372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yIlfbTyFm
372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZaXzkFW9M
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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7hxFa8vpw
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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHr3xsfSNS
— 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 ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobN9Fi3wQ6
— Yeah, I think so.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrEDJB7fAF
— Jessy, please promise me you’ll never let yourself fall into the void like that again. I got the fright of my life.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡys5Hl9kWpr
Hands in his pockets, he shrugs his shoulders and breathes deeply before telling me : 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMqa4mpPME
— Promise. Why do you care about me so much ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrzqdLiNxG
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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngayerwX5t
— Why not ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUhZ2xYB0C
— 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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hfYl5Nml1
— There are morons everywhere, I whisper. Jessy, I like you. I'm not going to start ignoring you because you have a health problem.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLZ2PmQHtp
— Thank you, he murmurs, pursing his lips. I'm sorry for everything I said to you. I didn't mean to be so rude.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChHswl6gWh
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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPi5JjjmpS
— It's forgotten. By the way, I met your mother. She seems very nice.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5h1mwZhse7
Despite our slow walk, we already arrive in front of his house.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuj1mFnY5J
— She is. Do you want me to take you home ? I can borrow his car.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEugAcSxvcG
— No, it is going to be fine. I don't want to get the seats soggy, I smile. See you tomorrow ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAN39fwyrf
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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKtJ0sWRii
372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVEhQXPpXT
372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmfIpVNI7o
It's almost 11 p.m. when I get home, completely soaked. My parents are waiting for me, impatient and worried.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3a6KDN41J
— Finally, here you are, my father roared. Look at you, you're good at wringing ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnlKehe3S4
— Were you with Jessy ? My mother asks in her usual soft voice.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2Adi5jPEd
I nod, shivering from the cold.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIaKZ8f6lA
— 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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeARUGxo55V
— He went back home. How did the meeting go ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeh66eIZW8
— Start by drying off, we'll tell you later.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsF5muUCjW
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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRSzGgo59o
— So how did it go ? I said, sitting across from them on the couch.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGX2I0SAu86
— 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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeRjjqEG87
— 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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzYzTuUdm0
— Indeed, I was looking for Jessy.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fvon4lKm9
— Nina told us that you went looking for him after Chad’s visit. Did you find it ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqveXlIqiP0
— Yes, and as far as you know, it’s over between Chad and me.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEeJpC7CtCZ
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 : 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgW4eOd5aF
— Because of Jessy ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTjfTDPkg2
— 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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSw7HeYcstY
Once again my parents exchange this strange look which seems to mean that they are not at the end of their trouble with me.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVoVZwVe9V
372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFGtL2McsS
372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURMwAwq7qh
The next morning, when I arrived near the school, I saw Jessy waiting outside on the sidewalk.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaFjCTUUBf
— Hi, how are you ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy99ryplqf9
He puts a hand to his heart.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMLJgKNrs2
— Oh, you scared me ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmp3LR1e3L
I burst out laughing.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuF9DuyyO7E
— That’s for the scare you gave me last night ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEpw8ViwjL
— It’s fair game, he smiled.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyOaWxzGQj
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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiNWgC04Qo
— Are you planning to come to class today ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZSxbyX33E
— I don't know. After what happened yesterday...and then this meeting.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSgX7bozZ7
He huffs and then purses his lips, visibly uncomfortable.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUJKoNDIb7
— Did your mother tell you ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUK2B9yAopt
— 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... 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjycgxnMRO
— No way ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRlB6X2PrE
Jessy looks at me, surprised.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LwTfns1i3
— We'll go together and everything will go well, you'll see.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1QCUpSNgB
— There are looks that are sometimes hard to bear, he admits to me.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlAPom7B5O
However, I notice that he accompanies me towards high school.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Zh3ihxGqK
— 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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZadmOvXeV
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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAgqTgC8pC
— 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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYKwaYSG7j
I meet the gaze of a tall guy, named Tyler, who grimaces when he hears me.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvMLS9IVof
— Yes, complete idiots, I said again in a louder voice.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWst2KNvi9
Jessy gives me a grateful smile.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGA8QmWAi3
— Oh, it’s getting bad, he murmurs.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXXCsO80rK
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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgaRz0BBDa
— 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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUBb48YEQ4
Jessy hesitates for a few seconds then squeezes his hand, nodding.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2Z6gRZG7B
— Thanks.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLal2d4cgT
His eyes move from Jessy to me, he doesn't seem to know how to behave around me anymore.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTYFHrEKxz
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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wIZyEfs3p
He taps Jessy on the shoulder and says — See you later and walks away.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiLQTxfKjx
— It’s weird that Chad came to apologize. Did you ask him to do it ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlvaUkq4Z3
— 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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaODi1Efs5l
— What ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyJAwSokER
I turn my head towards him.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEUUvSsn9V
— Why did you break up ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsU4qnxVfj
— We are too different.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0RIsFTi2y
I shrug my shoulders as if it were obvious.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtLIpSZR99
— And are you okay ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2r338EUJ4R
I see in his eyes that he really cares about me, it warms my heart.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbPLdnUtfl
— Alright.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjS3nrEHnEp
A small smile appears at the corners of his lips.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySFSWMn2s2
— 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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0d3yzGylv
372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kU1y5FTym
372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5nl5BjXas
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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhKUxpHozS
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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSGJhALTJw
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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyCoI1yQGd
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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38N6OH4Wn0
— You've lived locked up enough like that ! » is my key phrase to convince him.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaw3ESH82OA
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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiQkNlzQfB
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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFdEJwdfBk
372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgPklhSMft
372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEOjjor3Eh
— Hello Mrs. Sutter, are you well ? I say happily as I enter the living room, accompanied by Jessy.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmlB7DQLYe
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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGAMeBfprt
— Good Meg and you ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyusnbWCrl
— I’m fine.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPffoC5p6is
Elise gets up while Jessy goes to turn on the television.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHWa5pGq7L
— What movie are you going to watch ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgofTGFrxl
— Ghost ! With a big smile, I show the video tape I brought, asking him : Are you staying to watch it with us ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUoYEy6bEK
— 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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cwfrNbCnp
— Good luck, Mrs Sutter. 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3UG4enxNk
She takes a few steps away before turning back to me.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQA9qP6ZRrg
— Meg, for the hundredth time, call me Elise.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9rLZOb29y
— I'll try, I promise.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XZ9haLN7t
His mother leaves the room, leaving us alone.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZUsPQpwkw
— Pop corn ? Jessy asks me. I only have salty, I don't like sweet.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2aFzBTMu3
— That suits me very well.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhj8EAyh2c
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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm18UD1WNvv
— Don’t make fun, I said, seeing him laugh discreetly.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSM30XayQp
I stand up and stretch before wiping my eyes.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAa5yJKO6X
— Patrick Swayze is too sexy, I comment.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpnzZtQQSA
— Demi Moore is not to be outdone, he sighs, lowering his head.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbK6gpPhIDb
He suddenly seems sad, which worries me.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJxZZbHExE
— Isn't that okay ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqk3rUBXTv
— Yes, it’s just that… Do you believe that the afterlife exists ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAeba6ZTGo
Still sitting on the couch, I turn to him.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lXgWL10zm
— I think yes. However, I don't know if it's like in this movie.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9C1LB33UPb
He adopts the same position as me, we find ourselves face to face.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0g7tz3iSD
— If that’s the case, I’ll make sure to let you know when I get there.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZDlDM0Lmg
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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeYa0qQ5mD
— What do you have ? He is surprised.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2883eU1FM
— I don't want you to die Jessy ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLqe7JXGKX
I burst into tears as I threw myself on his neck. Immediately, he hugs me back.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7PJBhixIM
— Don’t cry, he whispers in my ear. I don't like seeing you sad.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdthtoAYser
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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8ROrJ7Fat
Staring at him, I detach myself from him.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLWJHXQMex
— You're going to fight to stay alive, aren't you ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjSyVKXXQa
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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEECTy79QWI
Finally, he nods in agreement.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93myDoazG1
— 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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQD442T2cNb
— Meg, we've already talked about this. You can't save me.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9vc1RJf56
He lowers his head but I have time to see his eyes fill with tears.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8rbZQi5qa
— I know... For the moment, but I can keep hope, I smile, wiping away the last tears that linger on my cheeks.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzbyV1FWL1
Mrs. Sutter enters the room at this moment, breaking our moment of complicity.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQBKBmDju2
— Megan, are you crying ? She worries, looking at us in turn. And you too ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbq8zzSFbKC
Jessy and I exchange a look before bursting out laughing under the surprised gaze of Elise.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2jmcH5J6p
— I’m going to go home, I announce, leaving the sofa.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCjMHdiuEv
— I'll take you back.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSTdEehQLj
— No, it is going to be fine. I need to get some fresh air.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPKc7GJOhd
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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNuP28h5IH
— Do me a favor, hold on to life, I whisper in his ear.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKYCZLZ1bS
Emu, he acquiesced.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbUrTuhxm9
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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzErDzRvBnt
— Good night, see you tomorrow ! I throw before going out.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8CWrUH2GB
I take a few steps while staring at the dark sky, inside I promise myself to do everything to save Jessy's life.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLvgxE0faF
372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0h3m8vj565
372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgaA3le2Lq
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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEPlJe2GcZ
— What is all this ? My mother asks me when I return home, my arms full of magazines and books.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJI6G6rcGW
— I'm finding out about AIDS, I admit, placing my load on the kitchen table.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9X48QphI0
— Meg, I know you care about Jessy but... Don't waste your life for him.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwH2rpV0crK
My mother's words felt like a stab to the heart.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbic2EiIHV
— That's not what I meant, she continues, realizing my fear.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbeqUisb09
Hand on her forehead, she shakes her head as I grab my books again, determined to put an end to this discussion.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueS1UCFimG
— Megan, you are 16 years old, you have your whole life ahead of you.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCbZ2PsB6E
— And not Jessy, right ? ! I get angry.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmm66T8ATW5
My mother looks down.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUOQd1xf0U
— 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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJKfiufxJ7
— 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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvXtjacpmm
My mother nods weakly.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXmBAPWE7n
— I just ask you to be careful. Don't get too involved.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmD8SjvxXZ
— 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 ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvKKRpJZsY
I turn on my heel, ready to leave the room when my mother asks me : 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyZaQC8zyR
— You love him, don’t you ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VaARskuEl
I don't answer. I lock my gaze on my mother's, trying to make her understand all the feelings that are inside me.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAmoyKs1Ao
— Please don’t tell Jessy about these books, I ask her before going out.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvQrNDAqwI
372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOHVOY5FF7
372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQcp9NmhMc
— Good evening, Megan, Mrs. Sutter calls me from the kitchen when I arrive at their house.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnY7Zc6EbL
— Good evening.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXRNAOV53E
— Jessy hasn’t come home yet.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVo2jBQQQC
I look up at his mother with worried eyes. It's 8 p.m., classes ended several hours ago.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AfdOmJ7hn
— 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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiz9SLpvuMb
— Did he leave there complaining ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkgF28vXx9
— You know him well enough to know that he complains a lot, she said, smiling.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndC5t2W1VP
— When he is with me, he is rather...372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KQIlt43PK
Hearing the front door open, I don't finish my sentence.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡor65hAMnBf
— Yes, but you are special to him, Elise whispers to me.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ipfRVkq7S
I remain speechless, wondering what she means by that.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUTUeTS5Q0
— Sorry to be late.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwb6jkQisN
Jessy's face is tense, he seems upset. The evening could be long if he remains in this state of mind.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHmqNrgDgX
— How was it ? His mother immediately questions him.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEQ61C82mj
Jessy glances at me quickly before responding coldly : 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aQDjRZdn1
— I don't want to talk about it.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeO49VQEsYF
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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xyf1CakSa
— You want some ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreogQsz3ue
His tone is less cold, but still full of anger that he tries to contain.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMCuJ3qLW0
— Yes, thanks.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0bne7qVpL
He purses his lips before asking me : 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YDEAIRryF
— What movie did you bring this evening ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrnM4wucSv
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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6ielpgKuQ
— Dirty Dancing ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCldAVKWJK1
He rolls his eyes, but I sense that he is holding back a smile.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHCIN68H15
— 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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpY3rA2J6TD
I pretend to look shocked, which makes him laugh.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNHlUD03Ag
— It’s true that he’s hot, but in my ranking of the most handsome guys, he only occupies second place.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQS13SC750
— 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 ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUTlDp6Hnf
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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznfrFf8B1q
— No others, I promise. For me, the hottest guy isn't an actor.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6q6OPfxiN
— Ah good ? Who is it ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeC62rdgZh
He comes to join me on the sofa, frowning.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94I7XUpYNH
— He’s someone I see every day.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7o1eD3nf2
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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqhKtCfGjc
— Your father ? he asks after a few minutes.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hxEsPMWl1
Without taking my eyes off the screen, I shake my head and smile. It amuses me to see him searching.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsx4hk5OIt
— Someone from high school ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qUhBA13MV
J'acquiesce372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQsbgSplgB
— Chad ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwutWaBcpMh
A hint of anger and disbelief filters into his voice.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhArASkzCh2
— No. Jessy, do you want to watch the movie or tell me all the names of the guys at school ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGPx4ptAQB
— Sorry, but no matter how hard I look, I can’t see who…372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzPiqYAbr5
— It's you.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJZ1hXat7b
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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUGHM7B6sb
— Well, that makes you feel, I said mockingly, pausing the movie.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfpsJEqvbB
— You got me, he says from the kitchen.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvehhMu0NVN
I turn around on the couch to look at him.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8t7kOXJNj
— It’s the truth, Jessy, I’m not making you walk.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zp05GjHgH
He comes back to sit next to me on the sofa. His cheeks are red as he places a kiss on my forehead.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehyoAaTcXb
— It’s nice of you to try to cheer me up. I love you.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnoJNluCMP
That's not what I'm trying to do, I really mean it, yet my heart immediately races : he adores me. 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknwSfcU0Yy
— Is it true ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ziFUS5jxV
— Of course. You're my best friend, Meg.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqWMKxtz2z
Oh… Friend ? My heart calms down quickly.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIz2kJ1yPs
— Aren’t you in good spirits ? Is it because of the meeting ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw85esSDrHn
Your mother told me about it, I add in front of his frown.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFT92fO5Kfg
— Yeah… it was depressing. Hearing all these patients talk about their fears… it brought me back to my own.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7lrcTA9n5
— Did you speak with them ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuOBa10tfR
— 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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgC8lUZCZti
— If you want, next time, can I accompany you ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FyIJJ1x8K
I suggest, but I already know the answer.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRsFUFue9N
— Non ! 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxkfsduOPt
His tone is harsher than I thought. However, he softens very quickly.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsiccTSE8h
— That’s nice, but no. I don't want you to come into this part of my life.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTfScVp2Oc
— For what ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKsPs6Q3RC
Anger reappears in his eyes, he lowers his head.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmauoOpuTi
— Because you are too important to me for me to drag you into this world of illness with me.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYv1UwOpye
— Jessy… 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSNKo6V5o2
— 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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIpixpQplv
— OK as you want.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHQhVJYpFI
I sigh as he resumes playing the movie. After a few minutes of silence, he glances at me and whispers : 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSxEFTPEIr
— Are you mad at me ? 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkSVBk9u2h
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.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHtdHvndxX
— No, it’s your choice.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmw8AgY5em
He places another kiss on my forehead. I whisper to him without taking my eyes off Patrick Swayze : 372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvECvTxY17
— Me too, I like you.372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04G545Tm1b
372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWv1UAhmOTf
372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGeeOUM9Tn
372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhcKQ7lqpt
372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIUPj9bFu3
372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9C4oXusWj
372Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGOsRIN1Wg
Penana
search
Loginarrow_drop_down
Registerarrow_drop_down
