.
Daniel got into the car with Jordan reading beside him on the passenger side. I wanted to get into the back of the car but Daniel locked the door.
"What?" I lifted Jordan’s bag so he would see how stupid he was being. “I’m with his bag.”
"Drop it. You can't come with us."
"Why?"
"Because—"
"Dad, please, let mum come. She can bring me back after the exam."
“She can drive her own car.”
“Will you stay with him before he gets into the hall?”
I and Daniel engaged in a pointed stare battle. He didn't want my company and I didn't enjoy his but I stayed because of my son. I could not imagine a life without my Jordan.
"He will also need someone to help him after such a tasking exam." I held the car door handle.
Daniel turned away from me, muttering under his breath but I heard it. "Valente’s are stronger than this. They don't need to be tethered to their mothers."