“What?”
“They were kissing and hugging on the side of the trail. It was them, I know it. God, I can’t see them.”
“We don’t have to see them,” Rory said. “Let’s go back the other way.”
“I can’t move. I’m…I’m not strong enough.”
Bernard was paralyzed from his past. Rory remembered when Jason and Tracy had each cheated on him. How they broke him. Those men were heartless and vile. Bernard deserved to forget what they did, but here they were, reminding him of his past. Rory’s heart ached for him.
“Come on.” Rory helped him to his feet.
“I thought that was you,” a voice came from the trail.
Tracy stood there, a smug look on his face, Jason behind him.
“Still the same man,” Tracy said, “so emotional.”
“What’s your problem?” Rory asked.
“Is this your boyfriend?” Jason stepped forward.
“Yes, and I’m a much better boyfriend than either of you could ever be.”
“He’ll leave you too,” Tracy said. “He’s a sad, pathetic man who doesn’t know what he wants. He acts like he does, but really doesn’t.”
Rory looked around. Bernard had fallen back to a sitting position. He was shaking, crying, and wasn’t defending himself.
Bernard always stands up to bullies. What’s wrong?
“You both cheated on him.” Rory rounded on them, trying to control his anger. “You betrayed your relationships and now you’re together. I guess you wanted an open relationship but didn’t have the guts to voice it to Bernard because you know he wouldn’t go for it. He knows what he wants, and it’s neither of you. So, why don’t you move along. You obviously deserve each other.”
“Fuck you,” Jason said.
“No, fuck you!” Rory said. “Get lost. You had no reason to come talk to us except to be assholes. So, just go.”
The pair turned around. “They deserve each other,” Tracy said as they walked away.
“He’s as sad and pathetic as Bernie,” Jason said.
Rory knelt next to Bernard. Tears still soaked his beard.
“They’re right, I’m pathetic,” he said.
“No, you’re not. They’re assholes. I know it hurts, but you have me. I’m here for you, no matter what. I’ll never treat you the way they did.”
Bernard smiled up at him. “How did I find someone so wonderful as you?”
“Because you’re a sweet and wonderful man who deserves to be happy. I’m glad I could give you that happiness.”
They made it back to the blanket and Bernard dried up his tears.
“So, do you have snack cakes for dessert again?” Rory stifled a giggle.
“Actually,” Bernard said, “I brought Hostessapple and cherry pies.”
They both laughed. It was nice to hear Bernard laugh. He needed to forget about Jason and Tracy.
Rory grabbed an apple pie while Bernard ate a cherry. They talked about how the last few weeks went, skirting around the obvious discussion of how they left things the last time they saw each other.
