Isabel looked up from chopping vegetables when she heard footsteps on the stairs, and her face broke into a smile as Jordan came in.<br/><br/>"Hello sweetheart," she said, setting down her knife. "Work was...well, it pays the bills, hmm?" she said with a rueful smile. Isabel didn't mind her job, but there were so many things she'd rather do with her time--like spend more time with her daughter, quick before she left, as all children must do.<br/><br/>"How was school?" she continued. She smiled warmly at Jordan, thinking briefly how lucky she was to have such a beautiful, intelligent daughter.<br/>