Barry Berkman

Part 16

I woke up to Barry across the way crouching down behind a car and I was slumped behind a bush. He turned to me and a look of relief washed over his face. He mouthed the words, 'are you okay?' I looked down at myself and nodded. I sat up a little straighter and whisper,

"What are we doing here?" I waved my arms up in the air. He whispered back,

"The Bolivians shot at us, remember?" How could I not? I thought to myself. He continued, "One of the guys is coming down the hill right now, so get ready to shoot."

I nodded and grabbed my rifle. I hadn't used it so I was fully loaded. I was confused why we weren't together, but Barry must have had a reason for it.

I heard the man ride down the hill on a motorbike and stop, the dirt crunching beneath him. As he neared the car I got ready. The man rounded the car and saw Barry. Now I knew what I was supposed to do. I quietly got up as Barry said,

"Hey, listen man, I can explain.." The Bolivian raised his gun when Barry finished speaking. Barry looked at me desperately, confused why I hadn't shot already, and then I pressed the trigger.

The man instantly dropped to the ground and I ran towards Barry.

"Are you okay?" I asked him. He looked back and gave me a thumbs up and a smile. I smiled back and we ran across the plains to where we had come in.

* * *

We had been walking for a while and it was starting to get dark. We had driven pretty far into the mountains and countryside so there was no one to hitch-hike with. Plus no one wanted to give a ride to two people with rifles. As we walked more, Barry stopped. I kept walking but I turned around and saw him breathing heavily, with his hands on his hips.

"Are you alright?" I asked him.

"Me? Oh yeah." He had to stop talking to catch his breath. "No I'm, I'm fine. Thanks though!"

He cheerfully walked up to me and we both stopped and looked into each other's eyes. I broke eye contact and walked off. I didn't want him to think I was a jerk, but this guy was dangerous and saving his life meant I cared about him, and alliances would end up getting you killed if you weren't careful.