He said hello to Mina after she leaped onto his shoulder. She followed him into the bedroom. He changed into his pajamas and headed to the living room to watch television while he ate.
His father had given him a lot to think about. Bernard wasn’t a mean person. He’d been protecting Rory in his own way. Rory had to make amends.
He walked into the kitchen to throw away his bag and the light on the answering machine still blinked.
I never checked that message.
He pushed play. Bernard’s voice played. He apologized for what he’d said and had defended Rory.
Tears welled up in Rory’s eyes as he dialed Bernard’s number.
Please pick up. Please pick up.
“Hello?”
“Hi, Bernard.”
Rory’s heart ached.He picked up.Rory took three deep breaths. He didn’t know what to say.
“Rory, are you there?” Bernard asked.
“I’m here, Bernard,” he said. “I got your message. I’m sorry for not talking to you. I’ve realized what my mother has been doing. I want to see you.”
“I want to see you too.”
“Let’s meet at the park tomorrow after church.”
“Can you come over now?”
Could he see him now? He wanted to be with Bernard. He needed to be with Bernard.
“Yes, I’ll be right over.”
Rory’s heart sang. He and Bernard were going to make this right. They were going to be together, like they’d both wanted. Nothing was going to stand in their way.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Rory
Saturday, July 25/Sunday, July 26
BERNARD OPENED THEdoor and Rory leaped into his arms and hugged him.
“I’m sorry. I should have talked to you instead of walking away. I’m so sorry, Bernard. I hope you’ll forgive me.” The words tumbled out of him. His grip on Bernard loosened.
“You have nothing to be sorry about. I hurt you. I shouldn’t have called your mom a bitch. I hope you can forgive me.”
“Yes, I forgive you. I do.” Rory squeezed him.
He allowed Bernard to hold him tight in his arms. The warmth of his body enveloped him like a blanket. He was safe.
“Come in.”
Bernard brought in soda and a bowl of chips.
“Rory, I should have kept my calm when your mother called me a faggot, but it was too much. It felt like she was calling you one too, and I didn’t want you to face that. I’ve been through it, and I should protect you.”
“Thank you for thinking of me. You called her out on what she’d said. It might not have been the nicest way, but she hurt and upset you. I understand.”
