Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 29

Scene: Inside the Ambulance

The ambulance sped through the streets, sirens blaring, as paramedics worked frantically around Buck. Bobby sat beside Buck's stretcher, holding his shoulder tightly, his face etched with worry. Buck's breathing was shallow, and his skin was a sickly pallor, covered in soot and sweat. His arms and hands, badly burned, were wrapped in temporary dressings, and an oxygen mask was placed over his face to help him breathe.

Bobby: "Buck, stay with me. We’re almost there. You’re going to be okay."

Buck's eyes fluttered open briefly, unfocused and glassy. He tried to speak, his voice a weak rasp, barely audible over the sounds of the medical equipment and the rushing wind outside.

Buck: "Eddie... Eddie… I want Eddie... I need Eddie…"

Bobby's heart ached at the sight of his injured son. He squeezed Buck's shoulder, willing him to stay conscious.

Bobby: "I’m calling him right now. Just hold on, Buck."

Buck’s eyes rolled back. Bobby’s heart pounded in his chest, fear clawing at him. He glanced at the paramedics, who were monitoring Buck's vitals closely.

Paramedic 1: "His pulse is weak. We need to get him stabilized."

The ambulance hit a bump, jostling the stretcher. Buck’s body convulsed slightly, and a terrifying sound filled the small space—the monitor’s steady beeping turned into a flatline. Buck’s heart had stopped.

Paramedic 2: "We’re losing him! Start CPR!"

Bobby’s world narrowed to that one sound, the endless, high-pitched beep of the heart monitor. The paramedics moved quickly, one beginning chest compressions while the other prepared a defibrillator. Bobby watched, helpless, as they worked to revive Buck.

Paramedic 1: "Charging... Clear!"

The paramedic pressed the paddles to Buck’s chest, delivering a shock that caused his body to jerk violently. Bobby held his breath, praying for a miracle. The monitor beeped erratically, then settled back into a flatline.

Paramedic 2: "No response. Charging again... Clear!"

Another shock, another violent jerk. This time, the monitor began to beep steadily, a weak but regular rhythm. Buck's chest rose and fell shallowly under the oxygen mask.

Paramedic 1: "We’ve got a pulse. Let’s keep him stable until we reach the hospital."

Bobby released a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding, relief flooding through him. He leaned closer to Buck, his voice a whisper filled with determination.

Bobby: "Come on, Buck. You can do this. Just hang on a little longer. For us, for Eddie, for Christopher."

Buck’s eyes fluttered again, and for a moment, he seemed to focus on Bobby.

Buck: "Eddie..."

Bobby nodded, tears stinging his eyes.

Bobby: "I know you want to see him, Buck. I’ll get Eddie. Just hold on."

The ambulance continued its race to the hospital, every second feeling like an eternity. The paramedics worked tirelessly, administering fluids and medications, doing everything they could to keep Buck stable. Bobby stayed by his side, his hand never leaving Buck's.

Finally, they arrived at the hospital. The ambulance doors flew open, and the paramedics quickly transferred Buck to a gurney, rushing him into the emergency room. Bobby followed closely, his heart pounding. He watched as the doctors and nurses took over, their faces grim and focused.

Doctor: "Third-degree burns on the arms, head trauma, smoke inhalation and possible internal bleeding. We need to get him to surgery immediately."

As they wheeled Buck away, Bobby stood in the hallway, feeling the weight of the moment press down on him. He pulled out his phone, his hands shaking, and dialed Eddie's number. The call connected, and he heard Eddie's voice, tight with fear and worry.

Scene: Eddie's House

Eddie was at home with Christopher, who was recovering from a cold. They were nestled on the couch, watching a movie together, the comforting routine of their evening providing a welcome respite from the usual chaos of their lives. The phone rang, jolting Eddie out of his momentary calm. He glanced at the caller ID and saw Bobby's number.

Eddie: "Hey, Bobby. Everything okay?"

Bobby's voice came through, steady but with an undercurrent of urgency that sent a chill down Eddie’s spine.

Bobby: "Eddie, I need you to come to the hospital. It’s important."

Eddie's heart skipped a beat, his mind racing to the worst possible scenarios. He tightened his grip on the phone, his knuckles whitening.

Eddie: "What’s going on, Bobby? Is everyone alright?"

Bobby paused, and the silence on the other end felt like an eternity. When he spoke again, his voice was calm but firm.

Bobby: "Eddie, I need you to trust me. Just come to St. Matthew’s as soon as you can. We’ll talk when you get here."

The ominous vagueness of Bobby's words only heightened Eddie's anxiety. He looked at Christopher, who was absorbed in the movie, blissfully unaware of the storm brewing.

Eddie: "Alright, I’m on my way. I’ll be there as fast as I can."

He hung up, his hands trembling as he immediately dialed Carla's number. The moment she answered, he spoke rapidly, his voice betraying his worry.

Eddie: "Carla, it’s Eddie. I need you to come over right away. I have to go to the hospital."

Carla: "Eddie, what’s wrong? Is everything alright?"

Eddie: "I... I don’t know yet. Bobby just called, and he needs me to get to St. Matthew’s. Please come here as fast as you can."

Carla could hear the panic in Eddie’s voice and assured him she was on her way. Within minutes, she arrived, her face a mask of concern as she took in Eddie’s pale, tense expression.

Carla: "Go, Eddie. I’ve got Christopher. Just keep me updated, okay?"

Eddie nodded, his throat tight with fear. He quickly kissed Christopher on the forehead, trying to mask his worry with a calm demeanor.

Eddie: "I have to go for a bit, mijo. Carla’s going to stay with you. I’ll be back as soon as I can."

Christopher: "Okay, Dad. Be careful. I love you."

With one last look at his son, Eddie grabbed his keys and rushed out the door. He drove to the hospital, his mind a whirlwind of fear and worry. The normally short drive felt agonizingly long as he weaved through traffic, each red light and slow driver fueling his anxiety.

By the time he arrived at St. Matthew’s, his heart was pounding, and his hands were slick with sweat. He parked haphazardly and sprinted toward the entrance, his breath coming in quick, shallow bursts.