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I am quietly installed in my office. This is my own place, in this family home. Far from the adventures of my children, I appreciate being able to breathe calmly from time to time. There, I decompress and take the time to think, to drown myself in my thoughts, in my memories.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgvpAFnrXp
Suddenly there is a knock at the door. I quickly slip the photo I had been looking at for several minutes into the pocket of my blouse, and pretend to be concentrating on a file. I barely have time to say, “Come in” when the door opens to reveal my daughter. At seventeen and a half years old, she has behaved like a real tornado since the start of her adolescence, four years earlier. However, in her face framed by long brown hair, childhood can still be seen.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLLQtPu4J4
— Mom, I need to talk to you about something super important ! 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQ18PxH4NX
I suppress a smile. With Orlane, everything is always mega important ! 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWNkv45wcu
— Ok I hear you.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdR61PI1PF
— With Alexandra, we would like to get a tattoo ! She says, excited, as if it’s the best news of the year.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLu7mIXGAR
— A tattoo ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAeCyjpMX0
She nods energetically.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMo3Yi3OdW6
— While you are still a minor ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsEQ5rrkzZ
— Soon to be an adult.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUklJhuvqqR
— Yes, so seventeen years and counting.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnuudZs8jX
— If you say so. So, is it yes ? I need parental consent to do this.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtx9Fv4ACQu
— No way ! 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jeUO0rRIb
As I expected, my daughter's face turns an angry red, while her light eyes darken.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBSkYhzhtL
— You never let me do anything cool ! She shouts, slamming the door behind her.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmNdbwcRIJ
Another of these great classics is to avoid any discussion by taking long strides. I hear him scream.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUyv2kE8QK
— She always forbids me from everything ! She’s never there for us ! 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwL8NygJQ28
— You exaggerate ! Mom is always there whenever we need her, tries to calm my son down in a paternalistic tone.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKBpWJfmZX
Calm, thoughtful and very mature in nature for a young man of sixteen, my son has a character that is the polar opposite of that of his sister.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXjk3mzZHz
— She’s not a cool mother ! 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHnv7HYLro
I decide to join them in the kitchen.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufGayroF5J
— If being fashionable means letting you drink alcohol, do drugs, let you date anyone, or allow you to get tattoos, then no, I'm not cool...380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6AgrXPYzI
— But why don’t you want to ? After all, it’s just a little drawing on the skin, adds my daughter with a pout.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXG0mH2UC53
My God, how tenacious she is… Like me ultimately.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVidZVONj6x
— Orlane, the day you want to get a tattoo for a good reason, I will accept, but not to be like your friends.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIVe2t32vO
My son looks at us, imperturbable.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPYMv9pBWu
— You definitely have a tattoo ! She accuses me, angrily.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZNONwfRli
I look down, weighing the pros and cons, and end up telling them : 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBBtny0QkL
— Follow me to the living room, both of you. I need to talk to you.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGdiztfE9u
Without a word, they accompany me, and each sit in one of the large armchairs, facing mine.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ737vmBGiBi
— You are both old enough now for me to tell you a story. And please don't interrupt me. The story I am about to tell you is personal to me, but it is important that you know it, because it has made us who we are.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjYxSmqv9D
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It all started on September 26, 1991 : 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsaqJlVDTfd
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Autumn has not yet arrived although the leaves of the trees are starting to turn red under the less intense rays of the sun.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCGhFtdHbR
I detail my reflection while doing my hair in front of the mirror. I don't think I'm pretty, although many people tell me otherwise. I'm not very tall, I don't have the figure of a top model, in fact, I find myself rather ordinary. Not to mention this damn hair that refuses to stay styled the way I want it ! Giving up trying to tame them, I abandon my hairbrush and go down the stairs of the house. I'm so happy to be in high school where I'm now one of the big guys. Sixteen is the age where my real life begins, the age where my parents finally treat me like an adult and no longer like an immature child. The age when all dreams are achievable and desires possible.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57pVTk7trM
My mind escapes for a moment to fly towards Chad, my boyfriend of several months. Chad is young, handsome, athletic and intelligent when he manages to stay focused long enough on his homework instead of thinking about sports, which is hard for him. He's not very tall, but built like a sportsman : all muscles. I like his black hair in a crew cut, and his hazel eyes. We have known each other since childhood. I had been secretly in love with him for years. In high school, I was known for being the type of serious girl, always top of the class, which did not attract boys, much to my despair. Chad is the most popular boy in school, so there was no chance he would be interested in me until a teacher asked me to help him with math. When he finally asked me to go out with him, I couldn't believe it anymore.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5Lxbc4LTi
For six months, Chad and I have been in perfect love...380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx446uJ8lZB
Okay, we only exchanged chaste kisses, we don't go out much, instead spending our time watching movies at his house. I also admit that contrary to what I had always imagined, I don't feel this passion that romance novels boast about, perhaps this is due to the fact that we have few things in common. When Chad kisses me, I have the horrible feeling of kissing my best friend but I’m sure that with time, our story will become more intense, passionate and that this feeling will disappear. After all, he’s the one I always wanted so everything will work out in the end.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhPv70Euqr
Letting out a romantic sigh, I enter the kitchen. Almost my entire family is gathered there : Ashley and John, my parents as well as Nina, my younger sister. The only thing missing is Nicolas, my big brother who recently left for New York University and who only comes home for the holidays.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw27lsahMuj
— My little Megan… The more I see you, the less you look like my baby, my mother laments, staring at me.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92zp4Zf70e
She isn’t very tall, she has a face with soft features that charms most people she meets. I get her brown hair and blue eyes from her. She always expresses herself calmly, but with conviction.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndRiiibHhz
I act as if his rantings don't matter to me.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsrYzB2GpA
— Mom, I’ll always be your daughter. And then, you have Nina as a baby…380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1bAIyVEwT
My sister makes a face. At thirteen, she sees herself more as a teenager than as the youngest member of the family.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOBaetUi2Y
— Are you still planning to go to Chad’s party tonight ? How many will you be ? Asks my father before swallowing his coffee.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4LqsJYrkk
— Yes I’m going. There will be about fifty of us.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABDwt3hD2q
My father coughs and chokes.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO47cRE7ZSD
— That much ? Ask my mother in turn.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNkozPH7fI
I nod yes.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrtC1uWZW3
— There will be the whole class as well as Chad's friends, that's a lot of people, he's very popular at school.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagfv1QvYoO
— That’s true, my father agrees with a touch of pride.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHYtRVzwDo
Even though he tends to be overprotective, I love my father very much. I find him a handsome man for his age. At forty, his dark brown hair begins to take on gray shades at the temples and expression lines slowly creep into his angular face, further marking his smile and his frown.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5NmqJGgHc
My father works in construction, his specialty is facade maintenance. He judges each house by the quality of its exterior paint ! My mother is a secretary in a real estate agency, which doesn't excite her, but she has fixed hours, which suits her perfectly. We are a middle class American family. We live in a residential neighborhood in the small town of Millisky, Pennsylvania, where almost everyone knows each other, if only by sight. The town has around five thousand souls. We have a hospital, shops, restaurants, cinemas, and even a large shopping center, so we never get bored. In addition, our town is surrounded by a beautiful forest which allows for long walks, we also have a lake about five kilometers to the south. To the west, a hill overlooks the city, it is the chic district where all the local bourgeois have built their beautiful homes, which most often only serve as second homes. To the north, a highway takes us to Pittsburgh, the nearest major city, a two hour drive, and to the east, Philadelphia is a three hour drive.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgeR5cRNHT
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A little later that day, I'm in the main hallway of the school. It is a large white building, some classrooms have faded walls, originally cream-colored, and the same goes for places of frequent passage. The central corridor has on each side of its walls, two rows of gray lockers stacked on top of each other. I take some books from mine when, turning around, I see a boy of average height, with brown hair and light eyes, walk past me. He looks at me furtively. When I meet his gaze, I feel like I'm falling from a ten- story building. It's a strange thing I've never felt before and it only lasts a few seconds. Coming to my senses, I tell myself that I must be going crazy.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5vT6UoON7
— Not bad, admires Amy, my best friend, who followed my gaze.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdSDy04eKD
— New student ? I'm asking perfunctorily as I'm sure I've never seen it before.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWbT3kdwOl
— I’ll find out, says my friend, narrowing her eyes with interest.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPU0l8b4W9
— In any case, he’s very cute, I can’t help but point out.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qQcZ03t7J
— You're the one who says that, even though you're dating the hottest boy in school ! She exclaims, shocked.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDkbhHGwxl
I smile, remembering that Chad never wanted to go out with her. He preferred me. It's so rare for a boy to reject her that I know she harbors a little resentment towards me. She has never told me openly but sometimes, like this moment, she throws a little barb at me. Without being mean, it gets heavy some days. However, she has been my friend for so long that I don't see myself falling out with her over such a small matter.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFwGpMF9Kn
Later that day, in history class, I am fascinated by the documentary that the professor shows us concerning the liberation of Europe during the Second World War. This is not the first report I have seen on the subject but each time, I am caught up in the violence, the abomination of this conflict. When the images of the concentration camps appear on the screen, I look away. This is too hard for me, so I concentrate on a completely different theme. Since the start of the course, I have had the strange sensation of feeling observed. As I turn to scan the class, I see the new student sitting two rows behind me, his eyes fixed on me. When he realizes that I have noticed him, he returns his gaze to the screen. I imitate him but after a few seconds, I turn around again.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAz5aLhG3KC
Grid ! I thought, giving a hint of a smile as he refocused on the documentary. For long minutes, I no longer dared to move. It's stupid but this boy intimidates me.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCux0FFO1M
When the film ends, I turn in my seat to follow the teacher as he walks around the class summarizing what we just saw. The newcomer is still staring at me. His look is indecipherable.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAd4h6BD11L
— Imagine these families separated during endless years of war, imagine their suffering. If you had been in their place, would you have chosen resignation in the face of the invader or would you have opted for resistance ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbtzJl1Die
I raise my hand, certain of my answer.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZBwkrcx1x
— Yes Megan.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJz7rLFiW50
— I would have chosen resistance. Faced with injustice, I think I would have been incapable of looking at the situation without taking part in the fight.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQT9kbCJBg
— Good. Someone else's opinion ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFwA1JR22I
Many raise their hands including the new one.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCElkGscB11
— And you, what do you think ? Asks the teacher, addressing him.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhyKbBXPBz
— I believe that with hindsight, it is easy to give your opinion, but at that time, people who engaged in the resistance ran enormous risks, not only for themselves but also for those close to them. All this must be taken into consideration.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAalHb9MWT
— Perfect, Jessy ! 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXy7qtqXYug
Jessy… 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOW1UdudAN
I have a hard time taking my eyes off him even though his name resonates within me.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRf35M8Z3qk
— For the next class, you will write me a presentation on this subject, continues the professor.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkCvCq7ial
The bell announcing the end of classes rings, the new guy immediately picks up his things and leaves, bowing his head. It makes me feel like I'm running away from the whole world.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRK6mhpaEP
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I head to the bathroom to put some gloss on my lips and find my friends Amy and Pearl there.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6GDQPX5HD
— So, Meg, where are you with Chad ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8zIWumQ4e
My cheeks immediately turn red.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCPxSuozai
— There is nothing to say.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZVb0wq06U
— Don’t tell us you haven’t done it yet, Amy insists.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHGGuHpUv3
— Well no… Well, I mean, do you feel ready ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVzp6lOvyB
Amy shrugs. I know she hasn't been a virgin for some time.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJQ0rBSxKD
— There’s no reason, Pearl assures. You're with the boy you've always wanted, so why not go all the way ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0BSzVYZbq
These words make me think more than they should. I've been dreaming about Chad for years, so why do I feel this stuck ? Why don't my feelings push me to open up completely ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccWxG8N9s8
I feel lost and I know perfectly well that it's not my friends I could confide in. They would immediately judge me, thinking I'm crazy for asking myself a thousand questions when I'm dating a great guy.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDa4XZxy2LN
If only Nick were here, I thought with regret.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGEu232p4G
My brother would be able to advise me perfectly. It's crazy how much I miss him. Looking forward to the next vacation so he can come back to see us.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQyY9ZltAh
— By the way, have you seen the new one ? Pearl continues, arranging her brown hair in front of the mirror. He is too beautiful ! 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPO6Q5uzkcM
It’s true that he is beautiful ! A finely sculpted body without being skinny and a face with fine features that I find refined, piercing green eyes lined with long eyelashes, slightly messy light brown hair... I also memorized the little chain with at the end a cross that dangles from his left ear giving him a little rebellious side that I find sexy.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttbaBnAMDz
— I learned a few things about him...380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdLLi42Zw8
This simple sentence from Amy focuses all my attention.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnRRqzKKIU
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A few hours later, at the end of classes, I found my father in the high school parking lot. This day is important to me. I pass my driving license. I am confident, because for several weeks, Chad has been teaching me everything there is to know and, according to him, I am ready.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhuSru9MYr
— Megan, we need to talk, my father begins.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1V9GM2u3R
Already knowing that I am going to be treated to a moral lesson, I hold back a sigh.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2wXEoX83p
— It’s about that party at Chad’s. You know I trust you, but... knowing you with him until late...380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8y0JO0WVgt
When I don't answer, he continues : 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOYhJaUVw3
— Will you be… serious this evening ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLIVIzTWid
— Dad, I'm still a virgin and I don't plan on that changing tonight.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcY6LssbIJ
— Thank God, he breathes with relief after grimacing.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiYYgecsHQ
Shortly after, we return home, me with my license in my pocket and my father with the certainty that I am still innocent.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFjfKOgg11
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In the evening, I found Chad at his house. He lives in a large, modern and chic house, close to the city center. Their villa includes three bedrooms with an independent bathroom, a games room, an office, a fully equipped kitchen and a gigantic living room which, that evening, easily accommodated fifty guests. Outside, in a garden, in which my entire house could fit, is a heated swimming pool. As the girlfriend of the owner of the house, I make a grand entrance. I'm wearing a pretty black silk dress, perfectly fitted, which suits me perfectly. I turn heads as I pass, especially Chad who only has eyes for me. The party is in full swing, the whole class has gathered there.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNZk7Z6eNl
I'm chatting with Amy in the corner of the room, when I spot the new student, Jessy, standing a little further away. He observes me while chatting with Stanley, a friend of my brother. He stares at me and gives me a small smile to which I can't help but respond.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yTvI5WTPK
Why am I blushing ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtNrNlgBZn
— This guy is so hot. I'm going to go and get to know each other, Amy said to me, scrutinizing Jessy.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Kg1CaaL7X
Without knowing why, my heart sinks.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4N0MYQC4P6
— Amy…, my reaction is stupid. You look very pretty with this dress.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8Oq8Ooih0
She smiles. I see her approach Jessy, Stanley quickly walks away while Amy launches into a tirade, pointing out several people in the room. She must inform him of the gossip that is circulating. I can't help the pang of jealousy that creeps into me when I see her place a hand on Jessy's arm. At this moment, he looks up at me, his expression is indecipherable. I have to look elsewhere... But I can't do it.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEkKCdxMAj
— Are you okay, Meg ? You're having fun ? Chad appears in front of me and places his hands on my hips.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65WYTS69xk
Finally I take my eyes off Amy and the new guy. I have to think about something other than his green eyes which make me feel like they are penetrating my soul.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCcsuvgGFJ
I place my lips on my boyfriend's in a brief kiss.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBiCxCQsLi
— Where were you ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPdVTu4lIw
— I was walking around the house. Haven't you noticed that some people look like they've been drunk ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFxqgtZ8Eo
— Yes, I met Matt earlier, he reeked of alcohol.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5TKpjfxLW
— Great, Chad breathes, annoyed. If my parents find out about this, I'm dead.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFq7pZIpLOk
I glance in Jessy and Amy’s direction. He has disappeared while she returns to us, blowing : 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ngewqIvpm
— This guy is weird ! 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9K6wV5UzHk
— What happened with Jessy ? I said, trying to contain my relief.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFkd1Ri99o
— I don’t know, I was talking to him and, suddenly, he went out to get some fresh air. Who invited him anyway ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoBp2Cmtn1
— It's me. We had a class together, I told him it would be the best way to meet people.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWovNorhrG
How nice Chad is ! That's why I love him, my heart reminds me.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCpHuxGjeA
— I’m going to try to find out who brought the alcohol, he continues.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07OqBShhjY
— I am coming with you.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWZDKpWelG
We leave Amy in the living room and head towards the kitchen. A group of American football players, of which Chad is the quarterback, are seated there.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXrMln40uS
— Damn, you guys are annoying ! I warned you though : no alcohol.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHXTkmzWXX
My boyfriend raises his voice.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPwpCySEOr
— Relax, Chad, it's just beers.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0oLPBv31V
— Beers or not, if my parents find out I'll be in big trouble, get rid of it ! 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpiPs2yIoX
The five young people take their bottles while complaining and drop one which spills down the front of my dress.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkwLxXx29w
— It’s clever ! Chad exclaims as I gape.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4b47GJCtH
I grab a roll of paper towels and try to wipe the alcohol off, to no avail.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡge3ZwG81hS
— Come with me, my boyfriend said, taking me by the hand. I don't mean to be offensive, but you stink of alcohol. We're going to have problems with your parents if you leave like that again.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbgkKkrp5K
— I know, it’s because of your stupid friends ! 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNBJIEIDm3
— I'm sorry. I have an idea. Go take a shower, and in the meantime, I'll wash and dry your dress and off you go, neither seen nor known ! 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIPH002Dc4
Having little choice, I accept.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUdMeN3lRQ
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Several minutes later, which seemed like an eternity, I found Chad in his room. I am in my bathrobe and my boyfriend is holding my clean dress in his hands when there is a knock at the door. Neither of us has time to make a move that Amy and Pearl are already initiating. They stand in the doorway, look at us and mutter an apology before closing the door, giggling.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡta7oWACQFt
— Great, they’re going to think anything now, I mutter angrily.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAvgpCp5l1
— But no, they are your friends. You just need to explain the situation to them when we get down.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPBf16Zpio
I'm not convinced, but Chad is right, they are my friends, they will definitely believe me. And then, I have nothing to reproach myself for.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrjNOImksj
Clearly, this evening is far from being the evening I dreamed of ! 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdUNE0QOP4
When we join the guests on the ground floor, I immediately feel that they are staring at me with eloquent little smiles. I'm going to pour myself a glass of non alcoholic punch when Amy and Pearl come to talk to me.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQUiiHmKs4
— So, Meg, how was it ? Is Chad as good a shot as he seems ? Amy asks me, with a spark of curiosity in her eyes.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZySbmj1ulq
— What are you talking about ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEdGUzFtiT
— Of you and Chad half naked in his room ! 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgxvRIDgBl
— That’s not at all what you think ! Nothing happened ! Some idiots had spilled beer on me. I had to take a shower while Chad cleaned my dress and he was dressed in case you didn't notice ! 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIarB5W0aUd
It annoys me to have to justify myself as if I had committed a crime.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSb6tBIRdCv
— But of course ! Pearl replies, giggling with Amy before walking away towards other students in our class.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡef4MCTeJ4i
This story is crazy, and the worst part is that no one wants to believe me, not even my best friends, at least the ones I thought were real friends. The looks that I already found embarrassing became even more insistent, and shame invaded me. It’s a shame to feel this ! Sensing my discomfort, Chad comes to join me.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYMoujic3G
— I'm going back.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6mzSNIdkm
— But no, stay, you're not going to let these idiots ruin your evening ! 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5vUepeI1c
He hugs me tightly to reassure me, but380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hWdSEuEyl
I gently push him away. There are already enough comments as it is, there is no point in adding more.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqpsPmyKgD
— No, I'm going back. See you tomorrow ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovLxeilAnM
Disappointed, he acquiesces. I kiss him on the tips of his lips as we usually do.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcLjcB6zaH
— You don’t want me to take you home ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwr56EYB07a
— I need to walk...380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbZv05H6J5
380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WVrcpGWWM
It feels good to be alone and to be able to enjoy the peace and quiet of the cool night. The moon just makes a crescent in the sky. Looking up, I admire the stars which, far from everything, don't care about the gossip that runs on Earth. Tears burn my eyes, I feel more alone than ever on this Earth which is definitely not running smoothly.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksZfDnpuKT
— Did you need to get some fresh air ? A soft voice nearby asks, bringing me out of my reverie.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76wZv0w5Qr
Jessy is by my side, looking up to the sky.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6snC3te2l6
— Yes. Exactly. You too ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPOKDlhyc9
This is the first time I've seen him up close. Immediately, my heart races. A small diamond shines in his ear, replacing the cross he wore during the day. Two locks frame his forehead, falling in front of his eyes when he lowers his head. I know I shouldn't stare at him like that, but I can't help it. I feel like an insect attracted by a light that hypnotizes it. He looks at me, gives me a smile. Why do I feel so intimidated around him ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyymxiYE2zU
A breath of wind rises, making me shiver. Jessy takes off his black leather jacket and hands it to me, I put it on and thank him. Does he notice my trouble ? I don't know, but from his piercing gaze, I suspect he's enjoying the situation.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdMYtXmp5X
— Yes, I needed to get some fresh air too, I don’t really like crowds. I saw you leaving, I thought maybe you’d like some company ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBpvlDQuRK
— If you want, I shrug casually while being happy that he noticed me. Jessy, is that right ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwy4pb0hGA
He nods with a smile.
— I'm Meg...
— Megan, I know.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnXjeMbHk6
I look at him, surprised.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcBKA13jVy
— Good. What else do you know about me ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaj0ZXAHYO
— Let’s see… You’re the best student in class, and you’re dating the star player of the football team.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8WvB8q0s5
— You're good ! 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxiEd3kcWB
— I guess you must have heard something about me too ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sU6utpCNk
— Not much, actually. I just know that you are seventeen, that you have just arrived in Millisky and that you are repeating your school year.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0yO9daaij
— Everything is true. It's not that serious ? What upsets you..., he adds to my astonishment.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyQQjcVvbY
— No, there are much worse things in life. It's nothing, just nonsense.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwFnNGUQMv
— If it’s so harmless, then why did you leave your boyfriend’s party ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTmqYIs2mR
— Maybe because, this evening, I saw the true faces of my so called friends. My confidence in them melted like snow in the sun.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0r7Vv8qsEJ
Jessy sighs as she looks up again to look at the starry sky.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FuFeIMjFp
— I know this feeling of disappointment well.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9FpdO64eC
— Did this happen to you too ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRSST62SDR
He seems surprised that I am interested in him and turns to me, burying his hands in the pockets of his pants.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBl9KSOHRWa
— To be betrayed, disappointed ? Oh yes ! Although I don't understand why your friends would turn their backs on you.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkTIlobzBQ
— Haven't you heard the gossip spread by Amy and Pearl ? They told everyone that I slept with Chad. Even though I told them that this is not the case, they did not believe me, and worse, they preferred to continue to denigrate me.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8E30LtTV0D
As I tell him this, I search his eyes to check if he is sincere or if he is making fun of me like the others.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTSLfri2UO
— I have learned to no longer listen, and even less believe, what people say out of pure malice or jealousy. I am convinced that you are telling the truth.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiLbfnfBUz
— You seem very sure of yourself for someone who doesn’t know me ! 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7ZOOqkqsT
He locks his gaze on mine before responding : 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSZjr06oE5
— I see in you.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwI2EMDKel
This response leaves me speechless and upsets me more than it should. Faced with him, with his words, I feel lost. Fortunately, we arrived on my street and I just want to be alone to try to analyze what I feel.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLCF71xTBM
— Thank you, I said, handing him back his jacket. And thank you for taking me home.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVTXcI9d3A
— At your service, he says, turning left while I continue straight.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6O8bD7St8n
380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNTmUbhbPU
380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jOtlgGXne
The following days, nothing erases this attraction which pushes me towards Jessy. This makes me feel so guilty that I try to focus on my relationship with Chad, without really succeeding. As for Jessy, I feel like he's been running away from me since the other night. He looks away as soon as I look at him and doesn't speak to me anymore. I don't know what I did wrong for him to ignore me like that, but it pains me a lot. Perhaps he also ended up believing the nonsense that was circulated about my relationship ? If that were the case, I would be extremely hurt.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1pYnglEk6
It was during history class that the teacher gave me the opportunity to get closer to him.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWHbS5pXUn
— I asked each of you to write a presentation on the last lesson.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuJzPlJKPD
At these words, several students point to their copy on their table.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcT4RACf36
— Jessy, can you pick them up ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs34OcJ6pAp
This one executes. When he reaches my height, his gaze finally anchors on mine. I feel like seconds are becoming minutes. At this very moment, I realize how much I've missed Jessy these past few days. His hand brushes against mine as I hand him my paper, making me want to grab it and never let go.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAgPZ2e3r8
As if reading my thoughts, Jessy narrows his eyes slightly and purses his lips. Then he turns away towards the next table, breaking the spell that united us as the professor continues speaking : 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUZoO42uMU
— To find out what you have learned from this course, I have prepared a written quiz for you.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91ExbpbqkM
Immediately, boos are heard.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3zkbGwmJI
— Yes, I know, I'm not nice. While you answer the questionnaire, I will go through your presentations and form teams of two. For next week, you will have to refine your different points of view, compare them, in order to share them in front of the whole class.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMA7ATDnYIn
Although I am a good student, I don't particularly enjoy being on the board in front of everyone else and am already worried about who I will have to work with. As long as it's neither with Amy nor with380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwUZyGRG7k
Pearl. I haven't spoken to them since the party at Chad's.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiixoYYXGAW
They tried to come see me on Monday but I totally ignored them. Even if I find myself alone most of the time, Chad does not share all of my classes, I prefer that to being poorly accompanied.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EXK3v2lDR
For long minutes, I put these thoughts aside to concentrate on the questioning.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlPlzuNnZM
When I finish, I raise my head and look behind me, towards Jessy who finishes a few seconds after me.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYetY0r8cO
The teacher notices us because he tells us : 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWV83IC3itA
— Alright. Megan and Jessy, you'll be teaming up next week. You can go.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeK9URC95w8
At the same time, we get up and put our homework on the teacher's desk before leaving the classroom.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1fCzoKYP0
I thought we were going to be able to discuss this project but already Jessy is quickly moving away.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRf58YdcvKz
— Jessy, wait ! 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSKY2wZqk4
He slows down, but doesn't stop.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcG3uqj3uMe
— We need to discuss how we are going to approach this presentation.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8JLXzgUNn
His shoulders relax and he exhales.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWoeJsIxvz
— I don't like working with others. So I suggest you do your part on your own, I will do the same and we will meet again before the next class to compare our points of view.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaY1o8uTPZ6
— Thank you for your proposal but I refuse. There's no way I'm going to get a bad grade because you're antisocial.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87o6VwSclK
— I'm not…380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYGPm7UzPB
Before he finishes his sentence, I raise an eyebrow which interrupts him.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKfiijLkuR
— Okay, maybe I am a little, he admits with a little smile. Alright, you win Megan.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjWVxozRkx
Feeling like I need to take advantage of my advantage before he changes his mind, I quickly scribble my address on a piece of paper and hand it to him.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡap4UeiJNOo
— Come to my place at the end of classes, we will be quiet to study.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStLKh0Ramm
— Thanks for the address but we could just as easily meet up after school and go to your house together.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAolKtQn45
Why didn't I think of that ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuDiQgiuTz
I refrain from slapping myself.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaZkQp0OaY
Embarrassed by my stupidity, I smile shyly. Jessy leans towards me, slips my address into his pocket and adds mischievously : 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOakWuwhnL
— I'm keeping it anyway. You never know, you might get lost along the way.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfmGuJfJmX
I don't understand why just looking at him, talking to him, puts me in this state. I feel my cheeks on fire and I am certain that when I open my mouth, nothing but nonsense comes out.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMvo9Fy8ui
But what is happening to me ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbU8njQBEN
380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EMVaV3H8s
During the next class, I feel Chad's gaze, sitting at the desk next to mine, weighing on me suspiciously. I do my best to appear comfortable and innocent until he hands me a paper.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMVeiPk7ui
What's going on with Jessy ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcBRJan9Id
Astonished, I wrote : 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VR2kliDv8
What ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IZrsCwHX6
Chad's response was quick : 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPy2aMTHka1
Amy told me you two seem close and that I should be worried. It's the case ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhofyLdVkzj
Anger replaces disbelief. What the hell is his problem ? Is she not tired of taking care of my life, of making up stories for me ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqTVGSoCMk
No, not at all. We just have a presentation to make together. 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhT5AZuAgMk
A smile lights up Chad's features. I managed to reassure him, yet I fear I may not have been completely honest with him.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBNpJP1zW5
As I look at his profile, I have to recognize that my boyfriend no longer inspires in me the feelings that inspired me just a few months ago. I feel myself detaching myself from Chad, I come to wonder if I was only in love with him one day or if I have always confused love and friendship. Slipping my hands through my hair, I breathe deeply. The only thing I know for sure is that I am lost in my emotions.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpogNsby0AG
380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9iWDQVZNu
380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYoxrcQFdo
At the end of class, Jessy comes to join me, backpack on his shoulder and a book in hand.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIpKaNPrSZ
— I love this book. I must have read it about ten times since last year, he tells me. I thought you might like to read it ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DAbfF07Op
While walking the streets, I quickly skim a few pages.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhVHJ3MViI
— Do you mind if I save it to read tonight ? I'll give it back to you tomorrow.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfqmKiEAbI
— On the contrary. It’s so rare that I meet people who like to read something other than comics.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFT5pxakKcM
— I understand you. Comics are Chad's favorite reading.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMTrvGAIPU
— I'm not surprised, Chad seems more of an athlete than a cerebral one.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcH2HKZnGc
I am left speechless.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZJvXMauA1
— Are you always this frank ? Can't help but ask him.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMFwjV55ys
He shrugs his shoulders while responding : 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbvdiRJMcD
— Very often. I hurt you ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWHtTK2TV8
I thought for a few seconds before answering him.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcOfVhfAAX
— No. I must admit that it is the truth.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxFyr5e6rB
His smile widens, making me melt a little more.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuDKOGeeL1
Arriving home, we sit in the living room and chat about the homework we have handed in. We both think we'll get good grades. My mother comes home from work and walks into the living room, surprising us. I suddenly feel uncomfortable being with a boy other than Chad under my parents' roof. I jump up, followed by my guest.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZU6tuz9nB
— Hey, Ch…, it’s not Chad, she smiled.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpBbFFJrBS
— Mom, this is Jessy.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2RvZidJl3
They greet each other.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqec8Tyh4p
— We have a presentation to give to the whole class about the Second World War.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjt5Q5ALfI1
With a nod, Jessy confirms my words. Since my mother arrived, he hasn't said a word, and seems intimidated. This adds as evidence : 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTC0dqVaFc
— Jessy, are you staying to eat with us this evening ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYuM1cgK4g
He shrugs his shoulders.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIzxBNCMSg
— I don't want to bother you…380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOLW0S8YGv
— Don't worry, I still cook too much since Nick left for college.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VkxnEq2yQ
— Nicolas is my older brother…380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2IrndIDlE
— It would be a pleasure to have you with us. My husband is tired of being surrounded by girls.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHtGjSupmx
— Okay then, Jessy said, smiling. Thanks ! 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutRq6zvz3M
A little later, he met my father, then Nina. When it was time to sit down at the table, without anyone telling her, Jessy naturally took a seat next to me. I control myself so as not to let my disorder appear in front of those close to me. I feel myself vibrate every time his arm brushes mine. From time to time, Jessy looks at me sideways and gives a little amused smile, and I immediately blush ! 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDbdHgupps
The meal passes in a good atmosphere until Nina, as usual, says out loud what she is thinking : 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM96TTSMmpO
— You're not bad, Jessy, but I prefer Chad. It is awesome ! 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡid9KqdbLHm
— Nina ! We don't say that kind of thing ! Reprimands my mother.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbgmqcVTBD
— For what ? I tell the truth.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmQ1KX992K
— Chad is nice, Jessy responds politely.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmo6yUVpXIe
— And he’s strong ! Nina continues, making me want to throw myself over the table and strangle her.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12xaNptloc
— It’s true, Chad is a great athlete, adds my father. He also taught Megan how to drive. Considering the number of guests at his party the other night, he's also very popular. He has everything going for him, this boy, says my father, whom I would like to strangle at the same time as my sister.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2z1ZzLVGW
— It’s true that he’s really lucky, Jessy whispers, looking at me.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUiQrV0J6k
I stare at him, not knowing how to react. I have a sudden and insane desire to throw myself into his arms to kiss him, this idea scares me as much as his words made me happy. Also, I'm left speechless, which makes him smile more.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeGYq05O0y
At the end of the meal, Jessy helps me clear the table, then asks me where the bathroom is. I tell him. My mother then approaches me and gives me a little smile.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rzW5W1Asg
— This boy is very nice, she comments quietly so that only I can hear. And very cute at that.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxOU5rXIMz
I glance at him sideways, smiling.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBsBKlqtH1
"I suppose you know what you're doing ? "380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrbwiOmxV3
— Not really.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HcjzbdGxf
— Meg, you’re sixteen. You didn't make a lifelong commitment to Chad. You are all young, you have the right to be carefree. I was, at your age, and I didn't know your father until much later, when I decided to settle down.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtN9ZdfRGB3
— You know very well that I am too serious to let myself be guided by my emotions without having first thought for hours.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHabjNQC8IZ
— Yes, I know, my mother sighs. And at first glance, I would say that Jessy seems to be just like you.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrl38HwpZA
— You think that…380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwXNw6XeST
I want to ask her if she thinks Jessy is interested in me, but I leave it hanging when I see him coming back to us.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5BmvHvLd1
— Thank you very much for inviting me to your table. It's getting late, I'm going to go home.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQztX5gjxDa
— Wait, I'm going to walk with you for a while.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKC0lPWhot
Jessy nods before going to grab his jacket hanging on a hook in the entryway.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡID7o4U5YKX
— Thanks again ! Have a good evening everyone, he says as he leaves.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgLuObDFIa
— Megan ! 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE00LdNjbQk
I turn to my mother who is standing in the hallway, at the entrance to the kitchen.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrr3gcpL7F
— I am sure of it ! 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVL8CMg9kHH
I give him a big smile.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnmQe6High
— She is sure of what ? Asks Jessy who heard everything from the porch.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslSw0wRoJz
— Oh, you're welcome, just something I asked him.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbaAFapP2P
Fortunately, he doesn't insist.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqK8fchknk
We walk down the sidewalk in silence.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaL3Ha94H2k
My neighborhood is a quiet place, where all the houses380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFqHhZr6lR
look alike with their little white fence surrounding the garden. Only the colors of the houses vary from one to another, sometimes white with blue shutters, sometimes brown with red shutters. Our family home is cream with green shutters. My father makes a point of maintaining it well, repainting it as soon as the paint shows signs of age, and mowing the lawn regularly. This corner of the city is not known for being the richest, but at least its inhabitants ensure that nothing can damage it. I love this quiet little town which seems to live as if in a cocoon where nothing serious ever happens and where the smallest event, like the arrival of Jessy, is experienced as big news. This thought pulls me out of my reverie and, turning back to my companion, I decide to question him.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6TNzpOWif
— Did you move here alone ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5r2QaHr2pV
This seems incongruous to me since he is only seventeen, but I never see him with anyone, not even in town.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNiiSduiRf
— No, I live with my mother.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSjty4Igus
— And your father ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4j9cA2HYDD
— My father died when I was a kid.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVWnvL6Bm8
— Sorry.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexPtztjOa3
— It's nothing. My mother remarried and I have a little brother, Jason, who is now seven.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6S9u0IJghb
— So your father in law and your brother live with you ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWIaHIFFLI
Jessy grimace. 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3Ml3OYb20
— No, they stayed in Allentown.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGFnvSf8tP
— For what ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfEAMyAs2U
Jessy gives me a big smile while answering : 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEi272YgNka
— Joker ! 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ54LArG87x
Preferring not to insist, I move on to other questions : 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkp9H2eSuH
— Why did you leave Allentown ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkg1ITAPNk
— Re joker ! 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfENjKEGry
— OK. I always see you alone... but you must have friends ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwDK43EA7D
— You know, I just arrived and I don’t know anyone yet, except you. In Allentown, I had friends, or so I thought, but..., he interrupts himself, purses his lips, shaking his head : 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwlqDALQg2
— I don't want to talk about it... Let's just say, sometimes you think you know people and you're wrong.
— Like me the other night...380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXkG5lZQAq
Looking serious, he nods.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaddTitKzoQ
— So you’re from Allentown ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtETCh0QKK0
— Yes, I lived in a small neighborhood where everyone had known each other forever, a bit like this one. (He looks around.) Except that in town, we couldn't see the stars as well.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3PIqrTztB
I follow his gaze, staring at the sky illuminated by hundreds of sparkling points that no cloud hides. I feel very small and fragile in the face of this immensity. It's strange to find myself next to this boy to whom I feel close and who, at the same time, intimidates me so much.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbwsDkuNbJ
— Your family loves Chad very much, he said suddenly, breaking this magical moment. How long have you been together ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJpVm3NKS9
I sit on the low wall bordering a house for sale.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEDIYiMH0a
— My father was a big athlete in high school and I think he recognizes himself in Chad. My mother finds him cute and nice, and my sister is in love with him, I think ! (I smile.) He and I have known each other for a very long time, since kindergarten in fact…380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBSCaMEOSD
— And you’ve always loved him, Jessy adds, sitting down next to me.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XyVm8dXTp
I blush and lower my head.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCG3TFwReGi
— It’s complicated… But let’s talk about you instead. Did you leave a girlfriend in Allentown ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqKPRqxAnt
Jessy turns to me and raises his eyebrows, visibly surprised. I stare at him, both impatient and dreading his answer.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXh3XEOSNH
— Your question is strange...
— Why ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZJ3MpfMeM
— Because you're dating the perfect guy according to everyone around you, so I wonder what your questioning is hiding.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ahCibE4rs
— It wasn’t you who told me that you shouldn’t necessarily listen to what others say ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5JTMdqXYX
— Touché, he smiled. Let's say I had a girlfriend.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZBOnTRQrC
— You still have ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7XEwpqoMU
— Well no, we split up...380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDKnLsfWRr
I don't give him time to finish his sentence as my lips are already on his. Immediately, he kisses me back.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Ht3hztqEQ
His lips are soft and warm on mine, I feel him slide a hand to my waist, pulling me closer to him until, as suddenly as it began, he pushes me back forcefully before standing up abruptly. jump, visibly annoyed.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboRytpFiKm
— That’s not true ! Why did you do it ? He writes to himself while standing in front of me, hands on hips waiting for a response.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6FohsanlD
— I don’t know, I said as sincerely as possible. Since I met you, I have felt lost. I don't know why but I feel like I've known you forever and this feeling totally upsets me. I was hoping you felt the same way I did.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwiJ1IGzKwg
Far from calming down, Jessy walks away from me, walking as quickly as he can. I get up and run after him.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pScoFhih8
— Jessy, wait ! What is happening ? Please don't tell me that kiss was that bad ! 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclP2Hm9TwV
He doesn't stop though. I grab him by one arm, forcing him to stop his way.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4yI4mw5rJ
He glares at me.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPyfywdxMi
— I'm sorry if... I shouldn't have kissed you, but I honestly thought you wanted to too.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyqcSRoZpP
— It is, he whispers, staring at me.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacbeYsqm1Y
— So where is the problem ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8xaOb2RQW
— I can not do that.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHm3xBu7hu7
— But why ? I know that compared to Chad it's a bad thing but...380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCX7qM1THj
— It has nothing to do with him. The problem is me. I'm not made for love, he gets angry again. I gave too much, now that is forbidden to me.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlfnJTBy56
He frees himself from my hand before continuing on his way. Staying there, I say to him : 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HJQC4Tgn1
— I don't understand ! You can't pretend to want to kiss me and then run away like that a second later. It's not me who made you suffer so why should I pay for what others made you endure ? I'm not your ex ! 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbhPRDSQct
Abruptly, he stops his running, turns around before coming back towards me. His features are distorted by anger but I also read a form of pain there.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7RjE6Xpop
— No, you are not the one who changed my life and I in no way wish to become the one who changes yours in the same way ! My life is ruined Meg, I'm already at the end. I'm going to die, he adds when he sees that I don't understand his words.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78uZbcd0cj
— Wh... What ? I stammer, in shock.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2l6Gz5bgaQ
He gets closer. His face is only a few centimeters from mine.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJJxdOFDWK
— Meg, I'm HIV positive. I have the AIDS virus, he admits quietly so that no one else can hear him, although the street is deserted. So stay away from me, believe me it's better ! 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BJJsRdqRT
He leaves as quickly as possible. Soon night envelops it completely. For a long moment, I stay there, dismayed, unable to make the slightest gesture, no longer knowing what to think. His words seem to spin in my head like a wild merry go round that no one can stop. I don't know how long I stand on that sidewalk looking in his direction long after he's gone.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSAEC2FDaE
380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMmD3hdZl0
380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BVOE1Fxyi
When I get home, I try not to let anything show and lock myself in the kitchen. I thought I would be safe, but as soon as I closed the door, my mother opened it and stuck her head in.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xU7O0bLsm
— Are you okay, Meg ? You're very pale, aren't you sick ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xge1unuF7
— Everything is fine. I miss Nicolas, I would like to talk to him.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6gEyoy598
Understanding the message, my mother nods and closes the door behind her. Immediately, I grab the phone and dial my brother’s number. Luckily he answers after two rings.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPsQsqDssE
— Hello ? he says, happily.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXTAF47nJZ
— Nick, it’s me.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRMTWRmnL0
I'm having a hard time keeping the tremors in my voice at bay.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTd7IO9KTc2
— Meg, what’s going on ? He worries.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDb6PkTO20
The day I met Jessy, I told my brother that same evening. He seemed happy that a boy other than Chad was messing with me. For some reason, Nick always grimaced at my relationship with Chad. 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3kfcIh0Wx
— Jessy came to the house for dinner this evening... 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxwwyFaG9G
— Oh, he sighs, he threw you away.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqqEd3UMnU
I think about the way I kissed him and feel myself blushing again. If I had known how he was going to push me away, I would never have let myself be carried away by my desire.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBZWEmYYXd
— Yes, but that’s not the worst, I sob. Jessy admitted to me that she was sick.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYDfuc4Zq3
Realizing the horror of the situation, I fall to the ground. I am not afraid of AIDS, I know that I risk nothing. But I am terrified for Jessy, for his future which is likely to be short. My brother doesn't speak, he gives me time to calm down. When my sobs dry up, I continue : 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYEAWGt1ar
— Jessy is HIV positive, I blurt out in one breath.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjrMkGqo2w
A gasp of surprise escapes my brother.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCF6DkqYFEt
— Okay, he breathes, making me understand that he’s thinking about the situation. What are you going to do ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pbQhhIFw1
— I don't know. Nick, I need to know your opinion.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQoTn8oENZ
— I admit that I didn't expect that at all. Do you see yourself turning your back on him ? 380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAz0xhWnLz
— I wouldn't be able to.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXFij4rBf0
— Meg, I know this probably isn't the kind of relationship you imagined, but based on what you've told me so far about this guy, I think right now he especially needs support and friendship. Don’t reject him because he doesn’t match your ideal.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0d82OtAvt
— Exactly, he corresponds to my ideal and the fact that he is ill changes nothing. If I am devastated it is because AIDS is an incurable disease. I don't want him to die, Nick, I'm crying again.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvNY4aZj9m
I am aware that I have only known him for a short time but, without being able to explain it, he has already marked my existence.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdfEpqgi9n
— Come on, little sister, don’t cry. For now, Jessy is alive and, even if he keeps you at a distance, I'm sure he would be happy to have you in his life. Try to make him smile while he's here. He must need to think about something other than this crap.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwQqLHfDSt
— You're right. Nick, what I confided to you must absolutely remain between us. No one should know.380Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaetj8Osu2T
— Finally you know me ! Come on now tell me how he dumped you ! He laughs as I bite my lip in shame.
