“His name was Angus. We went to school together. He and I kept it a secret for years. We were in love, but it was not acceptable.”
Rory couldn’t believe his ears. His father just admitted he loved a man.
“But you’re with Mom?”
“Yes, I fell in love with your mom.”
“You’ve loved both a man and a woman?”
“That’s right. I’m attracted to men and women.”
“Then, you’re bisexual.”
“Yes.”
“What happened to Angus?”
“After we left school, we went our separate ways.”
Tears formed in his father’s eyes. The pain of the memory reflected on his face.
“We were from a small village. Someone was bound to find out. So, we separated. I haven’t heard from him since.”
The tears pooled around his cheeks. He wiped them away.
“You’re still in love with him?”
“Yes, I’ve never forgotten him.”
“I’m so sorry, Dad.”
“It’s okay. I love your mother dearly. I wouldn’t trade our time together for anything.”
“Why are you telling me this?”
“Because I know you have the same feelings for Bernard that I had for Angus.” He placed a hand on Rory’s shoulder. “The difference is you have shown no interest in women. I don’t want you to live a life that makes you unhappy.”
“But what do I do?”
“Do you still love him?”
“Yes, with all my heart.”
“Then you need to decide if you want to be with him, wait for someone else to come along, or live alone.”
“But…will I honor God?”
“I don’t believe God will punish you for loving another man. You’re both consenting adults, and what you do, so long as it doesn’t harm others, is no one else’s business.”
Rory wrapped his arms around his father. “Thank you, Dad.”
His dad held him tight.
“I want you to be happy,” he said, “and don’t worry about your mother. I’ll help you when the time comes.”
*
RORY STOPPED FORfast food on his way home. He didn’t want to cook; even reheating leftovers seemed daunting.
