Chapter 6 Eddie pov
Eddie is awoken with the sound of Chris screaming. His instincts kick in and he runs to Chris's room, he opens the door and Chris is sat up looking at his window, there's another flash and a bang Eddie realises it's a thunderstorm and can hear the rain.
"You okay buddy?" He asks
"I had a bad dream." Chris replies.
"What about?" Eddie asks
"The tsunami." Chris replies as tears form.
"Hey, it's ok to be upset but you're safe now, I tell you what. Let's go back to my room and you can sleep in my bed until you have to be up for school its only three-thirty-five am." Eddie says, scrubbing at his eyes tiredly.
Chris nods and Eddie picks up Chris and carries him to his room and places him in his bed and Eddie climbs in. Within minutes they're both out cold.
When Eddie's digital clock turned to seven-thirty am, the shrill sound of the alarm rung through Eddie's head, he heard Chris groan and smiled, he sat up and hit the button, turning the alarm off. He turned and looked at Chris who was stirring slowly.
"Come on. It's time for school, it's the last day before we go Austin and Carla will be here soon and you know how she gets if you're not ready for her." Eddies says.
"I know Dad but it's so comfy in here." Chris says with a cheeky smile.
Eddie smiles and tickles Chris making him laugh. Eddie climbs out the bed and heads to the kitchen he puts the kettle on and gets a bowl and cereal out for Chris. He heads back to his room and as he passes Chris's room he hears sound coming from it, he peers in and sees Chris getting changed. He leaves him to it and heads to his own room, he quickly showers and changes before heading back in to the kitchen where Chris is sat eating his breakfast and Carla is standing there.
"Well, don't you look all smart?" She jokes.
"Ha ha very funny. It's nice to see you too, but we wasn't expecting you till eight-fifteen am its only just gone eight." Eddie replies.
"Well, as you can see the weather is rotten, so thought I would set off a bit earlier so you could go and get to work a bit earlier, I'm betting you will be busy." She explains
"Yeah that's most likely, thank you. I need call the school to tell them about next week." Eddie says, remembering that he hasn't informed the school.
"Yeah, best get that done today. If you struggle, let me know and I'll tell the school." Carla says.
Eddie just smiles. He knows he's so lucky to have Carla helping him, he quickly drinks the coffee she had made him and then kisses Chris on his head.
"I'll see you later buddy." Eddie says.
"Okay, Daddy." Chris says.
As he heads out, he sees a message appear on his spare phone. The one he used for the dating app.
'B.B.B: – 7:58 – Hey I know we have spoken loads, but never seen each other so I was thinking do you fancy a blind date tomorrow night that way we get see each other.'
Eddie spends a minute looking at the message he doesn't know what think, he knows he needs move on from Shannon and he knows he has no chance with Buck, Ana had told him he needs to try meet someone so he bit the bullet.
'I normally would say no, but why not, there a little restaurant/bar where they serve some nice food and drinks how about we meet there at 8pm, when we get there send a message and we can meet at the bar'
He felt like a weight had been taken off his shoulders, he hoped in his truck and headed to work on the way he decided quickly call Ana before she started class.
"Hey, everything ok? Is Chris ok?" She asks
"Yeah, everything is ok, I do need speak to the school later as I've been asked work in Austin next week so was going pull Chris out of school earlier so he could see family." He explains
"Well I can sort that out for you and text you when it's all authorised, so what the real reason you called me?" She quizzes
"First, thanks that will save me trying to do it as we may be busy with the storm, second I took your advice and agreed to a date." Eddie is cut off with a excited squeal.
"WHAT! Whoa, I wasn't expecting that." She excitedly says down the phone.
"My question is will you come with me, but like sit at the other end of the restaurant with your girlfriend so if I need help I have back up?" Eddie asks knowing he must sound a fool.
"The great army man Eddie Diaz asking for my help? You don't need to ask I would have offered. I know how these things can go, I will be there not sure about my other half she may be working but I'll be there just send a text with time and date." she says
"Thank you, Ana." Eddie says relieved.
"Just promise me one thing. Well, actually two." She says.
"Ermm ok, what are the things?" Eddie wondered.
"One: no falling over and number two which is a super big one, if you want this date go well DO NOT TALK ABOUT BUCK I mean at all once you start, you never stop." She says with a chuckle.
"Haha ok scouts honour I won't." Eddie says as he cringed at how bad he must have been
"Well its eight-thirty am so I best head to class and I'm sure you have work to get to." She says
"Okay and thanks let me know about Chris getting next week off thanks." Eddie says
"I will do, goodbye Eddie." She says
"Bye." she says
He continues to drive focusing on the road the weather just getting worse, he knew the day would be bad, he approaches the firehouse and parks up, he can see Bobby and Buck talking wondering what they are talking about, he jumps as he was too focused on Buck as his phone receives a message it's Ana
Ana: 'Just a quick message school is all sorted so Chris is fine to be off next week.'
Me: 'Thanks, that's a load off my mind, here's the address for the restaurant talk later.'
He looks at the time its eight-fifty am and he heads in as he does, he sees Buck walking to the locker room.
"Hey Buck!" Eddie shouts
"Hey, Eddie." Buck replies turning round and Eddie notices that Buck is wearing his shirt
"Is that my shirt?" Eddie asks curiously.
"Is it? I don't know. I just put on the first thing out my drawer; I didn't pay any attention to be honest. I was busy watching the storm." Buck says.
"True. It looks like a busy day, I have a favour to ask you." Eddie says.
"Depends what it is." Buck says as they both walk in to the locker room.
"What are you doing tomorrow night?" Eddie asks
"I'm out meeting Josh for a drink he wants someone with him and Maddie is busy." Buck says.
"Ah ok, I needed someone have Chris going on a date tomorrow" Eddie says with a grin
"Ah right, sorry. You know what, why don't you ask Hen, maybe she and Karen could have him over and make it sound like a sleepover for him and Denny." Buck suggests.
"Great idea. So where are you going tomorrow?" Eddie asks just in case he needs arrange somewhere else to go on his date last thing he wants is to see Buck.
"I'm not sure, Josh is nervous about going on the scene again, he was explaining to me about that at poker night and I said if he needed support or a wingman, I'd go." Buck says, shrugging.
"You are too kind Buck, that's why everyone likes you." Eddie says as he starts pulling his shirt over his body.
As he finishes pulling off his shirt he turns to see Buck his back facing him and he watched as Buck pulled off his shirt and noticed how muscley he was he wished he could wake up to a shirtless Buck every morning, but knew he couldn't. He quickly changes and leaves the room before he gets caught staring, he heads up the stairs.
"Hey Eddie" Bobby says as he reaches the top
"Hey Cap." Eddie replies.
"You all set for next week?" Bobby asks
"Yeah we are. Christopher's school has said yes so it's all good, do you need help there?" Eddie asks
"No Buck is helping when he comes up." Bobby says
As Bobby finishes and Eddie turns round to see Buck has made it to the top of the stairs there is another flash and a big clap of thunder and they all turn to look at the front of the fire house, Eddie wanders over to balcony he can hear Bobby and Buck chatting but can't hear what about he focuses on the sound of the rain as he looks out he sees Hen walking in and starts waving at her.
"OWW!" Eddie hears Buck scream and turns round in reaction to the sound.
He sees Bobby wrapping a towel round Buck's finger.
"Eddie, get the first aid kit please." Bobby says looking at him.
"Buck, I think we need to chat don't we? Eddie hears Bobby say and see's Buck just nod not saying anything.
He goes to where the kit is stored and took it out and headed back to the kitchen.
"Here, Cap." Eddie says as he passes the kit to him.
He watches as Bobby and Buck head over to the table, He then starts cleaning up the mess chucking away the vegetables that has been covered in blood and wiping away the blood, he gets clean and fresh ones out and starts cutting them up.
"Come on, let's go and chat." He hears Bobby say to Buck
"Eddie, can you finish up? I just need a chat with Buck. All you need do is add the vegetables and stir, leave it on low and I'll sort it out when I come back." Bobby says to him.
"Okay Cap. What you done now Buck?" Eddie says laughing.
He watches as they disappear down the stairs, he continues to cut the veg and clean up after, leaving the food on low and stirring it, keeping his eyes on the pot and making sure it doesn't start to burn. He hears footsteps coming up the stairs and see's Hen and Chim.
"So, what has he done now?" Hen asks.
"Not sure, he cut his finger and that's all I know, Bobby patched him and took him away straight off, did you hear anything as they went past you?" Eddie asked curiously.
"Nope, but I'm sure we will find out. It's most likely to follow Bobby's strict cooking protocols you know how he gets." Chim starts laughing.
"Yeah could be, we will see. Hen I've got a question for you." Eddie asks.
"Go ahead" Hen says looking at Eddie.
"Is there any chance you could have Christopher tomorrow night? I got a date." Eddie asks knowing he's going red
"Of course we can, especially with us not seeing him over thanks giving. Denny will be happy to have a sleepover." Hen says
"So the dating is going good then?" Chim asks
"Something like that, just bit annoying that I will be away for a week but what can you do." Eddie replies, shrugging.
"Yeah, just enjoy it now just need sort out and get Buck a date." Chim jokes.
They all stand there and laugh, Eddie turns to stir the food and pour a cup of coffee for everyone and they stand and drink making small talk about the day will go. They see Bobby and Buck walk up the stairs and Eddie can tell Buck has been crying.
"You gave him a telling off for not following basic cooking protocol?" Chim asked jokingly.
"How did you guess? It also goes for everyone here; you don't follow the cooking protocols you're in that office." Bobby laughs as he finishes of the meal.
Eddie is standing in the corner and Hen comes over.
"What's up?" Hen asks
"Just Buck." Eddie replies.
"Yeah, I saw his face; he had been crying do you know why?" Hen asks.
"No, I wish I did though but I'll talk to him and see what's what." He replies
"Food's up!" Buck shouts stopping Eddies and Hens conversation short, they go to sit down Eddie sits next to Hen but leaves a space for Buck, he feels his heart sink when he see's Buck sit between Chim and Bobby, they start eating and conversation turns to the weather and trying to guess who can predict the first call. Once they are all finished, they pick up the plates and put them in the sink as they do the alarm rings.
"Not even ten-o-one." Chim says in a deadpan tone.
"Come on, let's go. It looks like a busy day." Bobby says as they all run down the stairs.
"Eddie, you drive the truck today please." Bobby asks looking at Eddie.
"Thought it was Buck's turn, but yeah I can." Eddie replies noticing Bobby's look
"I want to make sure full concentration is had especially with how bad the weather is today is, he cut his finger and after our chat earlier he will understand that I'd rather be safe, he can drive later if he's okay." Bobby says.
Eddie hops up into the driver's seat and places the headset on he turns when he sees Buck approach the driver door. He watches as Bobby shakes his head at Buck and Buck goes to the back door and climbs in. They drive to the accident and discover that it's a simple wash out crash where the person had been going to quick and hydroplaned with the on the water on the road and crashed in to the barrier, it was a quick enough job Bobby kept Eddie back and Buck and Chim dealt with the accident once they had the lady out and were loading her in to the ambulance Eddie turns to Bobby.
"What's wrong with Buck? Everything okay?" Eddie asks as he watches Buck.
"Yeah, we had a chat his head not been in the game today, he'll be fine I'm watching him." Bobby says.
"Hope he's ok" Eddie says continuing to stare at Buck.
"We will look after him don't worry, you just focus on your week ahead, lets head back to the truck there all done here" Bobby says.
They head to the truck and wait for Chim and Buck to enter the truck as they do, they get another call.
"Right, we got another call. It's a lightning strike which has blown a transformer and started a fire in a café the eta is ten minutes." Bobby explains.
"Well, it looks like we're having a busy day then." Hen chuckles.
The call takes time to sort out, with putting the fire out and dealing with the minor injuries. Again, Bobby had kept Buck and Eddie apart to make sure they got the job done safely. They finish up and head back to the station. As they pull in Buck jumps out and guides the truck backwards. Once the truck is in, the team jumps out as Eddie watches Buck go up the stairs.
"Buck, start the coffee machine while you're up there and we will get lunch on." Bobby shouts up to him.
The rest of the team head to the locker room to change out the wet clothes, Eddie quickly changes and waits for the rest of the team.
"How long does it take to turn the coffee machine on?" Chim asks.
"You know Buck he most likely got distracted" Hen chuckles.
Once they were all changed they headed up the stairs and were greeted to Buck just standing there his hands wrapped tight around the balcony bars, Eddie steps forward to go talk to him but Bobby stops him and signals Hen to go, she walks up to him and places a hand on his back which made him jump.
"You okay Buck?" Hen asks.
"Yeah, I'm fine just getting lost in my thoughts. I'll be fine. I better go get changed." Buck says
Eddie stares at Buck as Buck looks at them all and he just walks past them and down the stairs not saying a word to anyone.
"What's that all about?" Chim asks looking at Eddie
"Your guess is as good as mine." Eddie says looking at Bobby with narrowed eyes.
"You're meant be his best friend though." Chim replies
"Buck is fine. He's just having an off day and were all entitled to one." Bobby pipes up, before they can say anything else the alarm starts ringing again.
They all rush down and as they do Eddie spots Buck running to the truck and getting in the back, as he enters the driver's seat he looks up at the mirrors and sees Buck keeping his head down, Eddie starts the truck and heads of focusing on listening to Bobby direct him.
As they pull up once again, Eddie is asked to stay back and watch. He doesn't know why he is been kept back but he keeps to himself not to distract the team. He watches as Buck does his job as he watches him, Buck looks like himself and nothing bothering him. Eddie starts to wonder if Bobby was right and he was just having an off day. After that call they end up been on call after call and by the time they eventually do get back to the fire station its six-thirty pm. They all jump out and Bobby starts briefing the team taking over from them, the rest of them head to the locker room and change in silent Eddie notices that Buck is done quick and leaves without saying anything to anyone.
"I'll call him when I get home." Eddie says looking at a shocked Hen and Chim.
"Yeah might be best." Chim says
Eddie finishes changing and heads home, as he gets in Chris and Carla are there. He greets them and heads to his room. He looks at Chris' phone its seven-fifteen pm. He scrolls down in the contacts list and finds Bucks number and calls him.
"Hey, Eddie." Buck says sounding more upbeat.
"So, want tell me what happened today? You were all over the place." Eddie asks trying to sound reassuring.
"It's fine, I've just not been sleeping well. I'll be fine. I'm heading bed and going try and get as much sleep as possible. So I'll talk to you later." Buck says and Eddie wonders what he is holding back but doesn't want push it.
"I kind of regret saying yes to going out tomorrow. I can cancel and spend it with you if you need talk?" Eddie asks he knows he prefer to spend it with Buck than go on a date.
"Don't be silly. Go and enjoy your date, have fun and I'll see you tomorrow morning at work. I'll give some pointers on how not mess it up, I promise I'll be more upbeat." Buck says laughing.
"Okay then and I don't need pointers if anything you do, considering you still not gone on a date in ages, but have a good sleep." Eddie says as he hangs up.
He heads back into the living room and found that Chris is watching tv and Carla has got her coat on ready to go.
"Sorry, had to speak to Buck, he's not been all there today." Eddie says
"Did he give you an answer to what was up with him?" She asks concernedly.
"No he didn't, to be honest I didn't want push it." Eddie says
"Why not? I thought you would jump at the chance to get close to Buck." She says with a wink
"Stop it." Eddie says going red.
Just then his spare phone rings and he sees it's Ana.
"Well I'll go and leave you. I'll see you week after next." She says
"Yeah, have a good rest from us." Eddie jokes as he waves to Carla as she leaves.
"Hey Ana." Eddie says.
"Hey, hope it's not a bad time, just checking were still on for tomorrow?" She asks
"He hasn't answered me, maybe I was to forward." Eddie says
"Or maybe he's busy working and hasn't had chance answer you give him time and send me a text when he does, if not we can still go for a drink." She says
"Ok thank you, talk to you later." Eddie says as he hangs up
Eddie spends the next hour sorting out things for their trip to Austin he also gets Chris sorted for bed as they were up early as Eddie was dropping Chris off at his Abuela's and the Hen was picking him up for the sleepover at hers. By the time he had sorted it all out, he sat on the sofa it was now ten pm and he hears his spare phone go off.
'B.B.B: Yeah it sounds great, send me the address and till tomorrow. I'm off to bed. It has been a long day followed by another long day tomorrow, I won't be able message till later tomorrow. I'll send a message when I'm leaving and when I get there.'
Me: 'Okay talk tomorrow.'
Eddie places his phone on charge and heads to bed to get up early he knows he needs be at his Abuela's by five-thirty am. His head hits the pillow and he nods off he's awoken by Chris.
"What's up buddy?" He asks
"Had another nightmare." Chris replies softly.
"Okay it's fine hop in, let's try get some rest its three am we got be up soon." Eddie says
Chris climbs in and for the next two hours he fidgets and keeps having nightmares as five am hits and the alarm goes off both Eddie and Chris are extremely tired, Eddie gets Chris ready and then himself before they head out and Eddie drives to Abuela's, he quickly explains Chris is probably tired and to try and let him sleep and that Hen will be there when they finish the shift.
He pulls into the fire house and starts walking in he sees Hen and Chim with coffee cups from a store and his face lights up.
"Where you get them? And where is mine?" he asks.
"Buck got us all drinks and donuts yours is up there" Hen says as they simultaneously point up to the balcony.
He quickly walks up the stairs he can almost taste the coffee, he needs it so much right now.
"What's got that smile on your face Diaz?" Bobby shouts over.
"Well long night, Chris couldn't settle, and I'm out later so this coffee and sugar rush is well needed, thanks, Buck." Eddie says smiling towards Buck.
"You should have called me if Chris wouldn't settle; I'd have spoken to him." Buck says, looking concerned.
"It was more from excitement of going to Austin tomorrow, plus I know you were getting rest." Eddie says he knows it a lie but he can see Buck is happy and doesn't want worry him.
Eddie heads down towards the locker room, smiles galore he holds up his coffee cup to the others and quickly gets changed, as he finishes changing he walks out and Hen is waiting for him.
"Did you speak to Buck?" She asks
"Yeah he said he was just tired he even went bed super early." Eddie replies
"That's weird don't you think?" She asks
"Not sure but look at him, he's all smiles and happy let's see how it goes." Eddie says as they both look up at him.
"Still okay for me pick Chris up from your Abuela's?" Hen asks, double checking.
"Yeah she's will be waiting for you and thanks again." Eddie says
Just then the alarm goes off and they all run to the truck, Eddie sees Buck jump in the driver's seat so heads in to the back with the rest, they attend the call which is then also followed by several other calls, on the way back from the latest call chat turns to later on.
"So, all set for later?" Hen asks.
"I'm ready, it's not like it's my first one is it?" Eddie says smiling.
"Just make sure you pay the bill, don't try be the equal type of guy." Buck perks up.
"Is that something you would do?" Chim laughs.
"Always, rule number one the man always pay." Buck says and Eddie looks at Hen and laughs he knows what's coming.
"So, how would that work with me and Karen neither of us are men, and what if it's two guys?" Hen asks.
Eddie looks at Buck and he's like a deer in headlights. Eddie tries to suppress a laugh.
"That there, is a foot in mouth moment." Chim laughs.
"Shit. Erm then who ever asked the other out pays." Buck quickly says.
"Well, that's just a cop out. Anyway, I'm a gentleman so I'll be paying anyway." Eddie says knowing it's the right thing to do.
"Well, at least you're free to go get yourself all prim and proper for her, its end of shift." Buck jokes and Eddie realises what time it is.
"I know, the day has flown today two pm came round so quick." Eddie says.
"You all set for the long drive tomorrow?" Bobby asks Eddie.
"Yeah, everything is packed. I did it last night, so we have to get up early and head off." Eddie says.
"Don't envy you, it's hell of a drive." Chim says, shaking his head.
"Yeah, but at least we get see family for thanksgiving." Eddie says.
"That you do, but you will be working. That's the reason you're going remember?" Bobby finishes with a reminder.
"I know, Cap." Eddie says.
They return to the firehouse and they all leave the truck and start sorting things out, Eddie and Hen walk in to the locker room and start to get changed.
"Not that you will need it, but good luck tonight." Hen says
"Thanks, it's just nice to be out there you know. I'm just I'm nervous it's a big thing and I have Chris to think about." Eddie replies
"I do, just be you and it will work out" She says
"I'll try speaking to Buck later after he's had a few. I might get out of him what was up." Eddie says laughing.
"Well, best stop talking he's about to enter the room." She says looking behind Eddie.
"Well, it wasn't obvious you were talking about me is it" Buck jokes.
"Not everything is about you." Eddie says as he pushes past and heads out the station and into his truck.
He starts driving and see's its two-thirty he still hadn't heard from his date so sends a quick message at the red light.
Me: 'Hey here's the address, meet you at the bar at 8pm remember message me when you get there, till later'
He continues to drive and gets home just before three pm and sits on the sofa to relax for a bit, he hears his spare phone go off so looks at it.
'B.B.B: – 3:03pm – Hey, sorry for the late reply. It's been a manic day, but yeah see you at the bar at 8pm'
Eddie smiles and quickly texts Ana telling her it's on for later he then hears Chris's phone go off it's a text from Buck.
Buck: 'I wasn't been funny earlier, is everything okay? You know I have your back no matter what.'
Eddie smiles and replies back.
Me: 'It's okay, we will talk when I'm back, have a good night out with Josh don't get into much trouble, I'll call you when I get to Austin tomorrow.'
As he hits send he gets a text from Ana.
Ana: 'I'll be at yours for 7:15pm so be ready no excuses.'
Me: 'ok, will do, see you then.'
He decides to get a few hours while he can, he heads to bed and sets his alarm for six pm which will give him loads of time get ready, he slowly nods off and is awoken by his alarm at six, he gets up and gets showered and all dressed up in a smart shirt and jeans, as he finishes getting ready there's a knock at his door he opens it to see Ana.
"All set?" she asked.
"Yeah. I think I am." He replies with confidence.
They head off to Ana's car and drive off, they sit in silence Eddie started wondering who would turn up as he had no idea what to expect he was just glad Ana would be there just in case it gets to seven thirty and he gets a message.
'B.B.B – hey just in the Uber see you soon.'
'Cool, see you soon.'
He feels butterflies as they get close to the bar, once they pull up he didn't want get out the car
"Come on, let's get a drink in you and you will be fine." Ana says
"Yeah, you're right." Eddie replies
They head into the bar and get a drink and sit at table and talk Ana giving him pointers on what to talk about, it eventually gets to eight pm and no sign but he feels the phone vibrate so looks.
'B.B.B: Hey' I'm stuck in traffic so going be a bit late.'
Me: 'That's fine, it was a bit chaotic when I set off see you soon though'
"Everything okay?" Ana asks
"Yeah just stuck in traffic so going be late." Eddie replies
"Don't worry it will be ok." Ana says
They talk some more and once eight fifteen arrives he gets another message
'B.B.B - Really sorry to do this, just had a family member called they are in hospital so can't come can we reschedule please?'
Eddie didn't know what do he just chucked his phone on the table and down his beer.
"He cancelled?" Ana asks.
"Yeah, knew it would happen, he wants reschedule, saying family member in hospital." Eddie replies.
"Well it could be I mean he was on his way, maybe let him sweat then answer him, let's have a few drinks what you say?" Ana says
After a few drinks talk once again turned to Buck and Eddie decides message him but not ruin his night by telling him he been stood up he just wanted check on him.
Me:'Hey, hope your night is going okay?'
Buck: 'Yeah, just in the bar with Josh but heading home soon as got a long day tomorrow.' Buck replies
"Is he ok?" Ana asks.
"Yeah, just checking on him, he had a bad day the other day." Eddie explains.
"Well you care for him, so I'm not surprised your worried. Anyway lets finish these and I'll take you back you have a long drive ahead of you tomorrow." Ana says
"Yeah, thanks." Eddie replies avoiding the first bit of what Ana said.
They finish their drinks and Ana takes Eddie home they say their goodbyes and Eddie heads in he walks in and sits on his bed and starts to cry, it finally hit him the one guy he loved would never love him and no one else seemed interested in him. He eventually fell asleep his face red from the crying.