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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.190Please respect copyright.PENANATIX84605QZ
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAacQQ6bbnLM
— 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 ? 190Please respect copyright.PENANAOPczL1a86X
— Yeah, I think so.190Please respect copyright.PENANAgvL0YJMtDR
— Jessy, please promise me you’ll never let yourself fall into the void like that again. I got the fright of my life.190Please respect copyright.PENANAOCjqlP5WfG
Hands in his pockets, he shrugs his shoulders and breathes deeply before telling me : 190Please respect copyright.PENANAFm8ppKsIL0
— Promise. Why do you care about me so much ? 190Please respect copyright.PENANAbJI41KtdzJ
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANANrjKu31pKp
— Why not ? 190Please respect copyright.PENANA6mnbJqKYL0
— 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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAjGKsUVrDI8
— There are morons everywhere, I whisper. Jessy, I like you. I'm not going to start ignoring you because you have a health problem.190Please respect copyright.PENANArlPpn8aFWM
— Thank you, he murmurs, pursing his lips. I'm sorry for everything I said to you. I didn't mean to be so rude.190Please respect copyright.PENANAXtc8LRZh1w
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAIkUNpSh8Fh
— It's forgotten. By the way, I met your mother. She seems very nice.190Please respect copyright.PENANAfidL35ijTU
Despite our slow walk, we already arrive in front of his house.190Please respect copyright.PENANAv7erh0uVjN
— She is. Do you want me to take you home ? I can borrow his car.190Please respect copyright.PENANA9rDgtNDsXb
— No, it is going to be fine. I don't want to get the seats soggy, I smile. See you tomorrow ? 190Please respect copyright.PENANASd7eU7PbVx
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAxYpl7E5Qco
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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.190Please respect copyright.PENANApLfSqXv3Ez
— Finally, here you are, my father roared. Look at you, you're good at wringing ! 190Please respect copyright.PENANAN65gUHH826
— Were you with Jessy ? My mother asks in her usual soft voice.190Please respect copyright.PENANAVpK834g2fc
I nod, shivering from the cold.190Please respect copyright.PENANAfyDEzXZIYl
— 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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAFIECe2xMHS
— He went back home. How did the meeting go ? 190Please respect copyright.PENANAPvgg9jE87A
— Start by drying off, we'll tell you later.190Please respect copyright.PENANAjLpFJ3wi30
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAWT8u9k8vAm
— So how did it go ? I said, sitting across from them on the couch.190Please respect copyright.PENANA9WbA2b5QIj
— 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.190Please respect copyright.PENANA9b49xNFC8p
— 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.190Please respect copyright.PENANATtltAvbC92
— Indeed, I was looking for Jessy.190Please respect copyright.PENANAuQcNcZD8OJ
— Nina told us that you went looking for him after Chad’s visit. Did you find it ? 190Please respect copyright.PENANAuI6ZJSO5ke
— Yes, and as far as you know, it’s over between Chad and me.190Please respect copyright.PENANAPVV8szpApk
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 : 190Please respect copyright.PENANAjxqrCgsydM
— Because of Jessy ? 190Please respect copyright.PENANAiCjDsg7AVU
— 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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAZNpioYfj9L
Once again my parents exchange this strange look which seems to mean that they are not at the end of their trouble with me.190Please respect copyright.PENANA3YPDxAc4Lv
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The next morning, when I arrived near the school, I saw Jessy waiting outside on the sidewalk.190Please respect copyright.PENANAisIvRdJ8zp
— Hi, how are you ? 190Please respect copyright.PENANAEa6X5UhpDo
He puts a hand to his heart.190Please respect copyright.PENANA7QtUS0ke1e
— Oh, you scared me ! 190Please respect copyright.PENANAGUqQ5BReWX
I burst out laughing.190Please respect copyright.PENANANPmLTSAbrT
— That’s for the scare you gave me last night ! 190Please respect copyright.PENANAi1B5q0oB3W
— It’s fair game, he smiled.190Please respect copyright.PENANAANt5KUazMr
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAcb4P2WThLU
— Are you planning to come to class today ? 190Please respect copyright.PENANAnsRtYmDBrc
— I don't know. After what happened yesterday...and then this meeting.190Please respect copyright.PENANAHz6iePo9Wh
He huffs and then purses his lips, visibly uncomfortable.190Please respect copyright.PENANAtCrSBTp5Ay
— Did your mother tell you ? 190Please respect copyright.PENANADjAJFXcmA5
— 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... 190Please respect copyright.PENANANSe09RiMTX
— No way ! 190Please respect copyright.PENANAUl8HsjtIUz
Jessy looks at me, surprised.190Please respect copyright.PENANA9qQZhD8BLw
— We'll go together and everything will go well, you'll see.190Please respect copyright.PENANArHobxSfiNG
— There are looks that are sometimes hard to bear, he admits to me.190Please respect copyright.PENANAKBxoWwvjOx
However, I notice that he accompanies me towards high school.190Please respect copyright.PENANAMqN7qtIpZC
— 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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAAjeVM7XotV
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANA3eYAvwTcyZ
— 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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAbCMNjdpmEM
I meet the gaze of a tall guy, named Tyler, who grimaces when he hears me.190Please respect copyright.PENANAKYOCSm9b7O
— Yes, complete idiots, I said again in a louder voice.190Please respect copyright.PENANAlJT2ODr9tc
Jessy gives me a grateful smile.190Please respect copyright.PENANAPH6Gz8C9ji
— Oh, it’s getting bad, he murmurs.190Please respect copyright.PENANA9Blh7qn7W7
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANARFsPuibQLA
— 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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAZezAhC6bZc
Jessy hesitates for a few seconds then squeezes his hand, nodding.190Please respect copyright.PENANAkmWJkoV1zy
— Thanks.190Please respect copyright.PENANAArwoU3bTSJ
His eyes move from Jessy to me, he doesn't seem to know how to behave around me anymore.190Please respect copyright.PENANAUoKLqCTTL3
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAFqelWyOFM9
He taps Jessy on the shoulder and says — See you later and walks away.190Please respect copyright.PENANADEMCv1hTtm
— It’s weird that Chad came to apologize. Did you ask him to do it ? 190Please respect copyright.PENANAs1PN5LLkx0
— 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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAlsK6LWHhFo
— What ? 190Please respect copyright.PENANAirLo9fzKkV
I turn my head towards him.190Please respect copyright.PENANAVnnyNaMLV2
— Why did you break up ? 190Please respect copyright.PENANAAqNzND8aYh
— We are too different.190Please respect copyright.PENANAA9185WVpRf
I shrug my shoulders as if it were obvious.190Please respect copyright.PENANARGQAPf0cuq
— And are you okay ? 190Please respect copyright.PENANAA6wG3lERgr
I see in his eyes that he really cares about me, it warms my heart.190Please respect copyright.PENANAtP41zivWGZ
— Alright.190Please respect copyright.PENANA3K9yQE7iyP
A small smile appears at the corners of his lips.190Please respect copyright.PENANAe4Gyf8tsVP
— 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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAcgh3W6V6al
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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.190Please respect copyright.PENANA8dPP9nj6QN
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANA4CjHoMsyuG
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAlC7D120qb6
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAg9jdDQ55EI
— You've lived locked up enough like that ! » is my key phrase to convince him.190Please respect copyright.PENANAceuuxwlOzv
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANA2bkd54zk77
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAGEfQ2RxZYr
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— Hello Mrs. Sutter, are you well ? I say happily as I enter the living room, accompanied by Jessy.190Please respect copyright.PENANAqLDPuCiADg
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAM3euBz1DUH
— Good Meg and you ? 190Please respect copyright.PENANAlmOLPt1iEV
— I’m fine.190Please respect copyright.PENANArTl19iVw9f
Elise gets up while Jessy goes to turn on the television.190Please respect copyright.PENANA5E0imhWn30
— What movie are you going to watch ? 190Please respect copyright.PENANAwLfy3jMpwl
— Ghost ! With a big smile, I show the video tape I brought, asking him : Are you staying to watch it with us ? 190Please respect copyright.PENANAO8gig4KrYk
— 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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAPspuIWp2BY
— Good luck, Mrs Sutter. 190Please respect copyright.PENANAMLgOvgBC01
She takes a few steps away before turning back to me.190Please respect copyright.PENANACQMxIL0GoE
— Meg, for the hundredth time, call me Elise.190Please respect copyright.PENANAnRs3TyOPbV
— I'll try, I promise.190Please respect copyright.PENANArdyWnKrR9D
His mother leaves the room, leaving us alone.190Please respect copyright.PENANAQVubK9Zmp5
— Pop corn ? Jessy asks me. I only have salty, I don't like sweet.190Please respect copyright.PENANAV3uvvlENkS
— That suits me very well.190Please respect copyright.PENANAXvEWdKJ1kh
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAj9oS9bqO5F
— Don’t make fun, I said, seeing him laugh discreetly.190Please respect copyright.PENANA84JGtse3jf
I stand up and stretch before wiping my eyes.190Please respect copyright.PENANAeGQTmWozOs
— Patrick Swayze is too sexy, I comment.190Please respect copyright.PENANAm3priw77HU
— Demi Moore is not to be outdone, he sighs, lowering his head.190Please respect copyright.PENANAT8y9Lx8t8Z
He suddenly seems sad, which worries me.190Please respect copyright.PENANAA3DxBTIeyO
— Isn't that okay ? 190Please respect copyright.PENANAnCfoJQCHUP
— Yes, it’s just that… Do you believe that the afterlife exists ? 190Please respect copyright.PENANAj5L3easmwX
Still sitting on the couch, I turn to him.190Please respect copyright.PENANAMEGHMISkDu
— I think yes. However, I don't know if it's like in this movie.190Please respect copyright.PENANA4Y4YmN0uOF
He adopts the same position as me, we find ourselves face to face.190Please respect copyright.PENANA82rmCNYqxf
— If that’s the case, I’ll make sure to let you know when I get there.190Please respect copyright.PENANAfsLWxau4Ef
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAG9NkslOjel
— What do you have ? He is surprised.190Please respect copyright.PENANApaaEHgp5ao
— I don't want you to die Jessy ! 190Please respect copyright.PENANAQSvKxBooNr
I burst into tears as I threw myself on his neck. Immediately, he hugs me back.190Please respect copyright.PENANAiwZRX5GVPa
— Don’t cry, he whispers in my ear. I don't like seeing you sad.190Please respect copyright.PENANAr4qdREcozy
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAtsnZO2SmlG
Staring at him, I detach myself from him.190Please respect copyright.PENANA3AJuiI6KMk
— You're going to fight to stay alive, aren't you ? 190Please respect copyright.PENANAApS0U3VO9J
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANA68t4yWSmQL
Finally, he nods in agreement.190Please respect copyright.PENANA8Vr0x09FeK
— 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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAje8ucLGVf0
— Meg, we've already talked about this. You can't save me.190Please respect copyright.PENANAPvkiYaNcQs
He lowers his head but I have time to see his eyes fill with tears.190Please respect copyright.PENANArMzksRqgSL
— I know... For the moment, but I can keep hope, I smile, wiping away the last tears that linger on my cheeks.190Please respect copyright.PENANA5j6ISLiMOZ
Mrs. Sutter enters the room at this moment, breaking our moment of complicity.190Please respect copyright.PENANAEqDWFb1Eqr
— Megan, are you crying ? She worries, looking at us in turn. And you too ? 190Please respect copyright.PENANA0WsIlI056M
Jessy and I exchange a look before bursting out laughing under the surprised gaze of Elise.190Please respect copyright.PENANAD6glheAByg
— I’m going to go home, I announce, leaving the sofa.190Please respect copyright.PENANA3GoEIjWWSA
— I'll take you back.190Please respect copyright.PENANAHRyPBZatwK
— No, it is going to be fine. I need to get some fresh air.190Please respect copyright.PENANA7adQw1IXNV
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAl93OGqVqwO
— Do me a favor, hold on to life, I whisper in his ear.190Please respect copyright.PENANAKl7EhmtrfV
Emu, he acquiesced.190Please respect copyright.PENANADyOCMDYEYf
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANA4myFRLjyrs
— Good night, see you tomorrow ! I throw before going out.190Please respect copyright.PENANA8mnuk7hplr
I take a few steps while staring at the dark sky, inside I promise myself to do everything to save Jessy's life.190Please respect copyright.PENANAjeO0olSGt1
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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.190Please respect copyright.PENANA9GXO3zMfE2
— What is all this ? My mother asks me when I return home, my arms full of magazines and books.190Please respect copyright.PENANA4xqvekOILn
— I'm finding out about AIDS, I admit, placing my load on the kitchen table.190Please respect copyright.PENANA8WjlhleYSh
— Meg, I know you care about Jessy but... Don't waste your life for him.190Please respect copyright.PENANAyNdDfc8Qv6
My mother's words felt like a stab to the heart.190Please respect copyright.PENANAMLk6ol5zrN
— That's not what I meant, she continues, realizing my fear.190Please respect copyright.PENANAFgy9qJmRN3
Hand on her forehead, she shakes her head as I grab my books again, determined to put an end to this discussion.190Please respect copyright.PENANAPGtQMMbwff
— Megan, you are 16 years old, you have your whole life ahead of you.190Please respect copyright.PENANA6RTi47mEMv
— And not Jessy, right ? ! I get angry.190Please respect copyright.PENANALumETikvCl
My mother looks down.190Please respect copyright.PENANAS7KQUMmE3B
— 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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAB69AGg2aB2
— 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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAQWChtta6LX
My mother nods weakly.190Please respect copyright.PENANASY8TDEsKKT
— I just ask you to be careful. Don't get too involved.190Please respect copyright.PENANAgRY3pNn9JJ
— 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 ? 190Please respect copyright.PENANA4NEQBS2VKS
I turn on my heel, ready to leave the room when my mother asks me : 190Please respect copyright.PENANAeyPYEou2iK
— You love him, don’t you ? 190Please respect copyright.PENANAZ4zwnINnAa
I don't answer. I lock my gaze on my mother's, trying to make her understand all the feelings that are inside me.190Please respect copyright.PENANArffrzlgGZA
— Please don’t tell Jessy about these books, I ask her before going out.190Please respect copyright.PENANAjyDB4vDKmC
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— Good evening, Megan, Mrs. Sutter calls me from the kitchen when I arrive at their house.190Please respect copyright.PENANA13yaSKxx8z
— Good evening.190Please respect copyright.PENANA2QUc3D6rbY
— Jessy hasn’t come home yet.190Please respect copyright.PENANAxpTxoeij5t
I look up at his mother with worried eyes. It's 8 p.m., classes ended several hours ago.190Please respect copyright.PENANAL4Xe76NpA3
— 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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAQEIshbVOuq
— Did he leave there complaining ? 190Please respect copyright.PENANA8i0QBTAQ6h
— You know him well enough to know that he complains a lot, she said, smiling.190Please respect copyright.PENANAzm2w83QH2W
— When he is with me, he is rather...190Please respect copyright.PENANALziVjMAWPt
Hearing the front door open, I don't finish my sentence.190Please respect copyright.PENANA6JTABG6JNA
— Yes, but you are special to him, Elise whispers to me.190Please respect copyright.PENANAQ0WNJV5Y1i
I remain speechless, wondering what she means by that.190Please respect copyright.PENANAswzZ9RSzPE
— Sorry to be late.190Please respect copyright.PENANAbmobDqNw46
Jessy's face is tense, he seems upset. The evening could be long if he remains in this state of mind.190Please respect copyright.PENANAJ9gy3JQFG2
— How was it ? His mother immediately questions him.190Please respect copyright.PENANANc99i9xYeL
Jessy glances at me quickly before responding coldly : 190Please respect copyright.PENANAxoNVfXDD3e
— I don't want to talk about it.190Please respect copyright.PENANA2xiByWFzyQ
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANARPkrtKJFUq
— You want some ? 190Please respect copyright.PENANA1Lw5VEM3zF
His tone is less cold, but still full of anger that he tries to contain.190Please respect copyright.PENANAbBp1UJtbHQ
— Yes, thanks.190Please respect copyright.PENANAfXuDYjhBBD
He purses his lips before asking me : 190Please respect copyright.PENANA4KbYNthuqo
— What movie did you bring this evening ? 190Please respect copyright.PENANARNgT7xQzvU
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAB0AbKDfTy4
— Dirty Dancing ! 190Please respect copyright.PENANAcwAWdLM5Eb
He rolls his eyes, but I sense that he is holding back a smile.190Please respect copyright.PENANAX8gdlKm45D
— 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.190Please respect copyright.PENANA2yRhN1j76g
I pretend to look shocked, which makes him laugh.190Please respect copyright.PENANAf765UG3QlT
— It’s true that he’s hot, but in my ranking of the most handsome guys, he only occupies second place.190Please respect copyright.PENANAH0tBDEZwbd
— 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 ? 190Please respect copyright.PENANA3tq06Y1JuP
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAujBlU1EEGg
— No others, I promise. For me, the hottest guy isn't an actor.190Please respect copyright.PENANAQ6JSU3NsQg
— Ah good ? Who is it ? 190Please respect copyright.PENANAC2BYtLEfl4
He comes to join me on the sofa, frowning.190Please respect copyright.PENANAdOdzAm85Ds
— He’s someone I see every day.190Please respect copyright.PENANAr5kyZSN6py
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAaAx6QPjhxe
— Your father ? he asks after a few minutes.190Please respect copyright.PENANA5nJFJZhH6l
Without taking my eyes off the screen, I shake my head and smile. It amuses me to see him searching.190Please respect copyright.PENANApGooJ81YBj
— Someone from high school ? 190Please respect copyright.PENANA1sSi0jNu2f
J'acquiesce190Please respect copyright.PENANAUtoxyfBWrk
— Chad ? 190Please respect copyright.PENANA4pZ7p6aRMH
A hint of anger and disbelief filters into his voice.190Please respect copyright.PENANAgcgInXfTke
— No. Jessy, do you want to watch the movie or tell me all the names of the guys at school ? 190Please respect copyright.PENANA1J0tnxCD03
— Sorry, but no matter how hard I look, I can’t see who…190Please respect copyright.PENANAKqLvgaN29g
— It's you.190Please respect copyright.PENANAXtFMM806uP
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAJ0LjFmGtIl
— Well, that makes you feel, I said mockingly, pausing the movie.190Please respect copyright.PENANAP1iWj37OGZ
— You got me, he says from the kitchen.190Please respect copyright.PENANArcNejMzogr
I turn around on the couch to look at him.190Please respect copyright.PENANAiRVm6dVGoe
— It’s the truth, Jessy, I’m not making you walk.190Please respect copyright.PENANAjd8suSuAgl
He comes back to sit next to me on the sofa. His cheeks are red as he places a kiss on my forehead.190Please respect copyright.PENANAqDTVpq5urR
— It’s nice of you to try to cheer me up. I love you.190Please respect copyright.PENANA43VQkb34qh
That's not what I'm trying to do, I really mean it, yet my heart immediately races : he adores me. 190Please respect copyright.PENANAkPGDZiSX3X
— Is it true ? 190Please respect copyright.PENANAEjOXLugk3o
— Of course. You're my best friend, Meg.190Please respect copyright.PENANAI0VN0ONSOk
Oh… Friend ? My heart calms down quickly.190Please respect copyright.PENANADfEvgjl2Ul
— Aren’t you in good spirits ? Is it because of the meeting ? 190Please respect copyright.PENANARzogsXkSho
Your mother told me about it, I add in front of his frown.190Please respect copyright.PENANAkfSm0TtQPd
— Yeah… it was depressing. Hearing all these patients talk about their fears… it brought me back to my own.190Please respect copyright.PENANAp1q2orzgoz
— Did you speak with them ? 190Please respect copyright.PENANAlc97HhSeMS
— 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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAJS5arUqrV1
— If you want, next time, can I accompany you ? 190Please respect copyright.PENANAsVPTOHtvLj
I suggest, but I already know the answer.190Please respect copyright.PENANAk44VEWienR
— Non ! 190Please respect copyright.PENANAgHSAawzteG
His tone is harsher than I thought. However, he softens very quickly.190Please respect copyright.PENANAn1G59gtDhC
— That’s nice, but no. I don't want you to come into this part of my life.190Please respect copyright.PENANA0mLlwt5H5e
— For what ? 190Please respect copyright.PENANA0XS9PKoTnf
Anger reappears in his eyes, he lowers his head.190Please respect copyright.PENANARvjL47YdSm
— Because you are too important to me for me to drag you into this world of illness with me.190Please respect copyright.PENANAGfmmYNS6WI
— Jessy… 190Please respect copyright.PENANAkcGtqGkbww
— 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.190Please respect copyright.PENANAlUFeMQyIYX
— OK as you want.190Please respect copyright.PENANAcm6xHj4Aml
I sigh as he resumes playing the movie. After a few minutes of silence, he glances at me and whispers : 190Please respect copyright.PENANAa8wU1LQNWm
— Are you mad at me ? 190Please respect copyright.PENANAeRAsIyxrbp
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.190Please respect copyright.PENANACOHVzpUr2W
— No, it’s your choice.190Please respect copyright.PENANA5zQ541E9DZ
He places another kiss on my forehead. I whisper to him without taking my eyes off Patrick Swayze : 190Please respect copyright.PENANAR2bvpYesh1
— Me too, I like you.190Please respect copyright.PENANAq6G4WObROA
190Please respect copyright.PENANAERvE8LzVG6
190Please respect copyright.PENANAL88WVebHpP
190Please respect copyright.PENANAj7VUmWYGmv
190Please respect copyright.PENANAdToKgjJgR8
190Please respect copyright.PENANAnLEWrGXo5g
190Please respect copyright.PENANAchi7hcg6kv
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At the risk of losing you
Author:
Angelique Daniel
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ISSUE #3
Chapter 3 : Rapprochement
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At the risk of losing you
Drama
Romance
Friendship
Last updated: Dec 24, 2023
Total word count: 99,881
Total reading time: 462 Minutes
Writer:
romance
young-adult
youngadult
romantic
younglove
truelove
illness
aids
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