Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 58

Scene: Living Room, Night

After helping Eddie to bed, Buck stayed awake, lying beside him, listening to the sound of his breathing. Each breath seemed to come a little easier, a little more evenly, and Buck knew that Eddie was finally falling asleep. But Buck’s mind was racing, thinking about everything that needed to be done. He couldn’t bear the thought of Eddie going through this alone. Buck gently pulled his arm from under Eddie, careful not to wake him, and slipped out of bed.

He grabbed his phone from the nightstand and quietly made his way out of the bedroom, closing the door softly behind him. The living room was dark, the only light coming from the streetlamp outside that cast a dim glow across the floor. Buck sat down on the couch, running a hand through his hair, trying to figure out the best way to help Eddie. His first thought was of Maddie. She had always been there for him, and he knew she would understand the situation. Without hesitating, he dialed her number, hoping she would pick up even though it was the middle of the night.

After a few rings, Maddie’s sleepy voice came through the line.

Maddie: “Buck? Is everything okay? Did the nightmares came back?”

Buck’s voice wavered as he spoke, the weight of the night’s events heavy in his chest.

Buck: “No... Maddie, I’m sorry to call so late… but I need your help.”

There was a rustling on the other end of the line as Maddie sat up in bed, her concern evident.

Maddie: “Of course, Buck. What’s going on? Is it Christopher? Are you hurt?”

Her voice grew more alert, her worry palpable even through the phone.

Buck: “No, no, we’re fine. Chris is fine, too, but… it’s Eddie. He just found out his abuela passed away tonight. He’s… Maddie, he’s wrecked. I’ve never seen him like this before.”

Buck’s voice cracked, and he swallowed hard, trying to keep it together. He heard Maddie’s soft gasp on the other end.

Maddie: “Oh, Buck… I’m so sorry. That’s awful. How’s Eddie holding up?”

Buck: “Not great. He’s trying to be strong, but it’s hitting him hard. He’s asleep now, but it took a while to get him to settle down. I don’t want him to go through this alone, Maddie. He needs to go to El Paso for the funeral, and I want to go with him, but…”

He trailed off, his thoughts turning to Christopher, who was still blissfully unaware of the situation.

Maddie: “But you’re worried about Christopher. You don’t want to take him, do you?”

Buck: “Yeah. I just… It’s too much for him. He’s already been through so much with losing his mom. I don’t want him to have to face more loss right now, especially when I know Eddie’s going to need me to be there for him completely. Can you and Chim take care of Chris while we’re gone? I know it’s a lot to ask, and it’s such short notice…”

Maddie: “Buck, you don’t even have to ask. Of course, we’ll take care of Chris. He’s family, and so are you. Chim and I will make sure he’s safe and taken care of, and we’ll do our best to keep things as normal as possible for him.”

Buck let out a shaky breath, feeling a little of the tension ease from his shoulders.

Buck: “I… I didn’t know who else to call. I just knew you’d understand. I’m so scared for Eddie, Maddie. I don’t know how to help him through this.”

Maddie: “You’re already doing the best thing you can, Buck. Just being there for him, making sure he’s not alone in this. You’ve always been good at taking care of the people you love.”

Buck’s eyes stung with unshed tears at her words.

Buck: “I’m trying, but I feel like I’m barely holding it together. I want to be strong for Eddie, but…”

Maddie: “Hey, listen to me. You are strong, Buck. Stronger than you know. And it’s okay if you’re struggling too. This is hard for both of you, but you’ll get through it—together. And we’re here to support you in any way we can.”

Buck: “Thanks, Maddie. I don’t know what I’d do without you. I’ll bring Christopher over in the morning. I just need to book the flights and get everything ready.”

Maddie: “Take your time, Buck. We’ve got this. And don’t hesitate to call me if you need anything, even if it’s just to talk. We’ll make sure everything is ready for Chris, so you can focus on what Eddie needs right now.”

Buck nodded, his heart swelling with gratitude.

Buck: “Thank you, Maddie. I don’t know how I can ever repay you for this.”

Maddie: “You don’t have to repay me, Buck. We’re family. We take care of each other. You’ve been there for me more times than I can count. Just let me do the same for you.”

A tear finally slipped down Buck’s cheek, but he quickly wiped it away, not wanting to break down now.

Buck: “I will. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Maddie: “Okay. Get some rest if you can, Buck. You’re going to need your strength for the days ahead. We’ll be here when you’re ready.”

As he hung up, Buck felt a sense of relief mixed with the anxiety of what was to come. But knowing that Christopher would be in good hands made it a little easier to face what lay ahead.