One is the loneliest number as they say and in an effort to keep their precious newborn baby girl company throughout life, doctors Mary and Franklin Strahm set out to have another child to complete their nuclear family. Thus they were blessed with Jordan who joined little Skylar in the nursery room and already trouble was on the rise. From an early age, Jordan exhibited a thirst for adventure and could often be found scrambling on top of things or stacking his stuffed animals so that he might climb out of his crib. He was a nightmare for nannies but his innate sense of menace was often tempered by his older sister who did her absolute best to keep him in line.
Whenever Sky was hitting the books, Jordan was off somewhere causing mischief. He was an active child who never liked to sit for too long in one attitude. Studying was boring and he preferred the outdoors where he got to jump rocks, throw stones, or build tree houses. In fact he was quite good with his hands and shined when it came to his athletic prowess. As early as they could sign him up, Jordan was playing ball. While Sky was receiving awards for her brilliance, Jordan was bringing home baseball and basketball trophies to line the walls. Both the Strahm children seemed to have a natural aptitude for success but where one excelled the other seemed to struggle.
Homework was an impossible feat for Jordan who could never sit down long enough to actually learn anything from it. Likewise, Skylar found it impossible to tear herself away from her books. The siblings struck a balance with each other, helping where they could and while Sky made sure her little brother kept his grades up enough to continue his athletics, Jordan in turn kept his big sis from drowning in coursework by dragging her up for air. It worked and by the time the two of them were in high school, they’d developed a system that made the experience enjoyable for both of them. Although it might have been a little more fun for Jordan.
High school helped bring him to life. Where he’d always been bursting with charisma and boundless enthusiasm, now he had a means to channel it. He was on most of the school teams, attended all the rallies, and was universally loved by students and teachers alike. His unchecked flirtation sometimes got him in trouble but other than not being able to keep a girl on his arm for more than a month or two, Jordan did rather well for himself. By the time he’d learned how to drive, he was the go-to guy for a good time and loved heading up adventures out of town with friends from other affluent families.
That was one thing the Strahms had insured: that their children would want for nothing. While Sky preferred to go the route of independence and earn her keep, Jordan shamelessly enjoyed the fruits of his parents’ labor until his reckless pursuit of a good time ended with him totaling his first car in a street race senior year of high school. He came out unscathed, a miracle to all, but his parents put their foot down and forced him to begin taking responsibility for his life. It sucked. He got his first summer job before college just so he could buy a fixer-upper car to get him to and from school. The old thing broke down constantly and demanded as much time from him as his studies and his crew scholarship.
He loved the stupid thing nevertheless and by the time he graduated from Harvard with his J.D. in hand, the once rusted 75’ Camero was practically brand new thanks to the time, love, and money he spent on it. If he was honest, he was way more proud of the car than his degree which he’d only pursued at the behest of his parents and only finished with the encouragement of his sister.
Despite all odds and a distinct lack of passion for the modern day workforce, Jordan landed a job as an aide to notable public defender Drea Williams. The job was everything he imagined it would be: long hours, later nights, occasional weekends in the office slaving over testimonials and case files, and no time for fun. Even through the smiles and the way he tried to make the best of things, Jordan had never been more miserable. He spent two long years with Drea before she packed up shop and subsequently freed him of a life he hated living. Despite the amazing pay and the happy hours that forged great friendships, Jordan was ready to quit the suit and tie lifestyle much to the disappointment of his parents.
These days Jordan makes a living doing odd jobs fixing cars, helping in Drea’s salon, working construction, and just about anything else that comes his way. He even does some modeling for photographers when the need arises. Overall, it’s a much more lax environment and gives him plenty of opportunity to do what he loves which is staying active and exploring the world. His parents seem mostly happy for him and his sister still tolerates his occasional presence on her couch. The only road bump he still seems to run into is the annual holiday conversation over his lack of a relationship. Much to his exasperation, they remind him frequently that his beloved dog, Socrates, doesn’t count.
