Pax quietly went back to mixing. Soon the ‘nanas were mashed in and he got out a pan, then dipped some of the batter on the smooth surface.
North walked into the kitchen a couple minutes later. “Morning Pax.”
Pax glanced over. “Morning, North.” He offered a slight smile and went back to monitoring the batter.
North looked from Pax to Tyler, who shrugged, and Lila who mimicked Tyler. “…What’s wrong Pax?”
Pax just shook his head and sniffled again. “N-nothing. I’m okay.” He flipped the pancake sloppily.
“No you aren’t. Where’s M? Why isn’t he here?”
“He’s upstairs resting.” Pax fought to keep his voice level.
“Pax..” She walked over to him and set a hand on his shoulder.
Pax chewed on his tongue and cleared his throat. “Yes?”
“You’re on the verge of tears Pax. What’s wrong?”
Pax shook his head and prodded the pancake. “‘M fine.” He cleared his throat unsteadily again.
“Do you want me to get M?”
Pax shook his head. M didn’t need to be bothered any more. He’d be fine, right?
“You sure you don’t need anything?”
Pax nodded again, flipping the pancake onto a plate on top of another. He handed it to her.
North handed the plate to Tyler and he set Lila in her chair, cutting some up for her.
Pax smoothed some more batter into the pan and monitored it, worry sinking into his head like a cloud.
Lila babbled happily as she ate and Tyler laughed a little, having no idea what she was saying. North helped Pax, still worried about him.
Pax made her a few pancakes and handed them to her. He didn’t like her hovering over him.
North thanked him and went over to sit with Tyler and Lila. She ate slowly, giving her leftovers to Lila, still worried about Pax.
Pax relaxed a little but not enough to be his bouncy, bubbly self again. What is M was just lying and he really did…?
😢
North cleaned their dishes and picked up Lila who kicked happily. She set her down and Lila immediately ran over to Pax, hugging his leg.
Pax made a noise of shock in his throat and looked down at her. “Hey Lila.” He patted her head, attempting a small smile.
She frowned and hit her head on his leg. “Happy!” She yelled, holding onto his leg tightly.
Pax patted her head again. “I’m happy, Lila.”
North smiled a little and walked over to Lila, kneeling down next to her. "C'mon Lila, Pax is going to be fine."
Pax pulled his hand off of her. “Go with your mother, dear. I’ll be okay.”
Lila shook her head but let North pick her up. "Bye bye." She waved a little at Pax.
Pax waved back. “Good bye.” His voice wavered slightly.
North took Lila upstairs and gave her to Tyler for a while. She walked back downstairs quickly and went over to Pax. "Need any help?" Shea asked, gesturing to the dishes.
