327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3Eq43zy9D
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDCgJEsP9g
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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6GiJPr5Yu
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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuvn0p7yve
— 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 ? 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5hdYaVJlx
— Yeah, I think so.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXy4pJUbDi
— Jessy, please promise me you’ll never let yourself fall into the void like that again. I got the fright of my life.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrh2jdQyUiM
Hands in his pockets, he shrugs his shoulders and breathes deeply before telling me : 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaH3XvZZrt
— Promise. Why do you care about me so much ? 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBMP1xb9JG
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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXDTkugrEf
— Why not ? 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLpcH0KaQq
— 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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKml1mwXVhM
— There are morons everywhere, I whisper. Jessy, I like you. I'm not going to start ignoring you because you have a health problem.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrNiIjjtrR
— Thank you, he murmurs, pursing his lips. I'm sorry for everything I said to you. I didn't mean to be so rude.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyAY1amj3k
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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudfpupI4SO
— It's forgotten. By the way, I met your mother. She seems very nice.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJdHvTESrF
Despite our slow walk, we already arrive in front of his house.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR04VEkoul2
— She is. Do you want me to take you home ? I can borrow his car.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjiAC04QCV
— No, it is going to be fine. I don't want to get the seats soggy, I smile. See you tomorrow ? 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hOiJwRFtm
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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2lhGSMdQM
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Pup3TlP1c
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjPLdwEmbM
It's almost 11 p.m. when I get home, completely soaked. My parents are waiting for me, impatient and worried.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdsr1gU3Ud
— Finally, here you are, my father roared. Look at you, you're good at wringing ! 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiUp1GXJmz
— Were you with Jessy ? My mother asks in her usual soft voice.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DJqgsxQV9
I nod, shivering from the cold.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVANOE3Ol29
— 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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdST34tyUlv
— He went back home. How did the meeting go ? 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDiw47yDu1
— Start by drying off, we'll tell you later.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8OCYLLwkQ
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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKROoDgh6H7
— So how did it go ? I said, sitting across from them on the couch.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISf37cfx8w
— 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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAWFuLJDSN
— 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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMynfGBFSL6
— Indeed, I was looking for Jessy.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVAcycrHEf
— Nina told us that you went looking for him after Chad’s visit. Did you find it ? 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1b6dxxSXzF
— Yes, and as far as you know, it’s over between Chad and me.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFqrDgHzvP
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 : 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PkxvOgdtZ
— Because of Jessy ? 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BpctBi0m4
— 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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPvIOJMprD
Once again my parents exchange this strange look which seems to mean that they are not at the end of their trouble with me.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrShwq7w1S5
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ucEBMZhV3
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaJWGnQqqw
The next morning, when I arrived near the school, I saw Jessy waiting outside on the sidewalk.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJpZJ22pPV
— Hi, how are you ? 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62CThhY0Tf
He puts a hand to his heart.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ16VjxuoG2
— Oh, you scared me ! 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh59Mb1IJmy
I burst out laughing.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSBSrzyNXZ
— That’s for the scare you gave me last night ! 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXW4XpX9TU
— It’s fair game, he smiled.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLH3irMAcp8
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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gE2YJGceG
— Are you planning to come to class today ? 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeUiScSz6v
— I don't know. After what happened yesterday...and then this meeting.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmRv83mDv7
He huffs and then purses his lips, visibly uncomfortable.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsvQqnoI2Q
— Did your mother tell you ? 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzjfok3O7M
— 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... 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MiAbZKu6W
— No way ! 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclo22p3LXr
Jessy looks at me, surprised.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHUawyraUX
— We'll go together and everything will go well, you'll see.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKjeoCH7OJ
— There are looks that are sometimes hard to bear, he admits to me.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiGmfcWXZD
However, I notice that he accompanies me towards high school.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIIVaa01S7
— 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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqE3WDYVTo
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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0JXphCu8m
— 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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJtzgSCjgy
I meet the gaze of a tall guy, named Tyler, who grimaces when he hears me.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhavVRrLFl
— Yes, complete idiots, I said again in a louder voice.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIppUTUw9w
Jessy gives me a grateful smile.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK14Xe3ZMw6
— Oh, it’s getting bad, he murmurs.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqPZJjXPht
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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGCbREpRW3
— 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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeohyFCqng
Jessy hesitates for a few seconds then squeezes his hand, nodding.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHNNbj3w3G
— Thanks.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeRbvv7owE
His eyes move from Jessy to me, he doesn't seem to know how to behave around me anymore.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7gC4bhu82
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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcVRZ25d97
He taps Jessy on the shoulder and says — See you later and walks away.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUphq4kDSfH
— It’s weird that Chad came to apologize. Did you ask him to do it ? 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq33ZdDwpbT
— 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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzGxteYZOL
— What ? 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghHh1iaYLo
I turn my head towards him.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlc4KVj4Flp
— Why did you break up ? 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjwp1SNUBu
— We are too different.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhk2XCkao06
I shrug my shoulders as if it were obvious.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGetYI7AXnQ
— And are you okay ? 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcy5fUiwMS
I see in his eyes that he really cares about me, it warms my heart.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BBV7NJ835
— Alright.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23AMyX7swb
A small smile appears at the corners of his lips.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhE0siq7dw
— 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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjBCPz4mHI
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJeBdV37kW
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHz6miTK7fO
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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8q3M10U2Yz
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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaOwF6IljZ
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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTV6EIiWddW
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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7WcwOrs1r
— You've lived locked up enough like that ! » is my key phrase to convince him.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ykp6oXqo1
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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHweKvVdwRd
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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkqCc5eBEi
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDUztihtBf
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqQFomLjo5
— Hello Mrs. Sutter, are you well ? I say happily as I enter the living room, accompanied by Jessy.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0zztMopzR
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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYo9RCDi1Y
— Good Meg and you ? 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5z4RQHgrC
— I’m fine.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJmQsepG9y
Elise gets up while Jessy goes to turn on the television.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBRwrSJ2jN
— What movie are you going to watch ? 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbu0V6QQ2oM
— Ghost ! With a big smile, I show the video tape I brought, asking him : Are you staying to watch it with us ? 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCcWzBROYk
— 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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEF4o83hHN
— Good luck, Mrs Sutter. 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZHLnjeIN7
She takes a few steps away before turning back to me.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCqYJElYS8
— Meg, for the hundredth time, call me Elise.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpb2frm7lN6
— I'll try, I promise.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvl7bjlW8u
His mother leaves the room, leaving us alone.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yU4IrdOHj
— Pop corn ? Jessy asks me. I only have salty, I don't like sweet.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHlrtX5y8d
— That suits me very well.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHqWu9BleP
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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyT2XAYmMXg
— Don’t make fun, I said, seeing him laugh discreetly.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAdLP0kivq
I stand up and stretch before wiping my eyes.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVufVfHkm1v
— Patrick Swayze is too sexy, I comment.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVaEuWtfJg
— Demi Moore is not to be outdone, he sighs, lowering his head.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSshxuhK2y7
He suddenly seems sad, which worries me.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUP9GFggv9e
— Isn't that okay ? 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrDX11jixF
— Yes, it’s just that… Do you believe that the afterlife exists ? 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsybuYXOZ4
Still sitting on the couch, I turn to him.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoEzsAnxGj
— I think yes. However, I don't know if it's like in this movie.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvUgGFHOZt
He adopts the same position as me, we find ourselves face to face.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdXhQQyYES
— If that’s the case, I’ll make sure to let you know when I get there.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UTm7dmW5n
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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8t5uviz0C
— What do you have ? He is surprised.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKZumnpdQW
— I don't want you to die Jessy ! 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHZWfR79jj
I burst into tears as I threw myself on his neck. Immediately, he hugs me back.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1t7cWdbni
— Don’t cry, he whispers in my ear. I don't like seeing you sad.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbCmvy7iZ7
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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfh3EvW2Dsn
Staring at him, I detach myself from him.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLu0hyiSEM
— You're going to fight to stay alive, aren't you ? 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVonHUJxnBz
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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZL2ZpWvAC
Finally, he nods in agreement.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqpiuJtQiq
— 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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8b2YxnzXB
— Meg, we've already talked about this. You can't save me.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBrK3EtX06
He lowers his head but I have time to see his eyes fill with tears.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTopiDOSD6E
— I know... For the moment, but I can keep hope, I smile, wiping away the last tears that linger on my cheeks.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfrH0Xui2S
Mrs. Sutter enters the room at this moment, breaking our moment of complicity.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbm5HQH3ql1
— Megan, are you crying ? She worries, looking at us in turn. And you too ? 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhp9Hh0rKJn
Jessy and I exchange a look before bursting out laughing under the surprised gaze of Elise.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoSPaaEb3d
— I’m going to go home, I announce, leaving the sofa.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRcwENbBSR
— I'll take you back.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMwdgHMr21
— No, it is going to be fine. I need to get some fresh air.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVFW3gcFzV
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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUej6XawhJg
— Do me a favor, hold on to life, I whisper in his ear.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsggg5O7o5M
Emu, he acquiesced.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZ24wLPbd1
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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSNh7Mu8M0
— Good night, see you tomorrow ! I throw before going out.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4UcbX2O8f
I take a few steps while staring at the dark sky, inside I promise myself to do everything to save Jessy's life.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0wPFd0wr7
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6hocIGTba
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dC73vthSI
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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXYcci0UxQ
— What is all this ? My mother asks me when I return home, my arms full of magazines and books.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajURkWtnQS
— I'm finding out about AIDS, I admit, placing my load on the kitchen table.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkikvtO0QF
— Meg, I know you care about Jessy but... Don't waste your life for him.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUDWCY04DI
My mother's words felt like a stab to the heart.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYcIE2xw0i
— That's not what I meant, she continues, realizing my fear.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ326yokMtKu
Hand on her forehead, she shakes her head as I grab my books again, determined to put an end to this discussion.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqHjDHr53W
— Megan, you are 16 years old, you have your whole life ahead of you.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkXMbWwchH
— And not Jessy, right ? ! I get angry.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPa6wdJUBzX
My mother looks down.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtI7SH7NgX
— 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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0wKo7MXDN
— 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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCg3sMujWZ
My mother nods weakly.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHAc4pUoon
— I just ask you to be careful. Don't get too involved.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSZgvFqEhP
— 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 ? 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00FHikbYna
I turn on my heel, ready to leave the room when my mother asks me : 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFOp2DBE25
— You love him, don’t you ? 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vR68Snk5J
I don't answer. I lock my gaze on my mother's, trying to make her understand all the feelings that are inside me.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fXKNbmBFQ
— Please don’t tell Jessy about these books, I ask her before going out.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXRxWZdkeE
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtu52sekE9
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8tZWwl67F
— Good evening, Megan, Mrs. Sutter calls me from the kitchen when I arrive at their house.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI07vV9ThA8
— Good evening.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDqmzjiVRi
— Jessy hasn’t come home yet.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ry7O8ypVS
I look up at his mother with worried eyes. It's 8 p.m., classes ended several hours ago.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpKl9OGWgK
— 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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOIHaGx7Bz
— Did he leave there complaining ? 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhNFswn9jW
— You know him well enough to know that he complains a lot, she said, smiling.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZrYI1Z3IY
— When he is with me, he is rather...327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyLJYk2WHA
Hearing the front door open, I don't finish my sentence.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzyQnyov9s
— Yes, but you are special to him, Elise whispers to me.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9zamPGL28
I remain speechless, wondering what she means by that.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmfk26HKkW
— Sorry to be late.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMXy8KXdLR
Jessy's face is tense, he seems upset. The evening could be long if he remains in this state of mind.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpUiPQ7iaa
— How was it ? His mother immediately questions him.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlu6hzv5oa
Jessy glances at me quickly before responding coldly : 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj48R3VfN73
— I don't want to talk about it.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9sdxeZE2I
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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVMcl294PW
— You want some ? 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GAkXpc68p
His tone is less cold, but still full of anger that he tries to contain.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAs8lmHSNS7
— Yes, thanks.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ368nmEdFK
He purses his lips before asking me : 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLyg5Y11Vk
— What movie did you bring this evening ? 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqJtvVa1ux
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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRagHqkqQtM
— Dirty Dancing ! 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfboHXYsmg
He rolls his eyes, but I sense that he is holding back a smile.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdNmMO0bZC
— 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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqfXfwiIoF
I pretend to look shocked, which makes him laugh.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dY8sctaYa
— It’s true that he’s hot, but in my ranking of the most handsome guys, he only occupies second place.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthRAGRzbDU
— 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 ? 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdhhfKtUCs
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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgk4zTBxZ9v
— No others, I promise. For me, the hottest guy isn't an actor.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfizepyCIi
— Ah good ? Who is it ? 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LSkwSygdj
He comes to join me on the sofa, frowning.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmCVR1Y2RY
— He’s someone I see every day.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa56o8PqACL
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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBkiBxPTBe
— Your father ? he asks after a few minutes.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTCPi0w8Lk
Without taking my eyes off the screen, I shake my head and smile. It amuses me to see him searching.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Zn16DAHRW
— Someone from high school ? 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzk7jc6tJK3
J'acquiesce327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJa6KIWxXI
— Chad ? 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1LDzjXDat
A hint of anger and disbelief filters into his voice.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwjUu3ofMJ
— No. Jessy, do you want to watch the movie or tell me all the names of the guys at school ? 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLipxsQ1jfr
— Sorry, but no matter how hard I look, I can’t see who…327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLmrT3G9DH
— It's you.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3ejX1oxOn
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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4HFMpewJ2
— Well, that makes you feel, I said mockingly, pausing the movie.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1o4NjEZMMq
— You got me, he says from the kitchen.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7GKAtOefn
I turn around on the couch to look at him.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4FqeLKoxi
— It’s the truth, Jessy, I’m not making you walk.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIdQ39JlW7
He comes back to sit next to me on the sofa. His cheeks are red as he places a kiss on my forehead.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOVka7nS0A
— It’s nice of you to try to cheer me up. I love you.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHhV8PaFwn
That's not what I'm trying to do, I really mean it, yet my heart immediately races : he adores me. 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3aj4n8Hpe
— Is it true ? 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChAq1sgzR6
— Of course. You're my best friend, Meg.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeDcDT8FEF
Oh… Friend ? My heart calms down quickly.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBKDiehGWO
— Aren’t you in good spirits ? Is it because of the meeting ? 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kEbZb2YKM
Your mother told me about it, I add in front of his frown.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnTggajUbF
— Yeah… it was depressing. Hearing all these patients talk about their fears… it brought me back to my own.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YSXhsHitc
— Did you speak with them ? 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIrgoOv06M
— 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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYlez63qzD
— If you want, next time, can I accompany you ? 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyzWsmXxiX
I suggest, but I already know the answer.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbaSIk8BaZ
— Non ! 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5DDdAsSZn
His tone is harsher than I thought. However, he softens very quickly.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVqA07HUsF
— That’s nice, but no. I don't want you to come into this part of my life.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iGSjcfgzl
— For what ? 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQl4qUakQPj
Anger reappears in his eyes, he lowers his head.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffEFrBB48l
— Because you are too important to me for me to drag you into this world of illness with me.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCw5a4dwVA
— Jessy… 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dDXFWYPcH
— 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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3s5buUcvA
— OK as you want.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsCDIWfvHc
I sigh as he resumes playing the movie. After a few minutes of silence, he glances at me and whispers : 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xofk6HmlY
— Are you mad at me ? 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHe8PKvmbax
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.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArT7L7BdTN
— No, it’s your choice.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iBG9wgAS8
He places another kiss on my forehead. I whisper to him without taking my eyes off Patrick Swayze : 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggFQzKTJoZ
— Me too, I like you.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTZLpace1O
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zOBYVuNlj
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeY2mahbHRb
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0hjQ6yKzz
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5p5ER9OHJ
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchWi7dSPgD
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCLRpFSWXF
Penana
search
Loginarrow_drop_down
Registerarrow_drop_down
