“I do. I just do it my way. I don’t believe I have to attend church every Sunday or pray all the time. I just try to be a good person and do the best that I can do.”
The church removed Bernard’s standing when they discovered he was gay. He left religion behind while he discovered himself. He still believed in God, but not the God the Catholic Church taught. His God was one who loved you no matter what and didn’t require constant worship.
“Does it get easier?” Rory asked.
“Not much, but we’ll get through it together.”
When they made it back to the group, Sophia and Nicolas had to head out for work. Kelly and John started cleaning up while Sarah took Mikey to the play area.
Bernard and Rory joined in to help clean up.
“So, Bernard,” Jeff said. “I have a question.”
“Yes,” Bernard said.
“We asked Rory this, and he never gave us an answer.” He grinned at Rory. “How long have you been in love with Rory?”
“You asked Rory how long he’d been in love with me?”
“I did,” Davi said. “But he didn’t answer.”
“I’m right here,” Rory said. “I still don’t know when I fell for him.”
“It was our junior year of high school. We’d finished studying for our history exam. I looked over and saw Rory in a different light. At that moment, I found myself attracted to him. Sitting across from Rory is the first time I truly accepted I was gay.”
“That’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard,” Jeff said.
“I wish I knew then what I know now,” Rory said.
“I tried dating, but you know how those relationships ended. I think somewhere deep down I chose the wrong men because I didn’t think anyone could compare to you.”
Davi and Jeff were now wiping tears from their eyes.
“You two are so handsome together,” Davi said. “I hope I can find love like yours one day.”
“Davi,” Rory said, “you are a wonderful man. I know you’ll find someone who makes you happy.”
“Thank you.”
They finished cleaning, and Bernard got Rory back home in time for church.
“Thank you for a wonderful day,” Rory said. “I had a lot of fun.”
“I did too.” Bernard resisted kissing him. Rory lived in a safe neighborhood, but he didn’t know which neighbors went to his church.
“Another afternoon together tomorrow?” Rory asked.
“Would you like to stay the night?”
“I wish I could,” Rory said. “But I can’t risk it. I’m so sorry.”
“I understand. What about tomorrow night after our day in the park?”
“Yes, I’d like that.”
*
ONCE HOME, BERNARDlet Ginger out back and sat on the couch. Their friends supported their relationship. Bernard had sworn off relationships before, but Rory was different. Special. He’d hide their relationship forever if it meant staying with him. One day, Rory would come out to his family when he was ready. Bernard knew the fallout would be horrible, but he’d be free to be himself. The world may not accept them, but they had friends who did. They didn’t need the world.
