Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 68

Scene: The Church, Late Morning

The church was already filling up when Buck and Eddie arrived. The somber tones of the organ music reverberated off the stone walls, filling the air with a melancholy hum. The scent of flowers—a mix of lilies, roses, and carnations—mingled with the crisp coolness of the church interior, the faint fragrance of incense hanging in the background. As soon as they stepped inside, Eddie felt the weight of the day hit him with full force. His eyes darted across the room, the sight of family and familiar faces reminding him, yet again, of the monumental loss they were here to mourn. This was his Abuela’s funeral, and no matter how much he had tried to brace himself for it, the grief surged anew.

He inhaled sharply, his face tightening as he forced himself to keep his emotions in check. Buck stood beside him, his hand brushing lightly against Eddie's back in a silent gesture of support. Eddie’s heart ached, knowing that Buck was right here, but the emotions swirling inside him made it hard to breathe, let alone think.

Before they could take their seats, they were approached by Pepa, Eddie’s aunt. Her presence was grounding, a gentle reminder of family ties that stretched beyond words. She wore a dark dress, simple and elegant, her eyes red from earlier tears, but she still managed to offer a warm, if slightly tired, smile as she walked toward them.

Buck hadn’t seen Pepa since they arrived in Texas, but there was something about her—an aura of calm amidst the chaos, of steady warmth even in grief. She moved with purpose, her eyes softening as they landed on Eddie.

Pepa: “Eddie, mijo.”

Her voice carried with it a blend of love, sympathy, and understanding that almost undid Eddie right there. The dam of emotions he'd been holding back all morning trembled.

Without waiting for Eddie to respond, Pepa pulled him into a tight hug, wrapping her arms around him with all the strength of someone who knew how much pain he was in. Eddie closed his eyes, holding her just as tightly, his face burying into her shoulder. He wanted to stay there, in her embrace, where it felt like the world couldn’t reach him for a moment.

Pepa: “I’m so sorry, mijo. I know how much she meant to you. To all of us.”

The sincerity of her words nearly broke him. His throat constricted as he struggled to respond, his voice catching in his throat as he managed to whisper.

Eddie: “Thanks, Tía. It’s been... hard.”

When they finally pulled apart, Eddie rubbed his hand over his face, trying to discreetly wipe away the tears that had begun to form. He cleared his throat, regaining some composure, but the heaviness lingered in the air between them. Pepa’s gaze, however, shifted past Eddie, landing on Buck, and for the first time since she approached, she looked slightly surprised.

Buck, standing just off to the side, offered a tentative smile, his eyes filled with understanding. He wasn’t sure how much Pepa knew, but he wasn’t about to step back or hide. Not today.

Pepa: “Buck... I didn’t expect to see you here.”

There was no judgment in her voice, just mild surprise. Eddie could feel his stomach twist in that moment, the guilt rushing in. Of all the things that had weighed on him these past few days, telling Pepa about his relationship with Buck had been near the top of the list. He hated that he hadn’t told her sooner—Pepa, who had always been a safe haven, someone he could count on. But after how his parents had reacted, the fear had been too overwhelming.

Eddie straightened up, the tension in his body returning. He glanced quickly at Buck, who gave him a small, supportive nod, before turning back to his aunt. His voice was low, but steady.

Eddie: “Tía... I should’ve told you earlier, but... Buck and I... we’re together. He’s my partner.”

For a brief second, there was silence. Pepa’s eyes widened ever so slightly, but her expression remained warm, open. She looked between Eddie and Buck, and Eddie braced himself, unsure of what she might say. His heart pounded in his chest as he waited for her reaction.

But then, slowly, a smile spread across Pepa’s face, her eyes softening with warmth and affection.

Pepa: “Oh, Eddie... why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

There was no disappointment, no judgment—only understanding. Eddie felt a wave of relief wash over him, though it was quickly followed by a pang of guilt. He shifted on his feet, guilt flickering across his face as he tried to find the right words.

Eddie: “We were worried. After how Mom and Dad reacted... we didn’t know how you’d feel.”

Pepa’s expression softened even more, her eyes filled with compassion as she shook her head gently.

Pepa: “Mijo, you don’t have to be afraid with me. You know better than that. I’m happy for you. So happy.”

Eddie’s throat tightened at her words. He had been so worried about how she might react, and now he felt foolish for ever doubting her. Without hesitation, Pepa reached out and pulled him into another hug, her arms wrapping around him even tighter than before. Eddie let out a shaky breath, clinging to her for a moment, his eyes fluttering closed as the weight of the day pressed against him.

When they finally pulled apart, Pepa turned to Buck, her eyes twinkling with warmth.

Pepa: “And you, Buck... come here.”*

Without waiting for him to respond, she opened her arms and pulled him into a hug as well. Buck was a little caught off guard, but he quickly relaxed into the embrace, his arms wrapping around her as he smiled softly.

Pepa: “Welcome to the family, Buck.”

The sincerity in her words hit Buck hard, and he blinked back the sudden emotion that welled up in his chest. He hadn’t expected this level of warmth from Eddie’s family, especially not today.

Buck: “Thank you. That means a lot.”

Before they could say anything else, the church bells rang, their deep tones reverberating throughout the building. The mood shifted, the somberness settling over them once more like a heavy blanket. The funeral service was about to begin.

Pepa glanced toward the front of the church, her smile fading slightly as she sighed.

Pepa: “It’s time. Let’s go sit down.”

Eddie nodded, his hand instinctively reaching for Buck’s as they turned to head inside. Buck squeezed his hand gently, a quiet reassurance that he wasn’t alone in this, that Buck was right beside him every step of the way.

As they made their way toward the front of the church, Eddie couldn’t help but feel a mixture of emotions swirling inside him—grief for his Abuela, guilt for not telling Pepa sooner, and gratitude for the understanding and love she had shown them both. He glanced at Buck, his heart swelling with a quiet sense of relief.

No matter how hard today would be, Eddie knew he wasn’t alone. And in this moment, that made all the difference.