Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 22

Scene: Eddie’s House, Later That Night

After a while, there was a knock at the door. Eddie gently extricated himself from Buck’s embrace and went to open it. Maddie stood there, her face etched with worry and empathy.

Maddie: "Is Buck here?"

Eddie nodded silently and stepped aside to let her in. Maddie walked over to where Buck was sitting on the couch, his eyes still red and swollen from crying.

Maddie: "Hey, Buck. Can we talk?"

Buck’s heart clenched with fear, but he managed a nod. Maddie took his hand and led him to the kitchen, away from Eddie’s presence.

Once they were alone in the quiet kitchen, Maddie turned to Buck, her eyes filled with genuine concern and love.

Maddie: "Buck, I’m so sorry about Mom and Dad. They’re wrong, and I want you to know that I support you completely. I love how you feel with Eddie."

Buck tried to hold back his tears, but the fear and hurt were still too fresh. He broke down again, his sobs echoing in the kitchen. Maddie immediately pulled him into a tight hug, wrapping her arms around him protectively.

Buck: "I was so scared, Maddie. I didn’t want to lose you too."

Maddie: "Oh, Buck. You’ll never lose me. I’m here for you, always."

They stood there in the warm embrace for what felt like an eternity, the only sounds in the room Buck’s quiet sobs and Maddie’s soothing words of comfort. Maddie gently rocked him back and forth, her touch grounding him in the midst of emotional turmoil.

Buck: "Thank you, Maddie. I don’t know what I’d do without you."

Maddie: "You’ll never have to find out. I’m here for you and Eddie, Buck. And we’ll get through this together."

Buck nodded, feeling a glimmer of hope stir within him despite the pain of his parents’ rejection. He wiped his eyes with the back of his hand, trying to regain some composure.

Buck: "Can you… can you not tell Mom and Dad? About how much this hurt me?"

Maddie sighed softly, understanding the weight of his request and the complexity of their family dynamics.

Maddie: "I won’t. But Buck, you need to know that their reaction is their problem, not yours. You have nothing to be ashamed of. And especially, don't be ashamed to love Eddie, okay? Because he makes you really happy, I can see it."

Buck managed a small, grateful smile, his heart swelling with gratitude for his sister’s unwavering support.

Buck: "Thanks, Maddie. That means a lot."

Maddie hugged him again, holding him close as if to shield him from any further pain. Her love and support were a beacon of light in the darkness of the evening’s events, providing Buck with the strength he needed to face the challenges ahead.

They stayed in the kitchen a while longer, Maddie gently reassuring Buck and Buck gradually finding solace in her presence. Eventually, they returned to the living room where Eddie was waiting patiently, a concerned expression softening his features as he saw them re-enter.

Eddie: "Everything okay?"

Maddie nodded, giving Buck’s hand a reassuring squeeze before stepping back.

Maddie: "Yeah, everything’s okay. Buck just needed a moment."

Buck managed a small smile at Eddie, silently thanking him for being there and for understanding without needing to ask too many questions. Eddie’s eyes conveyed warmth and support, his presence a steady anchor for both Buck and Maddie in that moment.