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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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22fOdAVeLz
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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6forfJBYr
— 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 ? 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlD7dGPEbr
— Yeah, I think so.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlcbejEIcL
— Jessy, please promise me you’ll never let yourself fall into the void like that again. I got the fright of my life.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUrOtyglDh
Hands in his pockets, he shrugs his shoulders and breathes deeply before telling me : 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqa4vRsEos
— Promise. Why do you care about me so much ? 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6q8Zp9UIdJ
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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTe3c3ci2xv
— Why not ? 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGlNC2TwDa
— 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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡog7TkWEf3P
— There are morons everywhere, I whisper. Jessy, I like you. I'm not going to start ignoring you because you have a health problem.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKkxdyn67X
— Thank you, he murmurs, pursing his lips. I'm sorry for everything I said to you. I didn't mean to be so rude.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBayYExCk1U
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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQdOt5lV0n
— It's forgotten. By the way, I met your mother. She seems very nice.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVt1UNZlko
Despite our slow walk, we already arrive in front of his house.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQizFFnxLT
— She is. Do you want me to take you home ? I can borrow his car.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtE99SwoMNl
— No, it is going to be fine. I don't want to get the seats soggy, I smile. See you tomorrow ? 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnV3g3v5t2
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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxglt5OnZq8
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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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspKn0T0XdC
— Finally, here you are, my father roared. Look at you, you're good at wringing ! 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4Nhj9Zcqr
— Were you with Jessy ? My mother asks in her usual soft voice.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7r7ytgLPbE
I nod, shivering from the cold.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GF8AnCvZd
— 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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6c5kR3m4V
— He went back home. How did the meeting go ? 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo987R9AYlJ
— Start by drying off, we'll tell you later.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5s3RNryTT
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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiNRu8d9WB
— So how did it go ? I said, sitting across from them on the couch.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckChdNemxX
— 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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaWOALKLbS
— 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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaIlxlSiQM
— Indeed, I was looking for Jessy.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbaJQIybVx
— Nina told us that you went looking for him after Chad’s visit. Did you find it ? 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QkQH8lPWL
— Yes, and as far as you know, it’s over between Chad and me.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVA1nR628k
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 : 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwnoukDwdo
— Because of Jessy ? 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbcGYHMHAA
— 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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsFC4pcgEp
Once again my parents exchange this strange look which seems to mean that they are not at the end of their trouble with me.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sfZf4rKKm
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The next morning, when I arrived near the school, I saw Jessy waiting outside on the sidewalk.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchdc0QRe7p
— Hi, how are you ? 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePITnXmxGx
He puts a hand to his heart.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOlmIEOiQW
— Oh, you scared me ! 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQabF3gzpef
I burst out laughing.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZD9NrTrCFv
— That’s for the scare you gave me last night ! 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5t69TnfYmx
— It’s fair game, he smiled.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqjk7412Vn
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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pz6dB9aaY
— Are you planning to come to class today ? 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7Nhb3x8is
— I don't know. After what happened yesterday...and then this meeting.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVOsBK9iPX
He huffs and then purses his lips, visibly uncomfortable.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVKpMwDnZ8
— Did your mother tell you ? 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtzOyNnRQA
— 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... 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HbejFP9tu
— No way ! 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxwgmbja4D
Jessy looks at me, surprised.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ673A2enAgG
— We'll go together and everything will go well, you'll see.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHSF9TnZMh
— There are looks that are sometimes hard to bear, he admits to me.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepeVbfuNWi
However, I notice that he accompanies me towards high school.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqo7ilPJnas
— 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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoV9mR2Zvv
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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbKAyjk1xI
— 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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPv30hOSq5
I meet the gaze of a tall guy, named Tyler, who grimaces when he hears me.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMowkt1FatR
— Yes, complete idiots, I said again in a louder voice.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzVV0jdd2Q
Jessy gives me a grateful smile.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvAt46WKq6
— Oh, it’s getting bad, he murmurs.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinbkTuTWNK
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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBVUiNL6xq
— 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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWBkTOcasM
Jessy hesitates for a few seconds then squeezes his hand, nodding.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvckB2LDdUw
— Thanks.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7wjop50q8
His eyes move from Jessy to me, he doesn't seem to know how to behave around me anymore.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf93vbgdoLe
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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMicpMULX4
He taps Jessy on the shoulder and says — See you later and walks away.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupMQDSpRtL
— It’s weird that Chad came to apologize. Did you ask him to do it ? 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuhZm5cNaC
— 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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDlZ7PuFJS
— What ? 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzp1tkiFAR
I turn my head towards him.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8MAUWU9pM
— Why did you break up ? 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKVjINSsG6
— We are too different.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5xydw8yFp
I shrug my shoulders as if it were obvious.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaYqryflfQ
— And are you okay ? 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOn3v3y5Qsa
I see in his eyes that he really cares about me, it warms my heart.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHIrOsAqZt
— Alright.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKlx3BxfJv
A small smile appears at the corners of his lips.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyQ5rfhHxt
— 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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vNIWRVXyq
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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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIR02pFNBkc
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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUhJTGW7XQ
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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡviWK3fwYCA
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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5pKyiuysU
— You've lived locked up enough like that ! » is my key phrase to convince him.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWH0232YPV
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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84R8QnLQbn
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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwEnBDItBC
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— Hello Mrs. Sutter, are you well ? I say happily as I enter the living room, accompanied by Jessy.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6Yd8e2L1c
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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxHbPJ9qzC
— Good Meg and you ? 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugoY7S1AxJ
— I’m fine.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz42emCAO08
Elise gets up while Jessy goes to turn on the television.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemhu5pBoFN
— What movie are you going to watch ? 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJ0lbKBKd8
— Ghost ! With a big smile, I show the video tape I brought, asking him : Are you staying to watch it with us ? 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4zCJyoUxz
— 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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTEbKiFbj4
— Good luck, Mrs Sutter. 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtykROmuRS
She takes a few steps away before turning back to me.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINgs15Lqmt
— Meg, for the hundredth time, call me Elise.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHIgLy3fpG
— I'll try, I promise.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IRmC4Ucez
His mother leaves the room, leaving us alone.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZOhvSyNG7
— Pop corn ? Jessy asks me. I only have salty, I don't like sweet.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6MtCd2EtB
— That suits me very well.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0mU2dUSi7
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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGZWUvwoTD
— Don’t make fun, I said, seeing him laugh discreetly.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIkYOHy9kH
I stand up and stretch before wiping my eyes.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbqjLPlkPb
— Patrick Swayze is too sexy, I comment.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrdOvzPZFb
— Demi Moore is not to be outdone, he sighs, lowering his head.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsm72x6fuhT
He suddenly seems sad, which worries me.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfDu6UcLSM
— Isn't that okay ? 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0c6jj70Km
— Yes, it’s just that… Do you believe that the afterlife exists ? 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeB0lY51yZC
Still sitting on the couch, I turn to him.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbdhaq8Owu
— I think yes. However, I don't know if it's like in this movie.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkPlakqjqi
He adopts the same position as me, we find ourselves face to face.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWlye1YV8N
— If that’s the case, I’ll make sure to let you know when I get there.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtequslvAp
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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkcI7eqN2p
— What do you have ? He is surprised.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2zfZzSF4z
— I don't want you to die Jessy ! 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKPZ0YAwMo
I burst into tears as I threw myself on his neck. Immediately, he hugs me back.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mP8ZeVstM
— Don’t cry, he whispers in my ear. I don't like seeing you sad.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11qD8Cqj53
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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApUV360bLA
Staring at him, I detach myself from him.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIogHmANfxD
— You're going to fight to stay alive, aren't you ? 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfFr70LAAg
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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYipruOe5U
Finally, he nods in agreement.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGoTHkeGCi
— 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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYCPVK56N8
— Meg, we've already talked about this. You can't save me.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc36NWQTWZU
He lowers his head but I have time to see his eyes fill with tears.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1OquL4RzJ
— I know... For the moment, but I can keep hope, I smile, wiping away the last tears that linger on my cheeks.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWJa6EFe75
Mrs. Sutter enters the room at this moment, breaking our moment of complicity.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTzieQdFmL
— Megan, are you crying ? She worries, looking at us in turn. And you too ? 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuthGCmMqAX
Jessy and I exchange a look before bursting out laughing under the surprised gaze of Elise.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEpbNd5Dch
— I’m going to go home, I announce, leaving the sofa.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9pihlJceg
— I'll take you back.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFm4ylce96S
— No, it is going to be fine. I need to get some fresh air.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VOO4QB3mZ
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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VHB8PJ34A
— Do me a favor, hold on to life, I whisper in his ear.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXoWAg1qCc
Emu, he acquiesced.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidy71HfhsJ
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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uDC6SYum2
— Good night, see you tomorrow ! I throw before going out.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wPAYjH76O
I take a few steps while staring at the dark sky, inside I promise myself to do everything to save Jessy's life.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nLt6ANaxJ
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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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyXSl9S5Ix
— What is all this ? My mother asks me when I return home, my arms full of magazines and books.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLS7mbU1mp
— I'm finding out about AIDS, I admit, placing my load on the kitchen table.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEDnybpfwI
— Meg, I know you care about Jessy but... Don't waste your life for him.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLorHGSaa2F
My mother's words felt like a stab to the heart.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWZ0Mj0pYL
— That's not what I meant, she continues, realizing my fear.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGeNCcR45V
Hand on her forehead, she shakes her head as I grab my books again, determined to put an end to this discussion.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbWfaCO4Wo
— Megan, you are 16 years old, you have your whole life ahead of you.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyXP9pFfLO
— And not Jessy, right ? ! I get angry.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHf5X7EgmV
My mother looks down.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmNNTojT11
— 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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79qLngDeck
— 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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufJYyOZJ1N
My mother nods weakly.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKpzCuvjuC
— I just ask you to be careful. Don't get too involved.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMv11xQxYId
— 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 ? 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8nP1UR4g4
I turn on my heel, ready to leave the room when my mother asks me : 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzSKjvAFlj
— You love him, don’t you ? 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VKzIYd0xO
I don't answer. I lock my gaze on my mother's, trying to make her understand all the feelings that are inside me.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79tioy6dDE
— Please don’t tell Jessy about these books, I ask her before going out.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyLSz4tIqe
274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefb5IEt87n
274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgeMgzEEpa
— Good evening, Megan, Mrs. Sutter calls me from the kitchen when I arrive at their house.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsa3fGDzIT
— Good evening.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33eKv6PXLK
— Jessy hasn’t come home yet.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpH50tkSyt1
I look up at his mother with worried eyes. It's 8 p.m., classes ended several hours ago.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKzaMLtVJ0
— 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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeeMIHDAju
— Did he leave there complaining ? 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8WXeJneel
— You know him well enough to know that he complains a lot, she said, smiling.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmcVo5NC32
— When he is with me, he is rather...274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcot8mFsOBy
Hearing the front door open, I don't finish my sentence.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapbisstyX6
— Yes, but you are special to him, Elise whispers to me.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cfb0ozMb7
I remain speechless, wondering what she means by that.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNrCC93HNz
— Sorry to be late.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQ1ARKfJ7P
Jessy's face is tense, he seems upset. The evening could be long if he remains in this state of mind.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXu5uLerhPk
— How was it ? His mother immediately questions him.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvfQraxOcG
Jessy glances at me quickly before responding coldly : 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyv5AjHILtY
— I don't want to talk about it.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Ker6y69xh
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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIeNzTvIlB
— You want some ? 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jUeUv29t3
His tone is less cold, but still full of anger that he tries to contain.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xsODkEhLU
— Yes, thanks.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbivXgUdTet
He purses his lips before asking me : 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDaAwuEs9B
— What movie did you bring this evening ? 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKtg41Hh4C
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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKY2MbiSagm
— Dirty Dancing ! 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQAPacgPgG
He rolls his eyes, but I sense that he is holding back a smile.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv38An6q30S
— 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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9y27KVAwu
I pretend to look shocked, which makes him laugh.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbvnWlxFr4
— It’s true that he’s hot, but in my ranking of the most handsome guys, he only occupies second place.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIB5Z3O0AL
— 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 ? 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsGJCrJxC1
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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XKfzodWKJ
— No others, I promise. For me, the hottest guy isn't an actor.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlkDDbmJ6Z
— Ah good ? Who is it ? 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaW2VLrCVm
He comes to join me on the sofa, frowning.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjPx9Nhc4P
— He’s someone I see every day.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7nwwZTXpW
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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHK7Q9qB75l
— Your father ? he asks after a few minutes.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXb6BLyPpR
Without taking my eyes off the screen, I shake my head and smile. It amuses me to see him searching.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBusqPhctAP
— Someone from high school ? 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSSYGMmiWq
J'acquiesce274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RYCSNhrM5
— Chad ? 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZrR20C8CR
A hint of anger and disbelief filters into his voice.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9y7h8PagM9
— No. Jessy, do you want to watch the movie or tell me all the names of the guys at school ? 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41xc599HLO
— Sorry, but no matter how hard I look, I can’t see who…274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCJyDXvBDt
— It's you.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxukiOb7z0W
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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77KpJBYhm8
— Well, that makes you feel, I said mockingly, pausing the movie.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjd2CNqDkX
— You got me, he says from the kitchen.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvgVoY19W6
I turn around on the couch to look at him.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSci2OzVIZJ
— It’s the truth, Jessy, I’m not making you walk.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgrhLDAUr2
He comes back to sit next to me on the sofa. His cheeks are red as he places a kiss on my forehead.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16GGEqYog3
— It’s nice of you to try to cheer me up. I love you.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIWruoH203
That's not what I'm trying to do, I really mean it, yet my heart immediately races : he adores me. 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0yQHLjdFd
— Is it true ? 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjAeh5EjF2
— Of course. You're my best friend, Meg.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyfibPCCDG
Oh… Friend ? My heart calms down quickly.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0T1NtuNDdT
— Aren’t you in good spirits ? Is it because of the meeting ? 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIbTmu3o8K
Your mother told me about it, I add in front of his frown.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwyNBV290M
— Yeah… it was depressing. Hearing all these patients talk about their fears… it brought me back to my own.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Ez7wd1QPA
— Did you speak with them ? 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVTBWtGwiE
— 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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHammFtRb5
— If you want, next time, can I accompany you ? 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1Y4zbChlo
I suggest, but I already know the answer.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOqdMaCSBd
— Non ! 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ47i0TIU0A
His tone is harsher than I thought. However, he softens very quickly.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckpfqbSU2N
— That’s nice, but no. I don't want you to come into this part of my life.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡla4jvDPjDG
— For what ? 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkRaU4twIG
Anger reappears in his eyes, he lowers his head.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBI2aQOk069
— Because you are too important to me for me to drag you into this world of illness with me.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMrZlFdONp
— Jessy… 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTbO7kxmle
— 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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrkH1Yft5k
— OK as you want.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xU6l377z1
I sigh as he resumes playing the movie. After a few minutes of silence, he glances at me and whispers : 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNC0eP3S6Xt
— Are you mad at me ? 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwk9wKUnjPx
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.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrNlRn0NkX
— No, it’s your choice.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5gzKBY6lR
He places another kiss on my forehead. I whisper to him without taking my eyes off Patrick Swayze : 274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtZJ5MRy8g
— Me too, I like you.274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZr5wyG2sO1
274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gUYJAbwRI
274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKB6XDJLti
274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVYV5xIGHp
274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsl7hhfdyzb
274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfn1v5ybxU
274Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrVtNmjBNQ
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