Trigger Warnings: Discussed Suicidal Ideations, Intolerance, Homophobia, Drug and Alcohol Addiction
Some points of reference for age for some of the characters:
Buck's birthday is February 16th, 1992.
Eddie's birthday September 6th, 1990.
Robert Jr's birthday is April 2003.
Brook's birthday is October 2005.
Christopher's birthday is June 2010.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
May-August 2009, Eddie Age: 18
"Mom! I'm going to be late, come on!" Eddie's shoving his wallet into the black dress pants his mother insisted he wear and grabbing the keys to his crappy pick-up.
"It's not every day my only son graduates from high school." His mom walks into the living room, 2 ties in one hand and a camera in the other.
"No! Mom, I told you I wasn't going to wear a tie! It's going to be over 90 degrees and we're going to be in the middle of the football field baking in the sun. Besides, you won't even see it under this stupid black gown." Eddie throws his arms out to the side, the graduation gown flaring out around him. " Please." He groans.
"Don't you want to look nice in the pictures for your father?"
Eddie sighed, dropping his hands to his sides. "Papi couldn't even be bothered to be here. Why should I care how I look in pictures? He'll find something to pick at no matter what I wear, so what's the point."
"Edmundo." His mother says sadly, placing a hand on his cheek. "Your father loves you, he wanted to be here, you know that."
"Whatever, what tie do you want me to wear."
Helena sighs, looping a black and orange striped tie around his neck. "This one I think, school colors."
Eddie stopped hoping his father would show up for things before he even reached high school, still he couldn't help but feel disappointed as he walked across the stage to receive his diploma; the fact that the man had made every effort to be there for his older sister, Sophia's graduation the year before hurt more than he was willing to say.
His father worked hard so Eddie, his sisters, and mother never had to worry about anything. They had a nice home, a stocked fridge, and he and his sisters always had everything they needed and maybe just a little more. Eddie's truck wasn't the best, but his dad had offered to match whatever he was able to save, within reason, to help him buy it. He knew there were families who couldn't afford one car let alone offer to help their kids buy their own. He had friends who had both parents working, living on a tight budget but making everything work and still giving their kids everything they could need; including a present father.
"So, Edmundo." Tia Pepa said, sliding into the seat next to him. "What's next for you? What college did you decide on? Somewhere close I hope."
"Uh, well." Eddie stalled, looking around the backyard for an escape. "I was going to take a road trip with some friends in a couple weeks, just planned on working until then."
"Eddie actually got into University of Texas right here." Helena joins Eddie and Pepa at the table, a proud smile spread across her face. "He's going to study business, right sweetie?"
"Um, a-actually. I, uh, I was over in Ridgecrest a few weeks ago with Leo. H-he wanted to talk to someone at the recruiting office."
Helena stilled. "The recruiting office?"
YOU ARE READING
Perfect
Fanfic*Warning, this story contains child abuse and neglect, homophobia, minor and brief suicidal ideations* If there is one thing that Buck knows, it's that he's not enough to get people to stay. He's had a family who barely acknowledged he was there and...
