408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dTFFnJ065
408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheAS3K0OFA
For long minutes, I stroke Jessy's wet hair, trying to soothe his pain, his fears. When he straightens his face, he seems ashamed to have cried in my arms. Delicately, I wipe away his last tears, surprised that he lets me do it, and smile at him to reassure him.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HZWb2p85o
We set off on our way back in torrential rain, yet we walk peacefully, savoring the fact of being together. I don't care if it rains as long as I'm with him.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpQJ7SJB2q
— Anyway, we're already soaked, I answer Jessy when he asks me if I want to run to get to his house faster. It'll be OK ? 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANhiAr7ouo
— Yeah, I think so.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZBhMuV7nx
— Jessy, please promise me you’ll never let yourself fall into the void like that again. I got the fright of my life.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkeSNwu1ja
Hands in his pockets, he shrugs his shoulders and breathes deeply before telling me : 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGC05j08pu
— Promise. Why do you care about me so much ? 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWsvFCRTAA
His question makes my heart beat faster. I'm not ready to tell him the feelings he inspires in me. I have to analyze them first and try to find out what he feels. So even though I feel my cheeks turning pink, I answer him evasively.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYbB3frD3h
— Why not ? 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1u9i7M6Yc
— When people learn about AIDS, they turn their backs on me. This is why my mother and I came to live here. Even my father-in-law couldn't stand me living under his roof anymore.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2e8cqwnKX
— There are morons everywhere, I whisper. Jessy, I like you. I'm not going to start ignoring you because you have a health problem.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy42HnB3oPR
— Thank you, he murmurs, pursing his lips. I'm sorry for everything I said to you. I didn't mean to be so rude.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39amrHd0Tt
His unexpected apology really makes me happy. When Jessy stops telling me off, I see in him the boy I had guessed at first glance : A good guy to whom difficult things happen. I think that's why he always tries to show an angry face, he has suffered so much that he doesn't want people to perceive his fragility.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcd3ZT2vLso
— It's forgotten. By the way, I met your mother. She seems very nice.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKzuDxtDWc
Despite our slow walk, we already arrive in front of his house.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXRq39ruUs
— She is. Do you want me to take you home ? I can borrow his car.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkiGaW9JF3
— No, it is going to be fine. I don't want to get the seats soggy, I smile. See you tomorrow ? 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjywR0T6TP
I am happy to see him nod with a big smile. And as I walk away, I realize I've never been closer to him than I am tonight.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvdXzU0BoS
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It's almost 11 p.m. when I get home, completely soaked. My parents are waiting for me, impatient and worried.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJf1G3PDpeG
— Finally, here you are, my father roared. Look at you, you're good at wringing ! 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2Vgq3i2K8
— Were you with Jessy ? My mother asks in her usual soft voice.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasrwt3SYrW
I nod, shivering from the cold.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfumRGza6W
— We spoke with Mrs. Sutter at the meeting. She told us that her son had been missing for hours and that she had no idea where he might be. She was very worried about him, my father told me.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAlBMgZsRL
— He went back home. How did the meeting go ? 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkfCa89AJZ
— Start by drying off, we'll tell you later.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjwZbKunpr
I head into the bathroom where I warm up quickly and quickly put on my pajamas, as well as a warm dressing gown, as I can't wait to see how the evening unfolds. I find my parents in the living room, where everyone, in an armchair, drinks coffee while waiting for me.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuONuNxwcA
— So how did it go ? I said, sitting across from them on the couch.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcQj16YcSj
— Difficult to say, my father grimaces. The principal had asked a doctor to come and answer the parents' questions. It calmed some when he assured their children were not at risk of breathing the same air as Jessy or touching him. But other parents are obtuse and want him to be expelled at all costs. They are simply scared to death, to the point of not understanding that AIDS is not caught like that.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9zAUfune2
— Mrs. Sutter spoke, saying how much she loves her son and that there is no risk in sharing his life since she has been doing it for a year without problem, my mother added. She is a very dignified and courageous woman. She told us you came to see her.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hBZyY5MqT
— Indeed, I was looking for Jessy.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoT0W0IavL1
— Nina told us that you went looking for him after Chad’s visit. Did you find it ? 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QzUGU3HKT
— Yes, and as far as you know, it’s over between Chad and me.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6a1xboM16
Contrary to what I thought, my father doesn't seem surprised. My mother must have already told him about it. However, I don't like the look they exchange before my mother asks me : 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUatoeEsjl
— Because of Jessy ? 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqKVEr0Nkl
— Yes and no. Jessy and I are friends. But let’s say that meeting him allowed me to open my eyes to Chad and his little world. I realized that, contrary to what I believed, I am not in love with him. I like him a lot but in a friendly way.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4y0kwTLkvA
Once again my parents exchange this strange look which seems to mean that they are not at the end of their trouble with me.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIb7bGrDZnf
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The next morning, when I arrived near the school, I saw Jessy waiting outside on the sidewalk.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Qus6zpOyT
— Hi, how are you ? 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPULvowjBR7
He puts a hand to his heart.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWCzy9qppC
— Oh, you scared me ! 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKl79ONveN
I burst out laughing.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTL08vrGEH
— That’s for the scare you gave me last night ! 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFoS5YCSfT
— It’s fair game, he smiled.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgZTAZKyCo
He stares at the large white building without taking a step towards it. Since I stayed in his arms the day before for several minutes, he no longer intimidates me as much, and this impression of knowing him for a long time has strengthened. I saw his fragility behind his anger, I saw his despair, but also his strength.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhISViR6bI
— Are you planning to come to class today ? 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedpIzGWFnR
— I don't know. After what happened yesterday...and then this meeting.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0lQ2hKyNL
He huffs and then purses his lips, visibly uncomfortable.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpo2Uzzz47l
— Did your mother tell you ? 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2TKsYQ104
— Yes, apparently the parents can't do anything against me, but there is always the possibility that they will contact the academy and file a complaint to have me fired. In fact, I wonder if it wouldn't be better if I gave up... 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxA2pZQLGz
— No way ! 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ01ctezgad
Jessy looks at me, surprised.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKttqGlI16
— We'll go together and everything will go well, you'll see.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP47L1n1lsU
— There are looks that are sometimes hard to bear, he admits to me.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TM3DQH4Ml
However, I notice that he accompanies me towards high school.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuck0nVCEMs
— I believe that, unfortunately, you can never please everyone, so give a chance to know you to those who want it and forget the morons.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2kVX33aq7
We enter the main hallway, students turn to look at us as I continue talking so that he focuses more on my voice than on the eyes focused on him.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNyoqSKvmN
— With time, there will be those who will realize who you really are and they will come to you, as for those who continue to criticize you, act as if they don't exist. They're the idiots, not you.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefAAv7fULn
I meet the gaze of a tall guy, named Tyler, who grimaces when he hears me.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMwuOcJtlY
— Yes, complete idiots, I said again in a louder voice.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCOnQAVNAg
Jessy gives me a grateful smile.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0iSY7zJys
— Oh, it’s getting bad, he murmurs.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIEPNPBOEZ
I follow his gaze and see Chad striding towards us. He stands in front of Jessy and, after a few seconds of hesitation, offers his hand.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1keKahBopX
— I'm sorry for yesterday. For the fight…and everything else. I should never have listened to your conversation and above all I should never have repeated his secret. I'm really sorry.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9K35S1LsHm
Jessy hesitates for a few seconds then squeezes his hand, nodding.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4I5Tq8hfw
— Thanks.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgG9ayjgzj
His eyes move from Jessy to me, he doesn't seem to know how to behave around me anymore.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXV6z1shn0J
Around us, several students observe the scene. Chad is the most popular boy in school and I suspect that after this reconciling handshake, the attitude of some people will change.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wyqJVFEjH
He taps Jessy on the shoulder and says — See you later and walks away.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHwRRGXHdA
— It’s weird that Chad came to apologize. Did you ask him to do it ? 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQYtWpti6q
— No, he did it alone, but you know, he’s like that. He is impulsive, but quickly regrets his outbursts... I feel, more than I see, Jessy looking at me in profile.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDoK4XKgtk
— What ? 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6A4V9kxpDd
I turn my head towards him.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EvDgf02lZ
— Why did you break up ? 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HzjUmNQmt
— We are too different.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9a6puiqSRs
I shrug my shoulders as if it were obvious.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFvWnJ81bO
— And are you okay ? 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CqoK8DAxI
I see in his eyes that he really cares about me, it warms my heart.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQyjfs6vaP
— Alright.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGB7tyTJJHP
A small smile appears at the corners of his lips.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ICr5Kmupz
— I know you don't like Chad very much, but erase that little smug look. (I smile in turn as the bell rings for the start of classes.) We're going to be late, come on.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJKVYgwU08
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In the days that followed, things calmed down at the school. I can't say that Jessy goes unnoticed, but he is seen less as an outcast, which is already a small victory. At school, I was always the model student, collecting good grades. The super serious girl who has the teachers on her side. When I dated Chad, who is the most popular guy, I became popular and other girls tended to take their cues from me. So, even if there are a few who look away and whisper as she passes, most of the students are starting to accept Jessy. Since the evening on the bridge, we have spent a lot of time together. I prefer to be with him rather than with my pseudo friends : Pearl and especially Amy, who has turned her back on me since Chad and I separated.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XBO1YYAs5
Jessy has become my best friend. I can talk to him about everything without being afraid that he will judge me; however, he always gives me his honest opinion.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CtyJ0FTXE
Jessy lived surrounded by family and friends before learning of his HIV status, but he told me that when those close to him learned of his illness, everyone turned their backs on him and, overnight, he found himself abandoned. Only his mother remained near him. By moving to Millisky where Mrs. Sutter found a job as a secretary in a bank, she hoped that her son would finally be able to return to a normal life.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZKukQvap8
The more I get to know him and the less I want this solitary life for him, it's like a kind of mission that I have set for myself. I may not be able to save him, but I can make him smile again. Also, I force him to accompany me to the cinema, to the theater, to fast food. Jessy complains, protests, sometimes drags his feet, but in the end, I always make him give in.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3UVCAHA8S
— You've lived locked up enough like that ! » is my key phrase to convince him.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnuAfwW1MH
He then rolls his eyes, huffing in exasperation while his cross— shaped earring swings to the rhythm of his breathing. Finally, he looks at me with a little smile which alone symbolizes my victory.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxA8Xaf0pf
I am myself with him. We have a lot of tastes in common, we laugh at the same jokes, we talk about everything and nothing without ever getting tired of it. And when I'm not with him, he haunts my mind. He is the first person I think of in the morning when I wake up and the last in the evening before I go to sleep. In a few weeks, it has invaded my life and I hope more than anything that it continues as long as possible.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfU1qL533vo
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— Hello Mrs. Sutter, are you well ? I say happily as I enter the living room, accompanied by Jessy.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84CQjNj17N
Over the past few weeks, I've been spending so much time at the Sutters' that it feels like my second home. I really like Jessy's mother. Just by his look, we perceive his kindness and his strength. I am always welcome at their home and even though Jessy can come to my house whenever he wants, I understand that he is more comfortable in his environment.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhLL49me1A
— Good Meg and you ? 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tpBPN6ilH
— I’m fine.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFDIzMRAzO
Elise gets up while Jessy goes to turn on the television.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoUQ1KKyfv
— What movie are you going to watch ? 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xp0fCJXTh
— Ghost ! With a big smile, I show the video tape I brought, asking him : Are you staying to watch it with us ? 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtI5EgAviK7
— Unfortunately, I can't. I have not finished completing a loan application for a client. I’m going to go lock myself in my room with this file, she sighs.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMIA9PzLDA
— Good luck, Mrs Sutter. 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAwYkaP2no
She takes a few steps away before turning back to me.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqUkd6eqMn
— Meg, for the hundredth time, call me Elise.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNc6E1LsgWs
— I'll try, I promise.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IlrGpwMc8
His mother leaves the room, leaving us alone.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTmyRRtQ6i
— Pop corn ? Jessy asks me. I only have salty, I don't like sweet.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nv6xvlMyu
— That suits me very well.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkbSkZhc7j
Once the popcorn is in a large bowl, we sit on the sofa in front of the television. Almost two hours later, I overcame my fear that he would send me away for daring to lean my head on Jessy's shoulder. To my great relief, he just smiled as he continued to watch the film. Now that it is ending, I can no longer contain my emotion and shed many tears.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTpjBigd44
— Don’t make fun, I said, seeing him laugh discreetly.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDx9hhaFsA7
I stand up and stretch before wiping my eyes.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnX9QdGX1Q3
— Patrick Swayze is too sexy, I comment.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfYI5UeI6n
— Demi Moore is not to be outdone, he sighs, lowering his head.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4LPNn48F8
He suddenly seems sad, which worries me.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dCvawwL4m
— Isn't that okay ? 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScgdFd94Oc
— Yes, it’s just that… Do you believe that the afterlife exists ? 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7s6e5nDIDj
Still sitting on the couch, I turn to him.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxm8M26aIcR
— I think yes. However, I don't know if it's like in this movie.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQanWrWSNj
He adopts the same position as me, we find ourselves face to face.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2mfEMwSIG
— If that’s the case, I’ll make sure to let you know when I get there.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLg7Z1P2heh
I wasn't expecting this response which took me completely by surprise. New uncontrollable tears flood my face. Reality suddenly reminds me. When I am with Jessy, I forget his illness because he is him, the boy I love with all my heart even if he knows nothing about my feelings. But there, faced with the virus, I find myself facing its imminent death. It’s a horrible thing that I try not to think about, as if that could prevent it from happening. I know this is stupid and despite all my efforts, AIDS still remains in the back of my mind. But hearing Jessy talk about his departure is upsetting. I would love to tell him that I am in love with him and that he has no right to leave me, ever. However, this is one of the subjects that I cannot discuss with him as I am sure that he would send me away again. He needs support, so I'm content to be his friend, secretly hoping that one day he'll realize that I mean more to him.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNXqnowwja
— What do you have ? He is surprised.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6FLofZeH0
— I don't want you to die Jessy ! 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8QP7yXSsy
I burst into tears as I threw myself on his neck. Immediately, he hugs me back.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhpsYJWX9B
— Don’t cry, he whispers in my ear. I don't like seeing you sad.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaHzDesdGO
His heart beating wildly against my chest reminds me that he is still very much alive and that as long as that is the case, we must not lose hope.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTY9NdFBYEd
Staring at him, I detach myself from him.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTL6ybXlS74
— You're going to fight to stay alive, aren't you ? 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurGsP1IgRb
He strokes a lock of my hair that falls to the side of his face while observing me attentively. He seems to weigh the weight of his words.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3X4GyKy635
Finally, he nods in agreement.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRo4dGvvGw0
— I have confidence in the future and in medicine. They will find a cure, it’s just a matter of time, I resume with confidence.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNHCf4mq9G
— Meg, we've already talked about this. You can't save me.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDuibEWcVY
He lowers his head but I have time to see his eyes fill with tears.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNjBrRzHVq
— I know... For the moment, but I can keep hope, I smile, wiping away the last tears that linger on my cheeks.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQsFufnlsC
Mrs. Sutter enters the room at this moment, breaking our moment of complicity.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0W30KtDRbU
— Megan, are you crying ? She worries, looking at us in turn. And you too ? 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEA38Xi49h
Jessy and I exchange a look before bursting out laughing under the surprised gaze of Elise.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFyeRtqlUO
— I’m going to go home, I announce, leaving the sofa.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1h9VuZeCu
— I'll take you back.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUPIK095nQ
— No, it is going to be fine. I need to get some fresh air.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUU5f5I9XGT
Above all, I need to expel from my body this disorder that I am trying to control, and also to silence my fears about its future. Kindly, he will get me my coat. After putting it on, I turn to him and take him in my arms. For a few more seconds, I want to feel him against me.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4uqBDwaGB
— Do me a favor, hold on to life, I whisper in his ear.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72SShvfzW8
Emu, he acquiesced.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPL0X9yqkK3
When I leave the warmth of his arms, I see Elise watching us from the kitchen, she wears a little knowing smile, which makes me understand that she knows perfectly well how I feel about her son.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjejgmErb1
— Good night, see you tomorrow ! I throw before going out.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyUhynfwai
I take a few steps while staring at the dark sky, inside I promise myself to do everything to save Jessy's life.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEERjG2xnef
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Since Jessy stubbornly refuses to tell me about his virus, during the days that follow, I go around bookstores looking for medical journals. At that time, when AIDS was terrifying the population, I had hoped to learn more, unfortunately the articles were still rare and the possible treatments even more so. Everyone repeats the instructions to follow in order not to be contaminated but none of them informs me about the solutions to overcome this cursed disease.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJy8CUctznL
— What is all this ? My mother asks me when I return home, my arms full of magazines and books.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4vSNA2QAv
— I'm finding out about AIDS, I admit, placing my load on the kitchen table.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsP6Jncpj7
— Meg, I know you care about Jessy but... Don't waste your life for him.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfDEHY5R2n
My mother's words felt like a stab to the heart.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7wCzIsh7V
— That's not what I meant, she continues, realizing my fear.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1tseYcEKs
Hand on her forehead, she shakes her head as I grab my books again, determined to put an end to this discussion.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRVUxrg4MM
— Megan, you are 16 years old, you have your whole life ahead of you.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliiy0LtUvp
— And not Jessy, right ? ! I get angry.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwnghcSNDF
My mother looks down.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8MWX5hFyJ
— That's not what I said. I just think you're too young to have all these worries. You should be able to enjoy your teenage years completely carefree.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BHNnDEegw
— I would have liked it too, Mom, believe me I would have preferred that Jessy wasn’t sick. But he is and if I can help him in any way I will be there for him. I realize there's not much I can do, however, maybe one of these books will talk about a treatment and I can tell Jessy about it.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5U0lf6NHa8
My mother nods weakly.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoI5VTbywJt
— I just ask you to be careful. Don't get too involved.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYCGXw5XBB
— It's already too late for that, I emphasize. If it was Dad who was sick, wouldn't you do what you could to help him ? 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNimAVtMnUA
I turn on my heel, ready to leave the room when my mother asks me : 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjmclVSPJZ
— You love him, don’t you ? 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPDa9g3h1W
I don't answer. I lock my gaze on my mother's, trying to make her understand all the feelings that are inside me.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVBkqgZ73p
— Please don’t tell Jessy about these books, I ask her before going out.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXEp217tmq
408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSv3kJNG5QT
408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWC6CnV4Sh
— Good evening, Megan, Mrs. Sutter calls me from the kitchen when I arrive at their house.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjglOkSMyCl
— Good evening.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pD8qmmymg
— Jessy hasn’t come home yet.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuFn18JmYS
I look up at his mother with worried eyes. It's 8 p.m., classes ended several hours ago.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYlYCN5s8W
— Don’t worry, she reassures me. You know that his doctor advised him to go to the AIDS center, there was a meeting this evening. He had no desire to go, but I think it will do him good to talk to people who are going through the same thing as him.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbpUuh0elF
— Did he leave there complaining ? 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO63qi1vr9G
— You know him well enough to know that he complains a lot, she said, smiling.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiYHd0Rfm3
— When he is with me, he is rather...408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjJR3f3eJY
Hearing the front door open, I don't finish my sentence.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJFsFnu0r7
— Yes, but you are special to him, Elise whispers to me.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNNtJ7S7Yo
I remain speechless, wondering what she means by that.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARduzemSW1
— Sorry to be late.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKe7VUHgxO
Jessy's face is tense, he seems upset. The evening could be long if he remains in this state of mind.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqZT6Xk5wD
— How was it ? His mother immediately questions him.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nngrOblzI
Jessy glances at me quickly before responding coldly : 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPITFmSRWP
— I don't want to talk about it.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxEFoqb6uE
Mrs. Sutter looks at us in turn before announcing that she is going to watch television in her room so that we can watch the screen in the living room. Jessy walks around the bar and goes to help herself to some fruit juice.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzOEGuvgLC
— You want some ? 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZWzlsgqOm
His tone is less cold, but still full of anger that he tries to contain.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBJTD7ox7a
— Yes, thanks.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHn7JKGmlWX
He purses his lips before asking me : 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4WErVJDTs
— What movie did you bring this evening ? 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVYUG2u1AK
The week before, I had brought the filmGhost which caused us both to end up in tears. This time, I chose to take a lighter one, but still with my favorite actor. Proudly, I take the video tape out of my backpack and show it to him.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTCxzug0ux
— Dirty Dancing ! 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPGe5qlOsC
He rolls his eyes, but I sense that he is holding back a smile.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAR2vFiZgvR
— You and your Patrick Swayze ! I know you think he's the most handsome guy in the world, but your obsession with him is starting to turn into an obsession.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jZz7tqXPc
I pretend to look shocked, which makes him laugh.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCxvCQoPbk
— It’s true that he’s hot, but in my ranking of the most handsome guys, he only occupies second place.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMif46IrsCK
— Oh, my God, he whispers with a hint of despair. Which other actor are you planning to pester me with when you're done making me watch all his films ? 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiQeEwWox4
Jessy sighs, making a face. His good mood has returned, which makes me happy. I don't want to ask him about the meeting; If he wants to talk to me about it, he will do it alone. I just want to take his mind off things and see him smile. I get up to turn on the VCR while he puts away the bottle of orange juice.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADdrxWTyaB
— No others, I promise. For me, the hottest guy isn't an actor.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8upfOyA6s
— Ah good ? Who is it ? 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6WTmPM4BU
He comes to join me on the sofa, frowning.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHATh72hVw
— He’s someone I see every day.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQzH7CbdYW
The movie starts and I shut up. Out of the corner of my eye, I see my friend racking his brain to figure out who I'm talking about.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaWUGdQdjn
— Your father ? he asks after a few minutes.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhO8OnSm4o
Without taking my eyes off the screen, I shake my head and smile. It amuses me to see him searching.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hXzIZ90rz
— Someone from high school ? 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFkLtgKXcG
J'acquiesce408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUATTCNJzXh
— Chad ? 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYcHybXBBs
A hint of anger and disbelief filters into his voice.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcTp59eUWA
— No. Jessy, do you want to watch the movie or tell me all the names of the guys at school ? 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr21byqWO9A
— Sorry, but no matter how hard I look, I can’t see who…408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFh6C966pe2
— It's you.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOulsV3KKxJ
I didn't mean to tell him, it just came out, and now I feel myself blushing as I keep my eyes glued to the television. The words have barely passed my lips before Jessy chokes on swallowing and starts coughing. He gets up to go drink some water.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9zLoqRCUt
— Well, that makes you feel, I said mockingly, pausing the movie.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYdnqvUIvQ
— You got me, he says from the kitchen.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIeFVw8H0D
I turn around on the couch to look at him.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkAcbrQVxF
— It’s the truth, Jessy, I’m not making you walk.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7mOyd9rG4
He comes back to sit next to me on the sofa. His cheeks are red as he places a kiss on my forehead.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldtowHXYLZ
— It’s nice of you to try to cheer me up. I love you.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkpEiOG4Gy
That's not what I'm trying to do, I really mean it, yet my heart immediately races : he adores me. 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdg9YBJnPvC
— Is it true ? 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtc0FrEh2YU
— Of course. You're my best friend, Meg.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZrZYj6CO5
Oh… Friend ? My heart calms down quickly.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzotUsCU3Um
— Aren’t you in good spirits ? Is it because of the meeting ? 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oDIyRdHG6
Your mother told me about it, I add in front of his frown.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTScKCyloG
— Yeah… it was depressing. Hearing all these patients talk about their fears… it brought me back to my own.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzu7uMR8xX
— Did you speak with them ? 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCaFrPAEr4
— No, I listened to them. It’s strange to arrive in this center where I don’t know anyone and where they invite me to confide.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34H0BrkD6e
— If you want, next time, can I accompany you ? 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkozuepFbj
I suggest, but I already know the answer.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQFfujp2Rv
— Non ! 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadZjMxWh17
His tone is harsher than I thought. However, he softens very quickly.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OrIKVMlGm
— That’s nice, but no. I don't want you to come into this part of my life.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4DxeraKja
— For what ? 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjBAXML7Oy
Anger reappears in his eyes, he lowers his head.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSEYrjzRCV
— Because you are too important to me for me to drag you into this world of illness with me.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnutGvFlEcW
— Jessy… 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWLf8njxgh
— No, Meg. I'm willing to give in when you force my hand to leave this house, but when it comes to AIDS, I won't change my mind, he said firmly, turning his gaze back to the television.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUpttJsUQg
— OK as you want.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcZse5X2lu
I sigh as he resumes playing the movie. After a few minutes of silence, he glances at me and whispers : 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFM5x3nKDh6
— Are you mad at me ? 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgsSDnwHUY
I can't help but smile and lean my head on his shoulder like I've gotten used to doing when we watch movies together.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFIHbvdU7r
— No, it’s your choice.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnUtO8LE3N
He places another kiss on my forehead. I whisper to him without taking my eyes off Patrick Swayze : 408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uvA0OFSpM
— Me too, I like you.408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0UFq03MTd
408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorvvtk5COq
408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPqZYoV86p
408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5JqtjhMr8
408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfw4COyt1k
408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4DfsbZpFI
408Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyNdgG4Gqs
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