Battle Against Sphinx

Chapter - Nine

Miles

We ran inside as we saw two big bowls of pasta . One was Alfredo and the other was red sauce pasta. Even though we didn’t feel much hunger when we were solving the riddle we dived into the food. It was the best pasta I have ever tasted in my life .

“Guys, look” Zara exclaimed pointing to the opposite side. I turned towards it and saw a cake kept in the corner of the room. I stood and went up to it and took it . It was a small three tier cake decorated beautifully and 'Zahira Racks' written on it in calligraphy.

I placed it down on the floor in front of us earning a gasp. I saw Paxton staring at the cake with a shocked expression. “Ok, now what did the host provoke?” I asked him. He choked on his food and Julia gave him some water. He relaxed a bit and then cleared his throat. I sat down and settled in place ready to hear yet another flashback.

“Umm… she is my mom” he said. “What?” Zara asked as if she did not understand. “Zahira Racks, she is my mom. My full name is Paxton Racks.” He said. “Where is she?” I asked out of experience I think. “I don’t know . She passed away long before I remember.” “I am sorry man.” I apologized.

“My dad used to say that she was a baker. She used to bake cakes but her main speciality were pies. She was a pie expert is what dad called her. She owned a bakery ‘paxty' from where my name is derived. She died in an accident when I was few months old. I don’t even remember a thing about her. So don’t apologize” he said and I nodded.

We all fell silent after that. We did it know what to talk about and even though Paxton said she didn’t affect him , we all could see how much she affected him. He had fallen all silent.

The sun was still up but we all were tired so I just slept off on the floor and the others followed me. It felt like a few hours if good sleep after which I woke up to see only the girls next to me . I looked to all my sides but couldn’t see him. It was already getting dark .

I stood up and walked up to the corner of the room but still couldn’t see him. Where are the lights ? I turned and then walked over to other side and saw him crouched and fast asleep. My heart beat came back to normal. We were provided with pillows and bedsheets from which I took one and covered him up.

Unlike the last one there wasn’t any bed here. Just the floor. I am sure he cried himself to sleep.