The days seem long during the summer. Jessy and I talk on the phone almost every evening. He tells me about his vacations, the moments he spends with his brother whom he is so happy to see again. He tells me about their basketball, baseball and football games. Elise is excited about her new job and starting her life over in another state. Everything seems so perfect in San Diego that I wonder if Jessy regrets having to move back to Millisky. Sometimes, in the letters he sends me every week, he slips in a drawing of his environment. It makes my heart ache, because I have the impression that he is moving away from me. I am terrified that he would prefer to stay there.
During the summer, I celebrate my seventeenth birthday. On this occasion, we have a family meal. I'm sad to celebrate my birthday without Jessy, but he promises to make it up to me when he comes back. In the meantime, I received a very beautiful pearl and shell bracelet from San Diego.
Fortunately I have Nicolas to support me and also Nina who is extremely effective when it comes to changing my mind. She keeps telling me that she's tired of seeing me wandering around the house like a lost soul and does her best to make me laugh. I have to admit that she has matured a lot in the last few months,
and I'm sure that has something to do with Amy and Chad's accident. The two of us often have great discussions. She is no
longer this rebellious teenager who sulked over nothing, but a young girl who knows perfectly well what she wants. I talk to her about Jessy who I miss so much and her about Chad who she misses so much. She apologizes for her words which went beyond her thoughts when she accused me of being responsible for the accident. And when I ask her if she still wants me to get back with my ex, she answers me very frankly, laughing, that it's out of the question ! She wants him for herself. Remembering their complicity, I wonder if one day she won’t be able to get what she expects from him. To avoid getting too depressed, I signed up for a writing course. The only course where there were still places available actually, but at least it gets me out of the house. And what’s more, I have the joy of having made a new friend there : Mady. I haven't had any real friends since Amy, who actually looks a bit like her. Mady is pretty, but doesn't seem to realize it, which gives her a special charm. We spend a lot of time together. I of course talk to her about Jessy and she tells me about her ex who she can't forget. She moved to Millisky at the beginning of the summer, our small town is a change from the Queens borough of New York where she is originally from.
Nicolas, for his part, spends the summer going back and forth between home and his university friends who live in various states of the country. I keep telling him that if he goes to California, I will go with him because I miss my lover so much. When the month of August begins, I count the days that still separate me from my darling, which exasperates those around me.
— In two weeks, he will be here, your boyfriend, Nina reminds me.
— And if he’s not there on the scheduled date, I promise, I’ll take you to get him myself, Nicolas adds, seeing my desperate look.
I sit cross legged on the sofa, facing Nina, back to the door.
Nick standing in front of us comes back from the kitchen, a peanut butter sandwich in hand. It’s one of those days where it feels like time has stopped and turns minutes into hours.
— And me, when are you driving me back to Philly to see Chad ?
— That’s not true ! Grumble my brother. When it’s not one, it’s the other ! Neither of you care about my private life ?
Nina and I exchange an amused look.
— Your private life consists of drinking beers with your friends, my sister points out.
— And flirting with anyone wearing a skirt, I added.
— By the way, by the way, I saw your friend Mendy the other day, she’s hot.
— It’s Mady. Start by remembering his name before jumping on him !
The doorbell rings, Nicolas goes to open it while moaning :
— Ah ah ah, that’s it, make fun, girls ! You bunch of ungrateful people !
Nina and I, remaining in the living room, continue to laugh.
All of a sudden, my little sister freezes.
— Meg ?
I look up at her, surprised by her funny expression.
— Yeah ? What's the matter ?
Open mouthed, she points a finger behind me.
— Megan ?
I hear my name said behind my back as I turn around. I would recognize this voice among a thousand. I jumped off the couch.
— Jessy !
I jump at his neck, almost making him lose his balance.
— I missed you, he whispers in my ear as he holds me against him.
— You too.
With one hand, he caresses my face while kissing me.
I find with infinite pleasure the taste of his lips on my mouth, while his tongue caresses mine for a long time. I cling to him with all my strength so as not to faint.
When we separate, I realize that my brother and my sister have slipped away.
— What are you doing here ? You weren't supposed to come back for two weeks.
— I missed you so much that when I saw that I could change my plane ticket, I didn't hesitate for a second to surprise you.
I am so excited. I place my hand on the back of his neck and pull him in for another kiss.
— I thought you loved California and might never want to come back.
— I love San Diego, it’s great ! But without you… I prefer New York, he said, winking at me. I have to go unpack the boxes waiting for me in my new home, will you come with me?
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When we enter the apartment, the sun has already invaded the space, penetrating in abundance through the large windows. In the center of the room, there are around thirty boxes stacked on two levels.
— It's a mess at the moment, it will be better when everything is cleaned up.
Jessy shrugs helplessly.
— At work !
I open a first box.
— Thanks. If you find the phone, tell me, I have to call my mother before she shows up here in a panic. You know her, she must already be worried.
I smile. I open a box full of clothes that I carry to his room. Then a second one that goes straight to the kitchen. When I open the third, my euphoria fades like a soufflé taken out of the oven too soon. This box only contains boxes of medicine. Jessy is back and so is the illness. During the summer, I almost forgot that he is HIV positive. I watch him busy arranging blank canvases in a corner of the living room and the painful feeling that I could lose him at any moment comes back to insinuate itself into me like a violent poison. I close the box and pretend I've never opened it before grabbing another one. I see Jessy make a face when he opens it too. He goes to put it away in the bathroom without saying a word.
At the end of the day, the phone was connected and Elise was reassured. We're both exhausted, but the biggest one is put away. Slouching on the sofa, we look around us, a satisfied smile on our lips.
— Sorry, I didn't think it would take this long. I would have much preferred that we did something else with this first day together; tomorrow, you save your evening for me, I promised to make it up to you, we will do whatever you want.
— All ? I wondered, raising my eyebrows.
Jessy gives me a big smile.
— All !
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The next afternoon, I meet Mady at a downtown café that we have frequented a lot over the past few weeks. It’s a small, unpretentious establishment, right in the middle of the pedestrian street. The rectangular tables are located in booths and you sit on burgundy colored imitation leather benches. The decoration is basic, but the staff is friendly and the service is fast. Mady is already seated when I arrive. As usual, she welcomes me with a big warm smile.
— Hello, guess what ?
— Hello, tell me everything !
I take a seat across from her before ordering myself a lemonade.
— Jessy is back !
I struggle to control the excitement in my voice.
— Jessy ? Ah you mean the man of your life ?
She gently laughs at me.
— Exactly ! He arrived at my house by surprise yesterday afternoon.
— He shouldn't have stayed several more days in California?
— Yes, but apparently he missed me too much.
I smile before taking a sip of cold lemonade.
— And how did your reunion go ?
she questions mischievously.
— Tiring !
Two small dimples hollow Mady's cheeks when she bursts out laughing.
— To this extend ?
— It's not what you think ! We spent the day unpacking his things from the boxes.
During our long conversations, I told him a lot about Jessy, but I neglected to tell him that my boyfriend is HIV positive. At first, I didn't know her well enough to talk to her about it, then I was afraid that she would take my lack of self confidence badly. And then, it's so nice to be able to talk with someone who doesn't keep telling me that Jessy is going to die of this disease and that I have to be careful in every sense of the word.
At this moment, I see Jessy passing in the street. I tap on the cafe window to get his attention. He turns around and, seeing me, enters the establishment. He comes straight to kiss me.
— When we talk about the wolf... Mady, let me introduce you to Jessy, and vice versa.
— So here is the famous Mady. Meg told me a lot about you.
Jessy sits next to me on the bench.
— Certainly not as much as she told me about you ! Just a minute ago, she was telling me how perfect you are.
— Perfect ? Jessy is surprised, looking at me with a big smile.
— Indeed.
I wrap my arms around his neck as his hand slides down my back.
Mady gives an envious smile.
— Your happiness is a pleasure to see. This wouldn't happen to me. Your story sounds like a fairy tale.
Jessy bursts into ironic laughter.
— I believe that, given my situation, we are very far away a fairy tale !
Mady raises her eyebrows as I sit back in my seat.
— Don’t tell me you’re a serial killer wanted by all law enforcement agencies, jokes Mady.
— No, Jessy replies seriously. No, but… He turns to me, incredulous.
— You didn't tell her anything ?
I shake my head negatively.
Jessy pinches his lips before clenching his jaw. Every feature of his face betrays the anger rising within him. I know him well enough to know that he will let his rage explode. He glares at me as I sink a little further into the seat. Exasperated, Jessy looks at us in turn before rushing out.
— And shit ! I said before setting off after him.
Mady, who doesn't understand what's happening, catches up with me. Arriving in the street, I call to him, fear in my stomach. He turns quickly and rushes straight towards me with long strides.
— Jessy, I’m sorry.
— It’s okay, I understand. You are ashamed of me !
I remain forbidden.
— What ? No ! That's not it at all !
— I don't want to bother you, but could I find out what's going on ?
Mady raises her finger like a student at school. Jessy looks at me, breathing raggedly.
— If you’re not ashamed of me, go ahead and tell her !
My eyes move from Jessy to Mady. This is the third time I've seen Jessy in such an upset state. The first time was when his secret was revealed and everyone was pointing fingers at him. I will never be able to chase away the memory of that evening on the bridge, any more than I will be able to forget the state he was in after learning of Haley's death, he had such fury, such revolt against himself even and his illness. Whereas there, it is against me that his anger is directed. I can't help but flinch at
the flames that seem to burst from his eyes. Faced with my silence, his shoulders sag, I see in this gesture all the disappointment that I inspire in him. I blame myself even more. I turn to Mady and say simply :
— Jessy is HIV positive.
She remains silent with astonishment. Then his gaze becomes softer as he moves from Jessy to me.
— Why didn't you tell me ? She simply asks me.
— Because she’s embarrassed to be with me who’s sick ! She didn't want her new friend to learn her shameful secret.
Tears blur my vision.
— No, Jessy, stop, that’s not it…
— Oh good ? Well you know what ? When you no longer have contempt for me, you will give me a sign !
Then he strides away.
Mady takes me home.
— I'm sorry.
I apologize again as I reach my door.
— don't worry. I just hope things work out with Jessy. Is he often angry like that ? she asks, impressed.
It’s true that for once, Jessy did well. Even though I know he is incapable of physically harming me, he managed to make me tremble with apprehension.
I tell him no.
This is the first time he's really angry.
against me and it's all my fault.
— That is true.
I look at her, surprised, and smile at her spontaneity. She smiles back at me before asking me, intimidated :
— Is it really because you’re ashamed that you didn’t say
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anything ?
— No of course not. I love Jessy more than anything in the world and I have never been bothered by the way others look at her. I don't even understand how he can doubt it. If I didn't tell you anything, it's simply because I wanted to forget his illness, put aside the treatments, their side effects, forget that in the more or less long term he is doomed.
My eyes fill with tears again.
— It's not easy to live knowing that the man you love may die young. I just wanted to forget all these negative sides this summer.
Mady places her hand on my shoulder.
— You should tell him.
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Jessy had told me the day before that he had to go to the AIDS clinic. It’s a place I rarely go near. This establishment is part of Jessy's life, this part of his existence where I have to force the door if I want to enter. I sit on a bench in the park surrounding the building. I smell the sweet smell of freshly cut grass, I listen to the birds. It’s a calm place that manages to destress me, which is a paradox when I look towards the large building with gray walls. It shelters so many sick and suffering people. I see a shadow appear behind one of the ground floor windows. Jessy is there. I guess he is come to confide in those who share his fear of tomorrow and who can understand him. My hands tremble, my heart pounds in my chest when I see him coming. His face is closed, his gaze shifts, directed towards the ground. I stand up as he approaches, not knowing how to begin the explanation I owe him. He ignores me while sitting on the bench.
OK, I deserved it.
I take my place next to him, lowering my head. I then realize that even our attitudes are similar, it makes me smile slightly. We are so alike...
— Jessy ?
Slowly, he raises his face. He's always very upset with me. His features are contracted, his eyes are divided between anger and sadness. His expression makes my stomach churn. I never imagined that one day I would disappoint him so much.
— I'm so sorry for what happened. I don't want you to think, even for a second, that I'm ashamed of you. This is not the case.
Jessy lowers his head and stares at the ground.
— So why did you hide the fact that I have HIV from him ? You claim Mady is your friend and yet you haven't said anything to her. For what ?
I stand up to face him.
— This summer has been the most difficult of my life. You weren't there and I missed you terribly. I spent my days thinking about you. I wanted you to come back to me as soon as possible. I even convinced Nick to take me halfway across the country to see you if you didn't come back on time. But all this scared me too, because I realized that if I suffered this much even though I knew you were alive, happy with your family, what would it be like if you left for good ?
My tears start to flow down my cheeks.
Jessy looks at me thoughtfully.
— Maybe I shouldn't have come back...
— And like that, I would have forgotten you ?
— It would have been easier for you. I would have walked out of your life and you could have been happy. You would have met another man who could bring you all the happiness you deserve and not all this hassle.
He speaks in a tired voice, as if this is all just an obvious fact that I refuse to accept.
— What do you think ? I suddenly told him angrily. I thought about it too. Indeed, everything might have been simpler if you had stayed in San Diego, but you couldn't... I told you, I would have gone looking for you if you had stayed there. We can't stay away from each other. Jessy, we are meant to be together, no matter how long we have left.
— That’s why I came back.
— When you're not with me, I feel like I'm slowly dying. I'm missing a part of myself.
His gaze scans me, but he remains silent. I resume :
— If I didn't talk to Mady about your illness, it's just that I wanted to forget for the space of these two months, this sword of Damocles which floats above our heads. I wanted to dream of a happy future, to make couple plans... And whether I talk about it or not, what does it matter ? It doesn't change anything as long as I talk about you.
— Yes, that changes everything ! Jessy says quickly as she stands up.
— For what ?
— Because I won't always be here and if you can't talk freely about my virus, about this fucking disease, with the people you love, what will you do when I'm dead ? I want you to be able to talk about me, our whole story. That you can tell the good and bad sides of our relationship. I want you to be able to confide in your loved ones when I leave. Otherwise, how will you find the taste of living again ? You won't be able to keep everything inside you without suffocating. I don't want you to bury the moments we had with me, to act as if we never met, never loved each other. I don't want to be just a guy you loved shortly before he left, becoming an insignificant story in the middle of your life. You don't understand that if you don't continue to make me exist, I will really die. If you stopped thinking about me, if I no longer lived in your memory, in your heart, then it would be as if I had never lived. I need to be sure that you will always keep me inside you. I love you so much that I don't want you to ever forget me !
Suddenly, he bursts into tears. My heart breaks to see him like this and my tears increase. I quickly take the two steps that separate us, take him in my arms, hugging him as tightly as possible, and I promise him the most sincerely in the world:
— I love you and I will love you all my life.
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The next morning, I meet Mady at our usual café.
— It's better ?
His voice lets out a hint of anxiety. I take a seat in front of her.
— Yes, we explained. It wasn't easy, we both ended up in tears. I hope you don't mind, but Jessy is coming to join us. He told me he wanted to talk to you.
— My pleasure. Yesterday we can't say that we were able to really get to know each other. Here it is, she tells me as Jessy pushes open the door of the establishment.
— Hey, he says before leaning over to kiss me.
He takes a seat next to me on the bench and announces point blank :
— Mady, I wanted to apologize for my attitude yesterday. It was the first time we met and I ruined everything by losing my temper stupidly. I can't imagine what you must think of me, but I just wanted you to know that I blame myself. I assure you, I am not so angry all the time.
Mady smiles.
— You don't have to apologize. After all, what you are experiencing must be very heavy. I find it normal to break down at times.
He lowers his head, ashamed.
— Still, I did well.
— I'll be honest, I don't know you and I don't know much about AIDS or HIV status. But I am aware of how it is caught.
Jessy looks down again, not knowing what attitude to adopt in front of my friend. Myself, I feel the anxiety setting in, not seeing where she wants to go. Will she reject him like so many people before her ?
— And I have no fear about that, continued. I have no problem being around you. From what Megan told me, you're a great guy and sick or not doesn't change who you are.
Jessy raises his face which expresses deep gratitude.
— Thanks. If everyone could have your open mind.
Mady gives me a knowing wink before offering :
— What if the three of us went out tonight ? Could we make a movie ?
I'm ready to accept when Jessy intervenes, putting his arm around my neck.
— Better tomorrow evening if you want. Tonight I'm keeping the promise I made to Meg that I couldn't keep yesterday. Are you still up for it ?
Happy, I nod. Mady gives me a big smile.
— A man who keeps his word is rare. Keep it safe, Meg !
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— So, how did you like this evening ? Jessy asks, taking out his apartment key.
We went to dinner at an Italian restaurant, then took a very romantic walk in the park.
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— I loved it, I told him with a big, blissful smile.
— Are you coming into my humble abode to have a last drink, mademoiselle ?
— You’re stupid ! I say to him as he steps aside, bowing to let me in.
Immediately, I notice the changes he has made in his home. Everything is clean and tidy. He moved the television from the corner of the room to face the sofa and in its old place, near the window, he set up his easel, his canvases and his painting kit.
— It’s pretty like that.
I feel Jessy's hands slide around my waist.
— Pretty ? It doesn't look very manly.
He kisses my neck languidly, I lean against him and stammer.
— Beautiful if you prefer.
He releases his grip, takes off his jacket and goes to the kitchen to get us two fruit juices. Meanwhile, I take off my vest and sit on the couch. He returns, placing the glasses on the coffee table in front of us and takes a seat to my right.
— It’s strange, don’t you think ? To be in Millisky, at night, without having your parents in the next house.
— Nor my brother in the other room. But if it bothers you, I can go sleep at Mady’s, after all that’s where I officially spend the night, I said playfully while sipping my fruit juice.
In the morning, I asked my friend to cover me for the night and she happily agreed. She accompanied me home to pick up some toiletries and spares that I would need, then left me while we met Jessy outside his residence where he stored my bag.
— It is not going well, no ?
Jessy drinks his glass in one go and, taking my hand, leads me behind him, laughing :
— Let’s go to bed before you change your mind !
His room is at the end of a short corridor. A lamp is installed on each side of the bed on small pine tables, the frame of the wrought iron bed draws leaves seeming to fly in the wind. Above, he hung the canvas that he painted and that I love so much, the one representing this couple at the edge of the lake bathed in the glow of the stars.
I ask him as I take my toothbrush out of my bag.
— Doesn’t it feel strange to live alone ?
He shrugs.
— Not really. You know that I have always been quite independent and then when I feel alone, I will come to you. We're almost neighbors now.
— Will you lend me a T-shirt ?
He opens one of the cupboards and hands me a black one which I grab, kissing its owner before slipping away into the bathroom.
As we were used to at the hotel, Jessy takes my suite when I come out. It's the first time I've slept in his apartment and it impresses me. In New York, we are on neutral ground while here, I am at his house. I sit next to the window and soon Jessy comes to join me under the duvet. I turn off the lamp on my side, he does the same and we turn towards each other in the center of the bed.
— I’m so happy you’re here, I said, brushing my fingertips over his face. I was afraid to lose you.
He leans towards me to kiss me. Soon his body covers mine. The faint light coming from the street does not allow me to detail his features.
— I’m here, he whispers in my ear before kissing my neck.
A wave of heat invades me, how good it feels to find the softness of his skin on mine. In a gesture that has become habitual to me, I take off his tank top and caress his bare chest. I feel his heart beating wildly beneath my fingers. He takes off my T-shirt and I pull him close, holding him close.
— I missed you so much, he whispers as his hands roam my body. I love you more than anything.
— I love you so much, darling. And I trust you.
He stands up to look at me with burning desire.
— Do you still want us to go all the way ?
— I don't want my first time to be with anyone other than you. (I whisper, caressing his cheek.) I know I'm safe... We'll be careful.
He seems to hesitate for a few seconds, but I pull him back to me, melting his last resistance. He takes possession of my body which suffocates under his hands and his mouth for many minutes. I never tire of hearing him moan as my fingers run over his skin. He stands up and puts on a condom.
— Are you sure this is what you want ? He asks me as his body slides between my open thighs. He is above me, leaning on his hands, scrutinizing my face.
— I'm sure of it, I say, more determined than ever.
— You are not afraid ?
Honestly, I nod. All apprehension has left me, only my love for him counts.
— Jessy, just because you’re sick doesn’t mean you don’t have the right to love and be loved.
I guess the uncertainty that must compete with desire. I don't want him to give up, so I pull him even harder.
My fingers grip his back.
— Come on, darling.
Unable to resist any longer, he slides into me gently, making me arch my back.
— How are you ? He worries.
— Alright.
My love for him far exceeds the pain that penetration causes. Jessy moves inside me in a slow rhythm that races my heart, making us both moan without restraint. I have the feeling that my body no longer belongs to me, but is one with his.
He kisses me and I lose myself in his tenderness. I always knew he was gentle but each of his kisses is like a caress on my skin and my lips.
Soon I feel his hand lifting my back as he picks up the pace. Jessy sits up slightly, his hand leaves my back and slides between our two bodies. With his index finger, he exerts pressure on my clitoris. A moan of pleasure escapes my lips while his finger caresses me. The feeling of his body in mine plus the softness of his hand leads me directly to ecstasy. I completely lose control of myself and kiss him while moaning his name.
— You are... my whole life... Meg !
In this moment, I don't care if I live or die, all that matters to me is our love which is finally fully expressed. Jessy withdraws abruptly to avoid ejaculating in me and falls back to my side. Our eyes never leave each other, we are both out of breath but smiling. That night, we fell asleep in each other's arms, completely peaceful.
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— Are you doing well ? Jessy asks me the next morning as she hugs my waist.
— Very good.
I smiled at him, brushing my fingertips against his arm. We are lying in bed. I've been staring at the ceiling for a good five minutes, replaying the night's events over and over in my head. I feel closer to him than I ever have. Jessy has been my obvious since our first sight, the one who knows me best in this world and on all levels. After this night, I want to share more intimate moments with him, now I will need more than one night from time to time and that worries me. I'm so addicted to him. But I already know that other people will not respect my wishes.
— Then why do you look so worried ?
I place my hand on his.
— This night was magical !
— Yeah, it was...I can't find the words.
We both laugh.
— But…
— Outch, one but !
— However, I said smiling, I'm starting to get tired of lying to spend the night with you.
Jessy props himself up on one elbow, he suddenly seems very concerned.
— Do you want to talk to your parents about it ?
— Maybe not right away, but soon, yes. What do you think about it ?
— Oh my God ! Your father is going to kill me !
— I'm tired of not being able to be with you the way I want. I turned seventeen over the summer, we've known each other for almost a year, and I'm still looking for lame excuses to spend the occasional night with you. I hate being away from you. I wish I could share your nights whenever we want.
— I would like too. I miss you when I'm not sleeping in your arms, he sighs, stroking my hair. Okay, let's look at things in a positive way. John can kill me, I'm already doomed.
— Don't joke about it, it's not funny.
Jessy stares at me then lowers his head.
— You're right, sorry. You know what ?
I shake my head no.
He leans over me with a naughty look :
— Since your father is going to kill me as soon as he knows everything, maybe we could still enjoy it a little ?
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I return home during the day without my parents suspecting where I really spent the night. On the other hand, this is not the case for my brother and my sister when I join them in Nicolas’ apartment.
— Was the night good ? Nick asked with a big smile.
— What ? Is it written on my face or something ?
I touch my face to make sure it isn't different.
— It’s your little beatific smile that gives you away, my sister added.
— Because you know too ?
— That you spent the night with Jessy ? (Nina shrugs.) I figured it out when I saw you gathering your things yesterday. You seemed too happy for a simple night at a friend's house.
I remain stunned. Okay, both of them know me well but still, I would never have guessed that they could read me like an open book.
— How was it ?
My cheeks flushed at my sister's question.
— Sorry but... that... that doesn't... concern you; I stutter.
— Well, it must have been great for you to lose your temper to that extent, my brother laughs.
— Really ? Nina insists.
— It was great ! Are you both okay now ?
The truth is that the second time we made love was even better than the first, the thought makes me blush more.
They nod, laughing. Wishing to change the subject, I note that Nicolas takes a novel from a table, a CD from a shelf.
— Don’t tell me you’re going back already ?
— And yes, tomorrow ! At university, classes start again in less than two weeks, I'll let you know. And before that, I'm going to see a friend in Georgia. Now that Jessy is back and your morale is up, I can go on vacation without feeling guilty.
— Did you blame yourself for letting me get depressed ? I am sincerely surprised.
— Oh yes ! So, I intend to catch up before going back to college. I know you're on cloud nine after your torrid night but we mortals have a more down to earth life, he mocks.
— I'm sorry for ruining your vacation.
— That didn't happen, but let's just say I've looked at the Millisky girls for now. I'm going to go see what the game is like in Georgia !
We burst out laughing.
— We're going to miss your birthday, I'm sorry.
Nick shrugs casually.
— You and Jessy will come back to see me in the Big Apple and we'll celebrate together.
I smile at this pleasant prospect. Nina looks at us, seeming to understand the double game our brother has been playing for several months.
— There must be some good things going on in New York, she sighs.
— Whatever happens in New York, stays in the Big Apple, Nick smiled.
— In any case, thank you big brother. This will give me extra nights to spend with my darling.
— Are you planning to tell the parents that you've reached the milestone with Jessy ? asked Nina who apparently is very interested in my relationship.
Nicolas, who is bending down to pick up a file, pauses, waiting for my response.
— We actually talked about it earlier. Jessy lets me do as I please.
— You should wait a little longer in my opinion. I'm going to leave tomorrow and Nina doesn't have much power over our parents. Sorry little sister but it’s true, he adds in front of her inquisitive look. If you tell them now you will be alone in front of them.
— I wasn't planning to tell them this minute. But I'm tired of having to hide to spend time with Jessy. On the other hand, once they find out, they might well forbid me from seeing it.
— That’s why you’ll need the shoulder of someone to cry on, my brother smiled.
My sister nods in agreement.
I decide to stay silent for the moment.
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