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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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmP6FekY3VK
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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xFJKsQFsa
— 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 ? 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAVW0CziT7
— Yeah, I think so.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwVTKhXO2I
— Jessy, please promise me you’ll never let yourself fall into the void like that again. I got the fright of my life.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VcrkCVAnA
Hands in his pockets, he shrugs his shoulders and breathes deeply before telling me : 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoKhlWcjow
— Promise. Why do you care about me so much ? 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBi9irN7e2y
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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2m3lh8vrz3
— Why not ? 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmTKRa3ptN
— 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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5LVDOTbfQ
— There are morons everywhere, I whisper. Jessy, I like you. I'm not going to start ignoring you because you have a health problem.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALbeXxWJNc
— Thank you, he murmurs, pursing his lips. I'm sorry for everything I said to you. I didn't mean to be so rude.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FS9LPjmde
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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2KW5MagtT
— It's forgotten. By the way, I met your mother. She seems very nice.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOV6stZ8AL
Despite our slow walk, we already arrive in front of his house.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMSCXAw4cC
— She is. Do you want me to take you home ? I can borrow his car.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISAvxZITPX
— No, it is going to be fine. I don't want to get the seats soggy, I smile. See you tomorrow ? 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKAu3LiJKW
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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2t5Ivtmzxk
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It's almost 11 p.m. when I get home, completely soaked. My parents are waiting for me, impatient and worried.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1qTVWbTFK
— Finally, here you are, my father roared. Look at you, you're good at wringing ! 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaiYiPB7fJ
— Were you with Jessy ? My mother asks in her usual soft voice.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLUzR5Vys5
I nod, shivering from the cold.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDKkIw5jTx
— 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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLB436j7SzS
— He went back home. How did the meeting go ? 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SsqFt5lGM
— Start by drying off, we'll tell you later.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeys86ajOnR
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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirgjip6sE0
— So how did it go ? I said, sitting across from them on the couch.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RegE1QUMF
— 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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCKdkeznTH
— 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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodDP7MxO5d
— Indeed, I was looking for Jessy.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXI8lmpPJPL
— Nina told us that you went looking for him after Chad’s visit. Did you find it ? 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQVRGWmZRL
— Yes, and as far as you know, it’s over between Chad and me.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDmSI9qmMy
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 : 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiBgrP8eRL
— Because of Jessy ? 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQDYjP2A3n
— 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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eLeMdlCJ2
Once again my parents exchange this strange look which seems to mean that they are not at the end of their trouble with me.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiw2OgoLCD
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The next morning, when I arrived near the school, I saw Jessy waiting outside on the sidewalk.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Mq1kRxZVm
— Hi, how are you ? 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4zXaBwmJN
He puts a hand to his heart.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72QL1Sj9cQ
— Oh, you scared me ! 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqgoVWPpaD
I burst out laughing.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBSowNaDuO
— That’s for the scare you gave me last night ! 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSF1SBtWOZF
— It’s fair game, he smiled.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefgsiCJIO2
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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnccPapoudX
— Are you planning to come to class today ? 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4S62tBg9I
— I don't know. After what happened yesterday...and then this meeting.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxj1wi53oVO
He huffs and then purses his lips, visibly uncomfortable.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToVYYGPTRT
— Did your mother tell you ? 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5o7upbUyAx
— 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... 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6x3zQedEP
— No way ! 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Y97Ff9bNO
Jessy looks at me, surprised.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80MuEVtfaE
— We'll go together and everything will go well, you'll see.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGwiYa9zKd
— There are looks that are sometimes hard to bear, he admits to me.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKJWJr1cuq
However, I notice that he accompanies me towards high school.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyCEAbBVGw
— 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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KIJPSDVaT
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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCHxnYZ7u7
— 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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXrHMwQKlm
I meet the gaze of a tall guy, named Tyler, who grimaces when he hears me.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQhlHugNFP
— Yes, complete idiots, I said again in a louder voice.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopeE2zo9s4
Jessy gives me a grateful smile.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2a0tdwqfQ
— Oh, it’s getting bad, he murmurs.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKL1y5QlYC
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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XoFDhOD4k
— 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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrH9zQinkd1
Jessy hesitates for a few seconds then squeezes his hand, nodding.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqSqrw4eFf
— Thanks.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YErV3J0Mn
His eyes move from Jessy to me, he doesn't seem to know how to behave around me anymore.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KVXtamYRT
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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJAhVkNNDU
He taps Jessy on the shoulder and says — See you later and walks away.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWhZeJv4OC
— It’s weird that Chad came to apologize. Did you ask him to do it ? 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQb2G8tkn9
— 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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPeXgy6OLz
— What ? 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgXMr3hpKb
I turn my head towards him.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvjRDs76Hk
— Why did you break up ? 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1vM8h6I9v
— We are too different.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgl5lACAk0
I shrug my shoulders as if it were obvious.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zG2SsA3JB
— And are you okay ? 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgXFeVdxIR
I see in his eyes that he really cares about me, it warms my heart.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5MDE4CwkH
— Alright.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh83zUtToeG
A small smile appears at the corners of his lips.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxe77a3xFH
— 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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecNc6XhyXO
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In the days that followed, things calmed down at the school. I can't say that Jessy goes unnoticed, but he is seen less as an outcast, which is already a small victory. At school, I was always the model student, collecting good grades. The super serious girl who has the teachers on her side. When I dated Chad, who is the most popular guy, I became popular and other girls tended to take their cues from me. So, even if there are a few who look away and whisper as she passes, most of the students are starting to accept Jessy. Since the evening on the bridge, we have spent a lot of time together. I prefer to be with him rather than with my pseudo friends : Pearl and especially Amy, who has turned her back on me since Chad and I separated.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb86FXHTHbp
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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPb7T1x9Ot4
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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTm7gOjVXB
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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHymLHweM92
— You've lived locked up enough like that ! » is my key phrase to convince him.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdVxSo0EJS
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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaY7WGIBwpi
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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF80tTPlApz
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— Hello Mrs. Sutter, are you well ? I say happily as I enter the living room, accompanied by Jessy.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEdp3g5rMF
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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8N8Cj75h4M
— Good Meg and you ? 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTe8Dlffnhc
— I’m fine.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLNKKiIXff
Elise gets up while Jessy goes to turn on the television.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgZoQh6qa2
— What movie are you going to watch ? 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNR4plj9Uue
— Ghost ! With a big smile, I show the video tape I brought, asking him : Are you staying to watch it with us ? 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCtJjCmz1H
— 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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1AC7u0FO6
— Good luck, Mrs Sutter. 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7adRRlfcq
She takes a few steps away before turning back to me.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjdVIWT25v
— Meg, for the hundredth time, call me Elise.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThWOqsQWJb
— I'll try, I promise.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ikNOh4pbA
His mother leaves the room, leaving us alone.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdEt6Czc4i
— Pop corn ? Jessy asks me. I only have salty, I don't like sweet.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3l13WYHvom
— That suits me very well.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7leuNkRvW5
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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuYEUFztTw
— Don’t make fun, I said, seeing him laugh discreetly.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUrcPw8OOH
I stand up and stretch before wiping my eyes.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUZzA5kUiq
— Patrick Swayze is too sexy, I comment.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5gVKp7i0K
— Demi Moore is not to be outdone, he sighs, lowering his head.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquPPnKuoA2
He suddenly seems sad, which worries me.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3zY9BlK0i
— Isn't that okay ? 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3liiVyDZ2
— Yes, it’s just that… Do you believe that the afterlife exists ? 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXV9IbQectt
Still sitting on the couch, I turn to him.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEzOs0XGry
— I think yes. However, I don't know if it's like in this movie.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZVlQbart8
He adopts the same position as me, we find ourselves face to face.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PiECaySRV
— If that’s the case, I’ll make sure to let you know when I get there.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmNlvQ63yS
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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3rIPTVb9g
— What do you have ? He is surprised.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhap1ZeL1W
— I don't want you to die Jessy ! 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ829sMkEM6E
I burst into tears as I threw myself on his neck. Immediately, he hugs me back.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDUEvlm8TH
— Don’t cry, he whispers in my ear. I don't like seeing you sad.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw28wICw7F1
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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrg5Y1AmX7S
Staring at him, I detach myself from him.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYz77wyLRa2
— You're going to fight to stay alive, aren't you ? 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3ycEofXJG
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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwjtB95cJw
Finally, he nods in agreement.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhZLnygOeb
— 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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51t2JTHgf2
— Meg, we've already talked about this. You can't save me.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmqH0B9Lg7
He lowers his head but I have time to see his eyes fill with tears.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wVf2SZBvc
— I know... For the moment, but I can keep hope, I smile, wiping away the last tears that linger on my cheeks.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡye1uqbjk2b
Mrs. Sutter enters the room at this moment, breaking our moment of complicity.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtQLn9FXR7
— Megan, are you crying ? She worries, looking at us in turn. And you too ? 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKSR0ay3B4
Jessy and I exchange a look before bursting out laughing under the surprised gaze of Elise.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bimipsdYw
— I’m going to go home, I announce, leaving the sofa.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYzYq9a7WR
— I'll take you back.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujY3gRlZRe
— No, it is going to be fine. I need to get some fresh air.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8aaeCxVah
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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqerOzizhzP
— Do me a favor, hold on to life, I whisper in his ear.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FzQlOway7
Emu, he acquiesced.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9xywy1vHJ
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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGtto8O9uJ
— Good night, see you tomorrow ! I throw before going out.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGgqE3vb7r
I take a few steps while staring at the dark sky, inside I promise myself to do everything to save Jessy's life.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ785sCYJCMa
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Since Jessy stubbornly refuses to tell me about his virus, during the days that follow, I go around bookstores looking for medical journals. At that time, when AIDS was terrifying the population, I had hoped to learn more, unfortunately the articles were still rare and the possible treatments even more so. Everyone repeats the instructions to follow in order not to be contaminated but none of them informs me about the solutions to overcome this cursed disease.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6108UfaHMH
— What is all this ? My mother asks me when I return home, my arms full of magazines and books.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Ppg0WlPb9
— I'm finding out about AIDS, I admit, placing my load on the kitchen table.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmLRNzFpp0
— Meg, I know you care about Jessy but... Don't waste your life for him.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxShxngsbi
My mother's words felt like a stab to the heart.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuUKYat7lC
— That's not what I meant, she continues, realizing my fear.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTl9hP78ycU
Hand on her forehead, she shakes her head as I grab my books again, determined to put an end to this discussion.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bOO4B1cmz
— Megan, you are 16 years old, you have your whole life ahead of you.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrCDa3ePGs
— And not Jessy, right ? ! I get angry.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkwQ3wNNU4
My mother looks down.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69Nr8yvxhB
— 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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0l316TNbG
— 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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0zEmw4NH5
My mother nods weakly.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe12X6Mim2P
— I just ask you to be careful. Don't get too involved.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxILEkABudW
— 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 ? 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLXrvyEfv1
I turn on my heel, ready to leave the room when my mother asks me : 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUv12qvJFbQ
— You love him, don’t you ? 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqfp0Fjck0
I don't answer. I lock my gaze on my mother's, trying to make her understand all the feelings that are inside me.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04nMkfGGjy
— Please don’t tell Jessy about these books, I ask her before going out.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrkQNonGiY
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4K9Kb0Vz7
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrV6fH5BnV
— Good evening, Megan, Mrs. Sutter calls me from the kitchen when I arrive at their house.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkA8WJlYSHG
— Good evening.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIR7wMtNLyw
— Jessy hasn’t come home yet.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrAsuDN2iV
I look up at his mother with worried eyes. It's 8 p.m., classes ended several hours ago.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCavwm8r9Hy
— 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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSvrI5Z4cA
— Did he leave there complaining ? 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡst7Ba2Pb3B
— You know him well enough to know that he complains a lot, she said, smiling.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6EWoRgDe1
— When he is with me, he is rather...289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdK1ykx0mRk
Hearing the front door open, I don't finish my sentence.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyopKhbABn
— Yes, but you are special to him, Elise whispers to me.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn04r1N5TrN
I remain speechless, wondering what she means by that.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3C6oHf39x
— Sorry to be late.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6Z9Q14wlA
Jessy's face is tense, he seems upset. The evening could be long if he remains in this state of mind.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KoHu2hXah
— How was it ? His mother immediately questions him.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopo41c5RYJ
Jessy glances at me quickly before responding coldly : 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfI1P23pJyf
— I don't want to talk about it.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEpcib5ruv
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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdAmBnPTYu
— You want some ? 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYfVK4tMW8
His tone is less cold, but still full of anger that he tries to contain.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJdfblWLwV
— Yes, thanks.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6HoB8DS4h
He purses his lips before asking me : 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vlwvWLa7y
— What movie did you bring this evening ? 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZ0Qx0n9Fa
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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yx36uypkD
— Dirty Dancing ! 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJ53MLdhQj
He rolls his eyes, but I sense that he is holding back a smile.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpg3dWb9W0Q
— 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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGxectST7P
I pretend to look shocked, which makes him laugh.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhSJsuwalb
— It’s true that he’s hot, but in my ranking of the most handsome guys, he only occupies second place.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡev9WFzHGdZ
— 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 ? 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0Gzaa81dN
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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiW2wIcAnJc
— No others, I promise. For me, the hottest guy isn't an actor.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tEQGHn415
— Ah good ? Who is it ? 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk50GMQ9P31
He comes to join me on the sofa, frowning.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3f48EB1HA
— He’s someone I see every day.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAL5qvAs6G9
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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDp6G17UVuA
— Your father ? he asks after a few minutes.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLVLtJR8BX
Without taking my eyes off the screen, I shake my head and smile. It amuses me to see him searching.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaPkww0yRh
— Someone from high school ? 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXx09Dlx6k
J'acquiesce289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvaO10vZjm
— Chad ? 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YcNB4h226
A hint of anger and disbelief filters into his voice.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSaeWOXHhi
— No. Jessy, do you want to watch the movie or tell me all the names of the guys at school ? 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCD9mRC8JbA
— Sorry, but no matter how hard I look, I can’t see who…289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQkYoe1gEO
— It's you.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46PkerI2Vy
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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoNycFHU3X
— Well, that makes you feel, I said mockingly, pausing the movie.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hIRZPCD1h
— You got me, he says from the kitchen.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYYnvipFCi
I turn around on the couch to look at him.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhDJb2DBuu
— It’s the truth, Jessy, I’m not making you walk.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPKwpa17ij
He comes back to sit next to me on the sofa. His cheeks are red as he places a kiss on my forehead.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7gsaJX6WZ
— It’s nice of you to try to cheer me up. I love you.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnLj4nKuQ1
That's not what I'm trying to do, I really mean it, yet my heart immediately races : he adores me. 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡii2e71kLz1
— Is it true ? 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3I3n07ft6K
— Of course. You're my best friend, Meg.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRSDuAsIz7
Oh… Friend ? My heart calms down quickly.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPh9PVRIkIA
— Aren’t you in good spirits ? Is it because of the meeting ? 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Rd9YWTXtn
Your mother told me about it, I add in front of his frown.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4AkDp6YVE
— Yeah… it was depressing. Hearing all these patients talk about their fears… it brought me back to my own.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvSBIIOsEy
— Did you speak with them ? 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdgCi5nDwB
— 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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ANIT9x4T3
— If you want, next time, can I accompany you ? 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3v6WEW0Yh
I suggest, but I already know the answer.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6QVjsvyrs
— Non ! 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDiAB8zvLHJ
His tone is harsher than I thought. However, he softens very quickly.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefy3A783eT
— That’s nice, but no. I don't want you to come into this part of my life.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AP7lPHqZZ
— For what ? 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFGpaLKufV
Anger reappears in his eyes, he lowers his head.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYDJKuYXq9
— Because you are too important to me for me to drag you into this world of illness with me.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZXhmgAGcJ
— Jessy… 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClp2fKyQQw
— 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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzP5fe8oDY
— OK as you want.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8VsYmtJHL
I sigh as he resumes playing the movie. After a few minutes of silence, he glances at me and whispers : 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgrYd6QYsR
— Are you mad at me ? 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEK9mWDSK3
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.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlt2VWOhTll
— No, it’s your choice.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVdksB4AId
He places another kiss on my forehead. I whisper to him without taking my eyes off Patrick Swayze : 289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFouoM7WZWJ
— Me too, I like you.289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc73UPbCUQA
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZo64NQyAu
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiPtlAfhwo
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMV44EopOv
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZpj7NVINP
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MfKERy7BI
289Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsngIpxBUfe
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