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DIAZ HOUSE
Eddie was getting popcorn for him and Christopher to share with Ana. He was startled when his roommate Buck came in from his 24 hour shift. "Hey. Bad shift?" He asked.
"No. Just long. I'm gonna say Hi to Chris and crash." Buck said.
Buck walked into the living room and smiled at Chris. "BUCK!!" He said.
"Chris inside voice." Ana admonished.
Buck saw Chris's smile dim a little. "Hey Superman. How was school today?" Buck asked.
"So cool. We had a substitute for the whole day." Chris said excitedly.
"That's cool buddy." Buck said ruffling his hair.
"Alright popcorn is done." Eddie said coming back into the living room.
"Alright I am off to bed. Night Superman." Buck said hugging him.
"Night Buck. Bucky? If I have a nightmare I can come to you right?" Chris asked.
"Of course Superman. Keep Daddy and Ana in line." Buck said getting up and heading towards the hall.
Once Buck was in the master bedroom Ana was glowering. "Edmundo why is he in your room?" Ana asked.
"Cause we're sitting on his bed. Do you want him to sleep on the floor?" Eddie asked raising his eyebrows at her. Ana huffed and turned to the tv.
"Daddy can I go curl up with Bucky?" Chris asked.
"Sure Buddy. Just remember he needs to sleep." Eddie said.
"I know." Chris said making his way to his Dad's room.
"Chris doesn't listen to me." Ana said.
"Why do you say that?" Eddie asked eating popcorn.
"When I told him inside voice Buck just babied him. And this coming to him with nightmares that is unacceptable." Ana said.
"Well he wasn't all that loud. And Chris goes to Buck with nightmares cause Buck and him experienced the same thing." Eddie said.
"I think I should take Chris somewhere tomorrow while you work." Ana said
"Fine. But Ana no babying Chris. If he comes home and tells me you did You will not be with him anymore." Eddie said pointedly.
"Oh Edmundo trust me. I have a PHD in child psychology and education." Ana said curling up to him. Eddie sighed he had a bad feeling about this.
NEXT DAY
DIAZ HOUSE
Chris and Eddie were getting Chris ready to go with Ana. "Dad do I have to go with Ms Ana?" Chris asked.
"I thought you liked her?" Eddie asked putting some snacks in Chris's bag.
"She babys me." Chris said.
"I told her not to. If she does remind her you are 8 and like to do things on your own." Eddie said.
"Fine." Chris said.
Just then Ana opened the door and came in. "Hola Amor." She said to Eddie going to kiss him.
"Hi. Chris is ready. I have some snacks for him to eat." Eddie said handing Chris his backpack.
"I'll carry it." Ana said going to take the backpack.
"I can carry it." Chris said.
"He carries it everyday." Eddie said.
"We're going to the pier. I have a wheelchair rented." Ana said.
"First off the pier is a no go for him. Parks are fine not the Pier. Second he does not need a wheelchair. Go at his pace and he'll be fine. Remember no babying him." Eddie said sternly.
"Alright we'll go somewhere quiet." Ana said begridgingly..
"Alright Bud Buck is gonna come get you from Ana after he gets back from helping Maddie with her project. Ok." Eddie said squatting and hugging Chris.
"Love you dad." Chris said hugging Eddie. When Eddie stood up Ana had a grimace on her face.
"Should Evan really be picking him up? I am capable of keeping him til you get off." Ana said.
"I am working an over night and Buck knows his night time routine. Besides Buck and Chris love hanging out together." Eddie said ruffling Chris' hair
"Bucky is the best." Chris said. Once out at the car Eddie helped Chris get hooked into the booster seat. Ana got in the driver seat and when the back door was shut she child locked it. Eddie had a bad feeling about today as he watched the car drive away.
MADDIE'S PLACE
NOON
Buck had just finished helping Maddie re arrange her room and get everything ready for the nursery. As he was about to walk out of the bedroom his phone rang. Seeing it was an Unknown number he answered it. Hello?" He asked.
"B bucky?" Came a timid Christopher.
"Chris. You ok?" Buck asked getting worried.
"I don't feel good Bucky." Chris said slurring his words.
Buck covered his phone motioned to Maddie. "I need you to call May and I need another phone." Buck said.
"What's wrong?" Maddie asked.
"I don't know. Hey Superman, where are you at?" Buck asked.
"She brought me to the Beach. She locked me in the car. B bucky it's really hot in here." Chris said.
"Superman I know. Can you look and tell me what stores or restaurants are around you?" Buck asked.
"I'm where the big parking tent is." Chris said.
"That great." Buck said looking to Maddie.
"The parking tent on Larosa. Child locked in hot car. Showing signs of Lethargy. Hey have her wait two minutes before dispatching." Buck said. "Hey Superman I want you to tell Aunt Maddie all about your science project. I am gonna call dad so he can come get you." Buck said.
"OK B bucky. Bucky I didn't want to come here." Chris said.
"I know Superman. Talk to Aunt Maddie." Buck said passing his phone to Maddie. He took Maddie's phone and dialed Bobby's number "Hey maddie something wrong?" Bobby answered.
"It's Buck. Listen to me and do not ask me questions. You're about to be called to a Child in hot car. It's Chris. Make Eddie man behind. Once you Hen and Chim get Chris to the ambulance I will come get Eddie. Bobby do this and trust me. Eddie won't be useful." Buck said.
"Alright Maddie I'll let Chim know to call you later." Bobby said.
"Thank you." Buck said hanging up.
FIREHOUSE 118
SAME TIME
Bobby had hung up with Buck and went to Eddie. "Hey Eddie. I need someone to be man behind. Would you be willing?" Bobby asked.
"Sure Cap. Anything wrong with my performance." Eddie asked.
"No. Just need a man behind." Bobby said as the bell rang.
SANTA MONICA PIER
Buck had just pulled up to the pier and was looking for the car. He spotted Ana eating in a restaurant and made a beeline for her. "Evan what are you doing here?" She asked.
"Keys NOW!!!" He bellowed.
"Wait a minute son. You need." The woman and man beside Ana said.
"She left a kid in her car for however long you've been here eating. KEYS NOW." Buck yelled.
"Oh my god." The woman said. Ana just sat there. "Fine." Buck said storming out to the car. Just as he got to the car the firetruck came screaming around the corner.
"BUCK WHAT DO YOU NEED?" Bobby hollered.
"CROWBAR!" Buck hollered back. Bobby came and handed him a Crowbar. Buck popped the door open and unstrapped Christopher. "Chris Buddy wake up." Buck said pulling him out.
Hen came to them. "Let me have him Buck. We'll take care of him." Hen said.
"B bucky?" Chris said.
"Hey Superman. I am right here. Aunti Hen is going to take real good care of you." Buck said kneeling at the boys head.
"D dad w will b be mad." Chris said teary eyed.
"You leave dad to me." Buck said kissing the too hot head.
"We need to get him in the bus now." Hen said. Buck, Chim and Hen all lifted the gurney and got Chris loaded into the bus.
"Buck you riding with him?" Hen asked.
"Yeah." Buck said jumping into the Ambulance.
EAST LA HOSPITAL.
AFTER ARRIVING AT THE HOSPITAL.
Buck watched as the gurney left to the trauma room. He pulled his phone out. And called Bobby. "Hey Buck. How is Chris?" Bobby asked.
"No word. I need to call Carla. She can run by and get Eddie." Buck said.
"I'll wait here for word on Chris." Bobby said.
Buck took his phone and made his way out of the room. He dialed Carla's number. "Hey Buckaroo." Carla said.
"Carla I need you to go to the firehouse. Listen Chris had to be taken to the hospital. Ana left him in a car in this heat for a little over 2 hours." Buck said.
"WHAT THE HELL!!!" Carla erupted.
"I can't think about her. I had Bobby make Eddie man behind. I need you to go there now I am fixing to call him." Buck said.
"Ok Honey. How is our ray of sunshine?" Carla asked.
"He had stopped sweating and was soo hot." Buck said.
"I am leaving now should be there in a a couple minutes." Carla said.
"Thanks Carla." Buck said hanging up.
Just then Athena came in. "How is Chris?" Athena asked.
"Stopped sweating and was really hot. My guess he'll be here on cooling fluids for a few days. Can she be arrested Mama?" Buck asked.
"Most definitely baby. I need your statement." Athena said.
"I was finishing helping Maddie and Chris called me. He was crying. Said she took him to the pier and ran into some of her friends. She locked him in through a child safety lock." Buck said.
"When you got there did you do anything?" Athena asked.
Buck looked down ashamed. "I went into the restaurant and demanded her keys. I never laid a hand on her. Her male friend was gonna protect her until i told him she left a kid in her car." Buck said.
"I know Baby." Athena said.
"After that I went back outside and Bobby and the others came. I used the crowbar and popped the door and after that it was all about Chris. I need to call Eddie." Buck said.
"Go call him. Someone driving him?" Athena asked.
"Carla." Buck said.
"I'm going to sit with Bobby. It's gonna be ok Baby." Athena said kissing his cheek and walking away.
Buck took a deep breath. He dialed Eddie's number. "Buck how is your day off?" Eddie asked.
"Eds. Is Carla coming into the firehouse?" Buck asked soberly.
"Yeah. Buck what is going?" Eddie asked worridly.
"Listen, Chris is in the hospital." Buck said.
"WHAT? HOW?" Eddie stopped talking when he remembered the call.
"B buck was he the kid in a hot car." Eddie asked.
"Yes. Listen Eds let Carla bring you to the hospital. I am here with him. I will tell you everything." Buck said.
"Is he...." Eddie couldn't bring himself to ask.
"He was awake when we got here. Just let Carla bring you." Buck said.
"Ok." Eddie said emotionally.
10 MINUTES LATER
Buck was still in the waiting room when Eddie came running in. Buck grabbed his arm and stopped him. "No word yet. Sheila over there will give me an update as soon as there is word." Buck said.
"How did this happen?" Eddie asked.
"Chris called me Ana left him to go have lunch with some friends." Buck said.
"SHE WHAT?" Eddie bellowed.
"Hey take it down. We can be mad or pissed at her later. Right now it's Chris we need to take care of." Buck said.
Eddie flung himself into Buck's arms. "Why would she do this?" Eddie asked brokenly.
"I don't know Eds. But we'll figure it out later. Ok." Buck said as a doctor came out.
"Are you two here for Christopher Diaz?" She asked.
"I am Evan Buckley I was with him when he was brought in this is his father Eddie Diaz.' Buck said.
"Let me say Chris is stable. When he was brought in he was way over heated. Mr Buckley. you said when you got him out he had stopped sweating?" She asked.
"Yes. We did't do temperature cause we figured it was pretty high." Buck said keeping his hand on Eddie's back.
"We have brought his body temp down considerably. I understand Chris has Cerebral palsy?" She asked.
"Yes he was diagnosed when he was just under 2 years old." Eddie said.
"So we believe Chris probably suffered heat stroke. Or close to. He is very dehydrated." She said.
"Is he awake?" Buck asked.
"We have him sedated so he wouldn't get scared. But it will wear off shortly. We are going to keep him a couple of days to monitor his vitals and make sure there are no side effects. With the CP and Heat stroke." She said smiling.
"When can we see?" Buck asked.
"Right now. Follow me." The Doctor said leading them into the room Chris was being held in. "We will get him a room all set up. And he will be moved shortly." The doctor said smiling at them as she left.
"Oh buddy I am so sorry." Eddie said holding onto Chris's hand, kissing it.
Buck noticed Athena standing outside the room. "Eds I'll be right back." Buck said squeezing his shoulder.
"How is Chris?" Athena asked.
"Ok. Severely Dehydrated, Heat stroke. Going to keep him make sure the heat stroke doesn't have an effect with the CP." Buck said.
"Good. I need your statement." Athena said.
"Can we go to the waiting room." Buck asked.
"Sure boo." Athena said, following Buck.
"I was finishing with Maddie when Chris called me. He was crying said Ana had taken him to the pier." Buck said.
"Did he say if he wanted to be there?" Athena asked.
"No. He did not. I asked him where he was at and he told me they were parked next to the parking tent." Buck said.
"This the parking tent on Larosa?" Athena asked.
"Yes. I parked there when the Tsunami hit." Buck said quietly.
"What happened when you got there?" Athena asked.
"I saw Ana in a restaurant with a woman about Ana's age and a man about Bobby's age maybe older. I went into the restaurant and demanded her keys." Buck said swallowing.
"Baby the other two people said you never touched her. You're not in trouble." Athena said.
"She just sat there stoic. After a few minutes I went back out to the car. That was when Bobby and them came on the scene." Buck said.
"Alright Baby. Go back to your boys. I think Eddie may need you more right now." Athena said.
"Thanks Mama." Buck said hugging her.
Buck went back into Chris's room. "What did Athena want?" Eddie asked.
"My statement." Buck said.
3 HOURS LATER
CHRIS'S HOSPITAL ROOM
Eddie and Buck were both in chairs looking at their phones when a moan came from the bed. "Chris?" Eddie asked jumping up.
"D Daddy?" He asked.
"Hey buddy." Eddie said kissing his head.
"Hey Superman." Buck said coming to the other side of the bed.
"B Bucky." Chris said.
"How are you feeling Mijo?" Eddie asked.
"Tired, Sore." Chris said.
"I bet. Your body is trying to cool it self down." Buck said.
"Daddy I,m sorry." Chris said.
"Whatever for?" Eddie asked.
"I didn't want to go to the pier. She made me. Told me I should g get over m my f fear." Chris said starting to cry.
Buck pulled Chris into his arms. "C,mere superman. Want to know a secret?" Buck asked.
"Y yes." Chris said fisting his hand in Buck,s shirt.
"I don't want to go to the pier either. So we will face our fears together when it's right for us. What Ms Ana did was not right." Buck said.
"Yeah Mijo. I'm gonna have a conversation with her. You won't be seeing her again." Eddie said rubbing Chris's back.
"But you're happy with her." Chris said getting upset.
"Buddy, I am happy when it's you, me and Buck. I needed a little reminder of that. And today I realized something else." Eddie said.
"Good cause I don't like Ms Ana." Chris said. Eddie and Buck laughed.
"C,mon Superman let's you and me get comfy in bed here while Dad goes and talks to Ms Ana." Buck said laying Chris back down and curling up with him.
ANA'S HOUSE
1 HOUR LATER
Eddie pulled into the driveway and parked. He saw Athena and her officers down the street and smiled. As he made his way to the door Ana opened it and ran into his arms. "Edmundo I am so sorry." Ana said.
"For what? For leaving my child in a SWELTERING HOT FUCKING CAR?" Eddie yelled.
"I i didn't mean to be so long." Ana said.
"You pushed the Child Safety lock so he couldn't get out." Eddie said incredously.
"I want to see Christopher." Ana said.
"Hell no. You're lucky he didn't die in there." Eddie said.
"Where is he?" Ana asked.
"The hospital. Buck is with him." Eddie said seeing Athena make her way up the lawn.
"He shouldn't be left alone with him. He was very intimidating towards me earlier. And he crowbarred my car." Ana said feeling she was in the right.
"Cause you left CHRISTOPHER IN A SWELTERING CAR. Look I just came to tell you I am done. I do not want to see you anymore. You endangered my son." Eddie said.
"But Edmundo, we could've had something." Ana said.
"No. I know who I belong with. These cops needs to speak with you." Eddie said walking past Athena and her friends.
"Ana Flores, you're under arret for Child Endangerment and neglect." Athena said.
2 HOURS LATER
HOSPITAL-CHRIS'S ROOM
Eddie made his way back in to find Pepa and Isabelle sitting on the couch and Buck in the recliner all quietly talking. "Hola Nieto. How did it go with that Perra?" Abuela asked.
"Abuela!!" Eddie said quietly.
"What, that's what she is." She said huffing.
Buck smirked at her and glanced at Eddie. "Would you two sit with Chris. Me and Eddie are gonna take a walk." Buck said getting up and guiding Eddie out of the room. "So what happened?" Buck asked.
"She never confessed. Blamed you for damaging her car." Eddie said leaning on the wall.
"Eds you know I never touched her right?" Buck asked.
"Evan, I know. You did what you had to do to get our boy out of the car." Eddie said holding Buck's arm.
"O OUR boy?" Buck asked.
"Buck you've been co parenting him for years now. You think I would trust him with just anyone?" Eddie asked.
"I know. I would die for him." Buck said.
"You nearly did." Eddie said raising his eyebrows.
"Yeah. You ok with the breakup?" Buck asked.
"Yeah. I already knew it wasn't going to last." Eddie said.
"How?" Buck asked.
"Cause I could never love her if I am in love with someone else." Eddie said smirking.
"Who?" Buck asked incredously.
"You silly. Buck I've been in love with you from the day you brought me Carla. You make sure my son no our son knows he can do anything he wants. You don't see him as his CP You see him as a kid who can do anything." Eddie said.
"Eds..." Buck said swallowing hard.
"If I am off base please tell me and we can go back to just friends." Eddie said.
"N not off base. I am hard to love tho." Buck said.
"No you're not carino. You're the easiest to love." Eddie said leaning in and kissing Buck on the mouth. "Come on. Let's go back to our kid." Eddie said grabbing his hand.
SIX MONTHS LATER
Buck and Eddie had all but moved in together. To say Christopher was thrilled with the new relationship would be an understatement. Helena and Ramon adored Buck like Isabelle and Pepa did. But today was a hard day for all. Today marked two years from the Tsunami. And six months from Chris's heat stroke caused by Ana Flores. Which found the whole family in the court house for three reasons. One Ana Flores's sentencing. "All rise for the honorable Judge Lola Carmichael." The Bailiff said.
"PLease be seated. I see we have a packed court house. Counselors state your cases." Judge Carmichael said.
After the prosection stated the charges the defense attorney got up. "Your honor my client was a teacher for 10 years and had become a vice principle. She has not other crime on her record." The defense said.
Judge Carmichael sighed. "Ms Flores please stand." She said.
Eddie grabbed a hold of Buck's hand in a death grip. "It's ok Babe. We have the restraining order if for some reason they're is no jail time." Buck said squeezing his hand.
"Ms Flores, I am torn. On one hand you've been a teacher for ten years. But on the other you left a 9 year old child who could not get out of the heat of the car for two hours. I can not even imagine what that felt like for that young man." Judge Carmichael said.
Chris who was sitting on Eddie's lap turned and hugged Eddie. "It's ok Little man." Eddie said kissing his head.
"Ms Flores I am sentencing you to ten years jail time. At five years you can seek parole. I will remind you in that five year mark you will have no contact with the Diaz family. Am I clear?" Judge Carmichael said.
"Yes your honor." Ana said timidly.
"Court is adjourned. Actually could Mr Diaz and little mr diaz please stay." Judge Carmichael asked.
Once Ana was taken out of the room Lola looked at Chris. "Christopher I want to say I am so glad you are ok. Ms Athena told me what happened and I've been keeping you in my good thoughts." Lola said.
"T thank you. My B bucky saved me." Chris said smiling.
"Well we should be so lucky as to have a Buck in our life. I have a friend down stairs who has an opening today if you guys want me to escort you down there for your next appointment." Lola said.
"That would be great. But we need to tell our family." Eddie said.
"By all means tell em the good news." Lola said smiling.
Eddie and Buck turned to see Bobby, Helena, Ramon, Athena, Pepa, Isabel, Maddie and Chim all standing looking at them confused. "So a few weeks ago I got asked two important questions. One to be Eddie's husband and to adopt Christopher." Buck said.
There were cheers heard through out the little crowd. "So we thought we'd do that here today since mom and Papi are here. We did not want a big wedding. Hen and Karen along with kids are down the hall in the family court." Eddie said.
"Let's go." Helena said.
FAMILY COURT ROOM
Judge Silas Laski was talking with Karen and Hen. "Are they the Diaz's?" Silas asked.
"Yes Silas this is Eddie Diaz and Christopher Diz. And this is Evan Buckley. And this is their family." Lola said.
"Well let's get this party started. We'll do the nupituals first." Silas said.
"Dad? You be my best man?" Eddie asked.
"I'd be honored." Ramone said.
Buck turned to Bobby. "Bobby you be my best man?" Buck asked.
"With pleasure Son." Bobby said causing Buck to tear up.
"Alright let's begin. Family and Friends we're gathered to unite these two fellas in marriage. Since I have a time schedule we will go straight to the vows." Silas said.
Buck and Eddie turned to look at each other smiling. "Do you Edmundo Ryan Diaz take thee Evan Oliver Buckley to be your husband. To have and Hold, In sickness and in health, til death do you part?" Silas asked.
"I do." Eddie said softly.
"And do you Evan Oliver Buckley take thee Edmundo Ryan Diaz to be your husband. TO have and hold, in sickness and in health, til death do you part?" Silas asked Buck.
"I do." Buck said choked up.
"Little man could I have the rings?" Silas asked Christopher.
Chris handed the rings over to him and stepped back next to Bobby. "Eddie take Evan's ring and place it on his left ring finger and repeat after me. I give to you this ring as a symbol of my love and devotion to you. With this ring I thee wed." Silas said.
Eddie slipped the ring on Buck's finger and said I give to you this ring as a symbol of my love and devotion to you. With this ring I thee wed." Eddie said in a husky voice.
"Buck please take Eddie's ring and place it on his finger and repeat after me I give to you this ring as a symbol of my love and devotion to you. With this ring I thee wed." Silas said.
Buck took Eddie's ring and slid it on his finger while repeating I give to you this ring as a symbol of my love and devotion to you. With this ring I thee wed." Buck said.
"And with these rings and the vows by the powers vested in me by the state of California I now pronounced you Married." Silas turned to all the boys. "Alright boys cover your eyes. Yall may kiss." Silas said smiling. Buck and Eddie kissed and everyone cheered. "Now there is one other matter. Christopher come here." Silas said kneeling down.
"I hear you want mr Buckley to be your other dad." Silas asked.
"I really do. He takes care of me. He saved me during the Tsunami. And when Ms Flores made me stay int he car." Christopher said.
"Well he sounds like a hero." Silas said.
"Oh he is Mijo." Isabelle said tears in her eyes.
"Alright Mr Buckley state your name and the child your adopting. Cause I see three boys and two babies." Silas said. Athena grabbed Harry and laughed. Karen and Hen grabbed Nia and Denny as well. And Chim kissed Jee yun's head.
"I Evan Oliver Buckley wish to adopt Christopher Gavin Diaz." Buck said.
"And do you Christopher Diaz wish to be adopted by Evan Oliver Buckley?" Silas asked.
"Yes please." Chris said smiling.
"Mr Buckley by signing this adoption decree. Do you promise to make sure Christopher has a loving and caring home. And does all his math homework and eats all his vegetables?" Silas asked causing Chris to groan.
"Yes I do." Buck said tears in his eyes.
"Alright then by my signing this form you are now the legal guardian of one Christopher Gavin Diaz." Silas said as Buck signed the adoption papers.
"C,mere Superman." Buck said grabbing Chris and hugging him to him and kissing his head.
"I now present to you the Diaz family." Silas said causing everyone to clap.
GRANT-NASH RESIDENCE.
THAT EVENING
Everyone was milling around the backyard. Bobby stood up and clanked his glass. "Can I have everyone's attention." He said. "As we know the last few years have not been easy. Especially for Eddie, Buck and Christopher. I don't think I have to name all the issues." He said causing others to laugh. "But I want to say I am very proud of the two men. Buck I am proud to call you son. You are not biologically mine but you are in every other way. And Eddie I am sure I can speak for your Abuela, Aunt and Parents when I say we're proud of the father and man you have become. So please everyone raise your glasses." Bobby said. As all glasses and cups were raised even Nia,s and Jeeyun,s sippy cups. "To the Diaz's." He said. Every shouted. "TO THE DIAZS." And drank. Buck leaned over and kissed Eddie quickly and then dropped a kiss to Chris's head. Yeah this is his family.
END