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I am quietly installed in my office. This is my own place, in this family home. Far from the adventures of my children, I appreciate being able to breathe calmly from time to time. There, I decompress and take the time to think, to drown myself in my thoughts, in my memories.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2J0nvSozT
Suddenly there is a knock at the door. I quickly slip the photo I had been looking at for several minutes into the pocket of my blouse, and pretend to be concentrating on a file. I barely have time to say, “Come in” when the door opens to reveal my daughter. At seventeen and a half years old, she has behaved like a real tornado since the start of her adolescence, four years earlier. However, in her face framed by long brown hair, childhood can still be seen.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0P35MuWuCA
— Mom, I need to talk to you about something super important ! 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKfAtsuWyP
I suppress a smile. With Orlane, everything is always mega important ! 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DYWkxAHNX
— Ok I hear you.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhDiOvGkKw
— With Alexandra, we would like to get a tattoo ! She says, excited, as if it’s the best news of the year.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5mMnQOea0
— A tattoo ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrxuBTg2N3
She nods energetically.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhj0dT3nvb
— While you are still a minor ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Cb1t2DR0f
— Soon to be an adult.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡne1KLWWRQE
— Yes, so seventeen years and counting.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4e5kPtZ8me
— If you say so. So, is it yes ? I need parental consent to do this.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNMHOoak7I
— No way ! 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfOaFkSkQl
As I expected, my daughter's face turns an angry red, while her light eyes darken.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuuwUsbjQo
— You never let me do anything cool ! She shouts, slamming the door behind her.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVxFVkvhYf
Another of these great classics is to avoid any discussion by taking long strides. I hear him scream.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXzODMCKTS
— She always forbids me from everything ! She’s never there for us ! 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rdxplrI2w
— You exaggerate ! Mom is always there whenever we need her, tries to calm my son down in a paternalistic tone.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbi96XOIgF
Calm, thoughtful and very mature in nature for a young man of sixteen, my son has a character that is the polar opposite of that of his sister.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKnNa25ViR
— She’s not a cool mother ! 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvQSvYhBqS
I decide to join them in the kitchen.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4SQlEaweL
— If being fashionable means letting you drink alcohol, do drugs, let you date anyone, or allow you to get tattoos, then no, I'm not cool...482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡes70GLJvqM
— But why don’t you want to ? After all, it’s just a little drawing on the skin, adds my daughter with a pout.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylSPh4O56n
My God, how tenacious she is… Like me ultimately.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6KpXUxBhV
— Orlane, the day you want to get a tattoo for a good reason, I will accept, but not to be like your friends.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vbCHJoCTJ
My son looks at us, imperturbable.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkNczQ30kW
— You definitely have a tattoo ! She accuses me, angrily.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ439Kqfxb5P
I look down, weighing the pros and cons, and end up telling them : 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPzhuKQrfA
— Follow me to the living room, both of you. I need to talk to you.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLojvDoHE4
Without a word, they accompany me, and each sit in one of the large armchairs, facing mine.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFodokvMRA
— You are both old enough now for me to tell you a story. And please don't interrupt me. The story I am about to tell you is personal to me, but it is important that you know it, because it has made us who we are.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7Go2kBHz3
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It all started on September 26, 1991 : 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdTfwLBHdL
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Autumn has not yet arrived although the leaves of the trees are starting to turn red under the less intense rays of the sun.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnQV1bTaHm
I detail my reflection while doing my hair in front of the mirror. I don't think I'm pretty, although many people tell me otherwise. I'm not very tall, I don't have the figure of a top model, in fact, I find myself rather ordinary. Not to mention this damn hair that refuses to stay styled the way I want it ! Giving up trying to tame them, I abandon my hairbrush and go down the stairs of the house. I'm so happy to be in high school where I'm now one of the big guys. Sixteen is the age where my real life begins, the age where my parents finally treat me like an adult and no longer like an immature child. The age when all dreams are achievable and desires possible.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PWGu7yslz
My mind escapes for a moment to fly towards Chad, my boyfriend of several months. Chad is young, handsome, athletic and intelligent when he manages to stay focused long enough on his homework instead of thinking about sports, which is hard for him. He's not very tall, but built like a sportsman : all muscles. I like his black hair in a crew cut, and his hazel eyes. We have known each other since childhood. I had been secretly in love with him for years. In high school, I was known for being the type of serious girl, always top of the class, which did not attract boys, much to my despair. Chad is the most popular boy in school, so there was no chance he would be interested in me until a teacher asked me to help him with math. When he finally asked me to go out with him, I couldn't believe it anymore.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYPXXYWRV6
For six months, Chad and I have been in perfect love...482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTBOXDakOX
Okay, we only exchanged chaste kisses, we don't go out much, instead spending our time watching movies at his house. I also admit that contrary to what I had always imagined, I don't feel this passion that romance novels boast about, perhaps this is due to the fact that we have few things in common. When Chad kisses me, I have the horrible feeling of kissing my best friend but I’m sure that with time, our story will become more intense, passionate and that this feeling will disappear. After all, he’s the one I always wanted so everything will work out in the end.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0eiNgHR0E
Letting out a romantic sigh, I enter the kitchen. Almost my entire family is gathered there : Ashley and John, my parents as well as Nina, my younger sister. The only thing missing is Nicolas, my big brother who recently left for New York University and who only comes home for the holidays.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQMUk55nbj
— My little Megan… The more I see you, the less you look like my baby, my mother laments, staring at me.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEE90GZkI0
She isn’t very tall, she has a face with soft features that charms most people she meets. I get her brown hair and blue eyes from her. She always expresses herself calmly, but with conviction.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Ox4gRpi9A
I act as if his rantings don't matter to me.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mWWf8fO6H
— Mom, I’ll always be your daughter. And then, you have Nina as a baby…482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmngvjRczP
My sister makes a face. At thirteen, she sees herself more as a teenager than as the youngest member of the family.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcsMhOuGwj
— Are you still planning to go to Chad’s party tonight ? How many will you be ? Asks my father before swallowing his coffee.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2XpQ1T5Uj
— Yes I’m going. There will be about fifty of us.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmR7FbkReqV
My father coughs and chokes.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvN21epwT8
— That much ? Ask my mother in turn.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFRZZbjGYu
I nod yes.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8qeY5hj8F
— There will be the whole class as well as Chad's friends, that's a lot of people, he's very popular at school.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78UQyKn55H
— That’s true, my father agrees with a touch of pride.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACqwTqKwf8
Even though he tends to be overprotective, I love my father very much. I find him a handsome man for his age. At forty, his dark brown hair begins to take on gray shades at the temples and expression lines slowly creep into his angular face, further marking his smile and his frown.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhOWQ29N7a
My father works in construction, his specialty is facade maintenance. He judges each house by the quality of its exterior paint ! My mother is a secretary in a real estate agency, which doesn't excite her, but she has fixed hours, which suits her perfectly. We are a middle class American family. We live in a residential neighborhood in the small town of Millisky, Pennsylvania, where almost everyone knows each other, if only by sight. The town has around five thousand souls. We have a hospital, shops, restaurants, cinemas, and even a large shopping center, so we never get bored. In addition, our town is surrounded by a beautiful forest which allows for long walks, we also have a lake about five kilometers to the south. To the west, a hill overlooks the city, it is the chic district where all the local bourgeois have built their beautiful homes, which most often only serve as second homes. To the north, a highway takes us to Pittsburgh, the nearest major city, a two hour drive, and to the east, Philadelphia is a three hour drive.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRLE0JNQd7
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A little later that day, I'm in the main hallway of the school. It is a large white building, some classrooms have faded walls, originally cream-colored, and the same goes for places of frequent passage. The central corridor has on each side of its walls, two rows of gray lockers stacked on top of each other. I take some books from mine when, turning around, I see a boy of average height, with brown hair and light eyes, walk past me. He looks at me furtively. When I meet his gaze, I feel like I'm falling from a ten- story building. It's a strange thing I've never felt before and it only lasts a few seconds. Coming to my senses, I tell myself that I must be going crazy.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIEnlkSYL0
— Not bad, admires Amy, my best friend, who followed my gaze.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqxjzY4HTP
— New student ? I'm asking perfunctorily as I'm sure I've never seen it before.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jBn2DGNSK
— I’ll find out, says my friend, narrowing her eyes with interest.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBObWGBs25j
— In any case, he’s very cute, I can’t help but point out.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFeyudpJuW
— You're the one who says that, even though you're dating the hottest boy in school ! She exclaims, shocked.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcomgVFTjJ3
I smile, remembering that Chad never wanted to go out with her. He preferred me. It's so rare for a boy to reject her that I know she harbors a little resentment towards me. She has never told me openly but sometimes, like this moment, she throws a little barb at me. Without being mean, it gets heavy some days. However, she has been my friend for so long that I don't see myself falling out with her over such a small matter.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYwE9ZbVEy
Later that day, in history class, I am fascinated by the documentary that the professor shows us concerning the liberation of Europe during the Second World War. This is not the first report I have seen on the subject but each time, I am caught up in the violence, the abomination of this conflict. When the images of the concentration camps appear on the screen, I look away. This is too hard for me, so I concentrate on a completely different theme. Since the start of the course, I have had the strange sensation of feeling observed. As I turn to scan the class, I see the new student sitting two rows behind me, his eyes fixed on me. When he realizes that I have noticed him, he returns his gaze to the screen. I imitate him but after a few seconds, I turn around again.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftRXVLvLxB
Grid ! I thought, giving a hint of a smile as he refocused on the documentary. For long minutes, I no longer dared to move. It's stupid but this boy intimidates me.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZ3qZnMMRg
When the film ends, I turn in my seat to follow the teacher as he walks around the class summarizing what we just saw. The newcomer is still staring at me. His look is indecipherable.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60f0xVDrtB
— Imagine these families separated during endless years of war, imagine their suffering. If you had been in their place, would you have chosen resignation in the face of the invader or would you have opted for resistance ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDR3Pt7A6b
I raise my hand, certain of my answer.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQoYR0fBwho
— Yes Megan.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6El0l9GND
— I would have chosen resistance. Faced with injustice, I think I would have been incapable of looking at the situation without taking part in the fight.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24p3Y4O2wh
— Good. Someone else's opinion ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PeCayV6Ax
Many raise their hands including the new one.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW65PQj5u75
— And you, what do you think ? Asks the teacher, addressing him.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKL8JZoUgf
— I believe that with hindsight, it is easy to give your opinion, but at that time, people who engaged in the resistance ran enormous risks, not only for themselves but also for those close to them. All this must be taken into consideration.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaS7zG3kSG
— Perfect, Jessy ! 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOB26HXIxD
Jessy… 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATPUnOA2d1
I have a hard time taking my eyes off him even though his name resonates within me.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtF4wT4jJZ
— For the next class, you will write me a presentation on this subject, continues the professor.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9sTFN5d4x
The bell announcing the end of classes rings, the new guy immediately picks up his things and leaves, bowing his head. It makes me feel like I'm running away from the whole world.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjoTvv51Wa
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I head to the bathroom to put some gloss on my lips and find my friends Amy and Pearl there.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWmopNrpyY
— So, Meg, where are you with Chad ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxBqof8KQS
My cheeks immediately turn red.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2U2jtprH1f
— There is nothing to say.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLPVFVHBvw
— Don’t tell us you haven’t done it yet, Amy insists.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJvScGtVNo
— Well no… Well, I mean, do you feel ready ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJuDwQ7fLo
Amy shrugs. I know she hasn't been a virgin for some time.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUcqpeuYEa
— There’s no reason, Pearl assures. You're with the boy you've always wanted, so why not go all the way ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNw781Fhots
These words make me think more than they should. I've been dreaming about Chad for years, so why do I feel this stuck ? Why don't my feelings push me to open up completely ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtU4ACn9MuR
I feel lost and I know perfectly well that it's not my friends I could confide in. They would immediately judge me, thinking I'm crazy for asking myself a thousand questions when I'm dating a great guy.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48TOwbgK6z
If only Nick were here, I thought with regret.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCQ2q8Q0NZ
My brother would be able to advise me perfectly. It's crazy how much I miss him. Looking forward to the next vacation so he can come back to see us.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAWb9ZN3Uf
— By the way, have you seen the new one ? Pearl continues, arranging her brown hair in front of the mirror. He is too beautiful ! 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5Ku6PovwF
It’s true that he is beautiful ! A finely sculpted body without being skinny and a face with fine features that I find refined, piercing green eyes lined with long eyelashes, slightly messy light brown hair... I also memorized the little chain with at the end a cross that dangles from his left ear giving him a little rebellious side that I find sexy.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneMQ3Kub0d
— I learned a few things about him...482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiduyZGvOb
This simple sentence from Amy focuses all my attention.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyo9KAzVkSJ
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A few hours later, at the end of classes, I found my father in the high school parking lot. This day is important to me. I pass my driving license. I am confident, because for several weeks, Chad has been teaching me everything there is to know and, according to him, I am ready.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgIi1VB1oA
— Megan, we need to talk, my father begins.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyzRLDqY38
Already knowing that I am going to be treated to a moral lesson, I hold back a sigh.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aGDzgbcfW
— It’s about that party at Chad’s. You know I trust you, but... knowing you with him until late...482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6d4e6DmpU
When I don't answer, he continues : 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvu2tWIAZNG
— Will you be… serious this evening ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8ND6coWvx
— Dad, I'm still a virgin and I don't plan on that changing tonight.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0h4WsZtHL
— Thank God, he breathes with relief after grimacing.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Bt9hrU7aq
Shortly after, we return home, me with my license in my pocket and my father with the certainty that I am still innocent.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLetPoqExeF
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In the evening, I found Chad at his house. He lives in a large, modern and chic house, close to the city center. Their villa includes three bedrooms with an independent bathroom, a games room, an office, a fully equipped kitchen and a gigantic living room which, that evening, easily accommodated fifty guests. Outside, in a garden, in which my entire house could fit, is a heated swimming pool. As the girlfriend of the owner of the house, I make a grand entrance. I'm wearing a pretty black silk dress, perfectly fitted, which suits me perfectly. I turn heads as I pass, especially Chad who only has eyes for me. The party is in full swing, the whole class has gathered there.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pl0Kw7kg6
I'm chatting with Amy in the corner of the room, when I spot the new student, Jessy, standing a little further away. He observes me while chatting with Stanley, a friend of my brother. He stares at me and gives me a small smile to which I can't help but respond.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVtOzsHkED
Why am I blushing ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrU9v58RwnV
— This guy is so hot. I'm going to go and get to know each other, Amy said to me, scrutinizing Jessy.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHzwrOtxad
Without knowing why, my heart sinks.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsboig7ZDWu
— Amy…, my reaction is stupid. You look very pretty with this dress.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrLjVxR6iQ
She smiles. I see her approach Jessy, Stanley quickly walks away while Amy launches into a tirade, pointing out several people in the room. She must inform him of the gossip that is circulating. I can't help the pang of jealousy that creeps into me when I see her place a hand on Jessy's arm. At this moment, he looks up at me, his expression is indecipherable. I have to look elsewhere... But I can't do it.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DV3iFqQ6z
— Are you okay, Meg ? You're having fun ? Chad appears in front of me and places his hands on my hips.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRsihxr9Tg
Finally I take my eyes off Amy and the new guy. I have to think about something other than his green eyes which make me feel like they are penetrating my soul.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQKJA1Shkc
I place my lips on my boyfriend's in a brief kiss.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgt4IK3sYeW
— Where were you ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOMbw7A2yo
— I was walking around the house. Haven't you noticed that some people look like they've been drunk ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AR7a86Vpm
— Yes, I met Matt earlier, he reeked of alcohol.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP81AvS9ICD
— Great, Chad breathes, annoyed. If my parents find out about this, I'm dead.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMX1PKman4
I glance in Jessy and Amy’s direction. He has disappeared while she returns to us, blowing : 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EvYhChF8m
— This guy is weird ! 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP39QSAk4zR
— What happened with Jessy ? I said, trying to contain my relief.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqQ4uxIYLf
— I don’t know, I was talking to him and, suddenly, he went out to get some fresh air. Who invited him anyway ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FKFxv19U8
— It's me. We had a class together, I told him it would be the best way to meet people.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkVSkheUAS
How nice Chad is ! That's why I love him, my heart reminds me.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1CNyyR8xy
— I’m going to try to find out who brought the alcohol, he continues.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPBxHArnHt
— I am coming with you.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2p8TbTqa3
We leave Amy in the living room and head towards the kitchen. A group of American football players, of which Chad is the quarterback, are seated there.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVcuWDybAg
— Damn, you guys are annoying ! I warned you though : no alcohol.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2568WWvfx
My boyfriend raises his voice.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlxhUccgnC
— Relax, Chad, it's just beers.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzWhk1XD7F
— Beers or not, if my parents find out I'll be in big trouble, get rid of it ! 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRL9jubtPuI
The five young people take their bottles while complaining and drop one which spills down the front of my dress.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MlsMUBxQH
— It’s clever ! Chad exclaims as I gape.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0PSJVgKLu
I grab a roll of paper towels and try to wipe the alcohol off, to no avail.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSpGnk2lzz
— Come with me, my boyfriend said, taking me by the hand. I don't mean to be offensive, but you stink of alcohol. We're going to have problems with your parents if you leave like that again.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcWs8HnYTR
— I know, it’s because of your stupid friends ! 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRari6SP02
— I'm sorry. I have an idea. Go take a shower, and in the meantime, I'll wash and dry your dress and off you go, neither seen nor known ! 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXcWUG4Oa4
Having little choice, I accept.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qeYQPcb44
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Several minutes later, which seemed like an eternity, I found Chad in his room. I am in my bathrobe and my boyfriend is holding my clean dress in his hands when there is a knock at the door. Neither of us has time to make a move that Amy and Pearl are already initiating. They stand in the doorway, look at us and mutter an apology before closing the door, giggling.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYMVdDMPqZ
— Great, they’re going to think anything now, I mutter angrily.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIat5HFzhj
— But no, they are your friends. You just need to explain the situation to them when we get down.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOB2hCDAHlD
I'm not convinced, but Chad is right, they are my friends, they will definitely believe me. And then, I have nothing to reproach myself for.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyg19HZgAcL
Clearly, this evening is far from being the evening I dreamed of ! 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0g5LGhAxmb
When we join the guests on the ground floor, I immediately feel that they are staring at me with eloquent little smiles. I'm going to pour myself a glass of non alcoholic punch when Amy and Pearl come to talk to me.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONLHUwjTg0
— So, Meg, how was it ? Is Chad as good a shot as he seems ? Amy asks me, with a spark of curiosity in her eyes.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaFL39zTkX
— What are you talking about ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqC88x3X0P
— Of you and Chad half naked in his room ! 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwKaUZBO2l
— That’s not at all what you think ! Nothing happened ! Some idiots had spilled beer on me. I had to take a shower while Chad cleaned my dress and he was dressed in case you didn't notice ! 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yvWduBEoh
It annoys me to have to justify myself as if I had committed a crime.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBl2Fct8mXy
— But of course ! Pearl replies, giggling with Amy before walking away towards other students in our class.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKg8f8GEeRD
This story is crazy, and the worst part is that no one wants to believe me, not even my best friends, at least the ones I thought were real friends. The looks that I already found embarrassing became even more insistent, and shame invaded me. It’s a shame to feel this ! Sensing my discomfort, Chad comes to join me.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodGfcJ4iPD
— I'm going back.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLQdBdgwKh
— But no, stay, you're not going to let these idiots ruin your evening ! 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIDT1oLML3
He hugs me tightly to reassure me, but482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisyoprThuK
I gently push him away. There are already enough comments as it is, there is no point in adding more.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGE2swnfVzk
— No, I'm going back. See you tomorrow ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnaLLdXEY4
Disappointed, he acquiesces. I kiss him on the tips of his lips as we usually do.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrVgrKr9c4
— You don’t want me to take you home ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIuzAQr2jz
— I need to walk...482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwegr63Is3
482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrTDVkvR3h
It feels good to be alone and to be able to enjoy the peace and quiet of the cool night. The moon just makes a crescent in the sky. Looking up, I admire the stars which, far from everything, don't care about the gossip that runs on Earth. Tears burn my eyes, I feel more alone than ever on this Earth which is definitely not running smoothly.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSJaVfpsR4
— Did you need to get some fresh air ? A soft voice nearby asks, bringing me out of my reverie.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdd9jyNWv9
Jessy is by my side, looking up to the sky.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjtKO39m92
— Yes. Exactly. You too ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyB9A3Ghk7
This is the first time I've seen him up close. Immediately, my heart races. A small diamond shines in his ear, replacing the cross he wore during the day. Two locks frame his forehead, falling in front of his eyes when he lowers his head. I know I shouldn't stare at him like that, but I can't help it. I feel like an insect attracted by a light that hypnotizes it. He looks at me, gives me a smile. Why do I feel so intimidated around him ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuG2EbWyi3
A breath of wind rises, making me shiver. Jessy takes off his black leather jacket and hands it to me, I put it on and thank him. Does he notice my trouble ? I don't know, but from his piercing gaze, I suspect he's enjoying the situation.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3tBCvO1zr
— Yes, I needed to get some fresh air too, I don’t really like crowds. I saw you leaving, I thought maybe you’d like some company ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDHZS5Tefl
— If you want, I shrug casually while being happy that he noticed me. Jessy, is that right ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMuRZvzYMo
He nods with a smile.
— I'm Meg...
— Megan, I know.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRbSIp5J0L
I look at him, surprised.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifLGJnV4kl
— Good. What else do you know about me ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XYZF58QDG
— Let’s see… You’re the best student in class, and you’re dating the star player of the football team.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjM4RhPwVy
— You're good ! 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHXnHlEuq9
— I guess you must have heard something about me too ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa676gLgNJl
— Not much, actually. I just know that you are seventeen, that you have just arrived in Millisky and that you are repeating your school year.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrcNseQ061
— Everything is true. It's not that serious ? What upsets you..., he adds to my astonishment.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57H3Myg8VX
— No, there are much worse things in life. It's nothing, just nonsense.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ITcgZdlAd
— If it’s so harmless, then why did you leave your boyfriend’s party ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7K5Y23F9h
— Maybe because, this evening, I saw the true faces of my so called friends. My confidence in them melted like snow in the sun.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PkJBxNfsG
Jessy sighs as she looks up again to look at the starry sky.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOARqEuILW
— I know this feeling of disappointment well.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeaEHkwApO
— Did this happen to you too ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3t4VdVn22e
He seems surprised that I am interested in him and turns to me, burying his hands in the pockets of his pants.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08Hgev5Tjj
— To be betrayed, disappointed ? Oh yes ! Although I don't understand why your friends would turn their backs on you.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4s5pMfKew
— Haven't you heard the gossip spread by Amy and Pearl ? They told everyone that I slept with Chad. Even though I told them that this is not the case, they did not believe me, and worse, they preferred to continue to denigrate me.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKutpBwzta2
As I tell him this, I search his eyes to check if he is sincere or if he is making fun of me like the others.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQXZEGw4fi
— I have learned to no longer listen, and even less believe, what people say out of pure malice or jealousy. I am convinced that you are telling the truth.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsjFR7xDma
— You seem very sure of yourself for someone who doesn’t know me ! 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PEaO1jZMX
He locks his gaze on mine before responding : 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHe7B7vgbAM
— I see in you.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6hnwsHCt7
This response leaves me speechless and upsets me more than it should. Faced with him, with his words, I feel lost. Fortunately, we arrived on my street and I just want to be alone to try to analyze what I feel.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvyFYrd8NB
— Thank you, I said, handing him back his jacket. And thank you for taking me home.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXBLgMrQXa
— At your service, he says, turning left while I continue straight.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdokMbSOwF
482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMsqkNGclt
482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClzxaScqmj
The following days, nothing erases this attraction which pushes me towards Jessy. This makes me feel so guilty that I try to focus on my relationship with Chad, without really succeeding. As for Jessy, I feel like he's been running away from me since the other night. He looks away as soon as I look at him and doesn't speak to me anymore. I don't know what I did wrong for him to ignore me like that, but it pains me a lot. Perhaps he also ended up believing the nonsense that was circulated about my relationship ? If that were the case, I would be extremely hurt.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieIkgKl6am
It was during history class that the teacher gave me the opportunity to get closer to him.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkU7lgVYcB
— I asked each of you to write a presentation on the last lesson.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUR5IilnsQc
At these words, several students point to their copy on their table.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5VogZ2D8w
— Jessy, can you pick them up ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUAFaCmWoL
This one executes. When he reaches my height, his gaze finally anchors on mine. I feel like seconds are becoming minutes. At this very moment, I realize how much I've missed Jessy these past few days. His hand brushes against mine as I hand him my paper, making me want to grab it and never let go.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrkzLVuLNI
As if reading my thoughts, Jessy narrows his eyes slightly and purses his lips. Then he turns away towards the next table, breaking the spell that united us as the professor continues speaking : 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7vaVhTIJt
— To find out what you have learned from this course, I have prepared a written quiz for you.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFl5D3z896
Immediately, boos are heard.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCE0QR5uA8
— Yes, I know, I'm not nice. While you answer the questionnaire, I will go through your presentations and form teams of two. For next week, you will have to refine your different points of view, compare them, in order to share them in front of the whole class.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRypjnk0H8n
Although I am a good student, I don't particularly enjoy being on the board in front of everyone else and am already worried about who I will have to work with. As long as it's neither with Amy nor with482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjd7VggWOQo
Pearl. I haven't spoken to them since the party at Chad's.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCfOpOlaPU
They tried to come see me on Monday but I totally ignored them. Even if I find myself alone most of the time, Chad does not share all of my classes, I prefer that to being poorly accompanied.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinQNXjgvKq
For long minutes, I put these thoughts aside to concentrate on the questioning.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtlrkY231A
When I finish, I raise my head and look behind me, towards Jessy who finishes a few seconds after me.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTmK5VaV34
The teacher notices us because he tells us : 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBRJ9NrPiQ
— Alright. Megan and Jessy, you'll be teaming up next week. You can go.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsU8lM3th6
At the same time, we get up and put our homework on the teacher's desk before leaving the classroom.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvwW7FPAwF
I thought we were going to be able to discuss this project but already Jessy is quickly moving away.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCeSriiRrm
— Jessy, wait ! 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVothmoD7o
He slows down, but doesn't stop.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0dUDmre80
— We need to discuss how we are going to approach this presentation.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8DimDX6EM
His shoulders relax and he exhales.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbETvLKkuoM
— I don't like working with others. So I suggest you do your part on your own, I will do the same and we will meet again before the next class to compare our points of view.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45dhOorNq4
— Thank you for your proposal but I refuse. There's no way I'm going to get a bad grade because you're antisocial.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63oNPRDUdO
— I'm not…482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSZ7SaAE16
Before he finishes his sentence, I raise an eyebrow which interrupts him.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrDoRbQY3o
— Okay, maybe I am a little, he admits with a little smile. Alright, you win Megan.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEM1IiYxGAo
Feeling like I need to take advantage of my advantage before he changes his mind, I quickly scribble my address on a piece of paper and hand it to him.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOnTZEmOkB
— Come to my place at the end of classes, we will be quiet to study.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBDBPeRnA8
— Thanks for the address but we could just as easily meet up after school and go to your house together.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIN1sJ1SIl
Why didn't I think of that ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cxA5df4HT
I refrain from slapping myself.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHSOB1TAeE
Embarrassed by my stupidity, I smile shyly. Jessy leans towards me, slips my address into his pocket and adds mischievously : 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuWuMoO5NZ
— I'm keeping it anyway. You never know, you might get lost along the way.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnO9lGg0ccl
I don't understand why just looking at him, talking to him, puts me in this state. I feel my cheeks on fire and I am certain that when I open my mouth, nothing but nonsense comes out.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0hhVlGsat
But what is happening to me ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrREBDUdEY
482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7EUEk4Cmc
During the next class, I feel Chad's gaze, sitting at the desk next to mine, weighing on me suspiciously. I do my best to appear comfortable and innocent until he hands me a paper.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSekQ3Pwo7G
What's going on with Jessy ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvJutBJyB0
Astonished, I wrote : 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeObbba2nXJ
What ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0GHu1A9lf
Chad's response was quick : 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDKWtevz8U
Amy told me you two seem close and that I should be worried. It's the case ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4E40YXN5tW
Anger replaces disbelief. What the hell is his problem ? Is she not tired of taking care of my life, of making up stories for me ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtuljKtcvc
No, not at all. We just have a presentation to make together. 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡik1722F2lr
A smile lights up Chad's features. I managed to reassure him, yet I fear I may not have been completely honest with him.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PFOMoheeo
As I look at his profile, I have to recognize that my boyfriend no longer inspires in me the feelings that inspired me just a few months ago. I feel myself detaching myself from Chad, I come to wonder if I was only in love with him one day or if I have always confused love and friendship. Slipping my hands through my hair, I breathe deeply. The only thing I know for sure is that I am lost in my emotions.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3eI15vXPzX
482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6vbnHxcsf
482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQt0tDeAA7
At the end of class, Jessy comes to join me, backpack on his shoulder and a book in hand.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMA4xm5iqk1
— I love this book. I must have read it about ten times since last year, he tells me. I thought you might like to read it ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDT5gtwm6T
While walking the streets, I quickly skim a few pages.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXzjxAbPmn
— Do you mind if I save it to read tonight ? I'll give it back to you tomorrow.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsoZoZM1Ss
— On the contrary. It’s so rare that I meet people who like to read something other than comics.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKtIu8dEUX
— I understand you. Comics are Chad's favorite reading.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjMrgFhvXm
— I'm not surprised, Chad seems more of an athlete than a cerebral one.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCt94p1Gskc
I am left speechless.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtOnO8IZkW
— Are you always this frank ? Can't help but ask him.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pJnQBvsle
He shrugs his shoulders while responding : 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6haESocZlA
— Very often. I hurt you ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxA9qy0GZU
I thought for a few seconds before answering him.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUcrIZtlTJ
— No. I must admit that it is the truth.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUPZJZiwxR
His smile widens, making me melt a little more.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RwpgqJCrF
Arriving home, we sit in the living room and chat about the homework we have handed in. We both think we'll get good grades. My mother comes home from work and walks into the living room, surprising us. I suddenly feel uncomfortable being with a boy other than Chad under my parents' roof. I jump up, followed by my guest.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehx7IahPMF
— Hey, Ch…, it’s not Chad, she smiled.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoJrNOjJbD
— Mom, this is Jessy.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYlj73bAjC
They greet each other.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEJ0SktDDn
— We have a presentation to give to the whole class about the Second World War.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5ZX9JprS8
With a nod, Jessy confirms my words. Since my mother arrived, he hasn't said a word, and seems intimidated. This adds as evidence : 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlbqSuhVtR
— Jessy, are you staying to eat with us this evening ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcQDZM6CVv
He shrugs his shoulders.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRk2hXUTxVB
— I don't want to bother you…482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTqXbvzkcC
— Don't worry, I still cook too much since Nick left for college.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmyArrbvxa
— Nicolas is my older brother…482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEs9ANsLYP
— It would be a pleasure to have you with us. My husband is tired of being surrounded by girls.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbGThZfYBZ
— Okay then, Jessy said, smiling. Thanks ! 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVswRkC3B1
A little later, he met my father, then Nina. When it was time to sit down at the table, without anyone telling her, Jessy naturally took a seat next to me. I control myself so as not to let my disorder appear in front of those close to me. I feel myself vibrate every time his arm brushes mine. From time to time, Jessy looks at me sideways and gives a little amused smile, and I immediately blush ! 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPKLDc23vw
The meal passes in a good atmosphere until Nina, as usual, says out loud what she is thinking : 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDQA8CG7pD
— You're not bad, Jessy, but I prefer Chad. It is awesome ! 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKk89GAcKd
— Nina ! We don't say that kind of thing ! Reprimands my mother.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlNsCifoGa
— For what ? I tell the truth.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58o3G7qPAf
— Chad is nice, Jessy responds politely.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcMUtnn5Ls
— And he’s strong ! Nina continues, making me want to throw myself over the table and strangle her.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ909BKpzLrz
— It’s true, Chad is a great athlete, adds my father. He also taught Megan how to drive. Considering the number of guests at his party the other night, he's also very popular. He has everything going for him, this boy, says my father, whom I would like to strangle at the same time as my sister.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwS4XBt6JM
— It’s true that he’s really lucky, Jessy whispers, looking at me.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92njeodjdw
I stare at him, not knowing how to react. I have a sudden and insane desire to throw myself into his arms to kiss him, this idea scares me as much as his words made me happy. Also, I'm left speechless, which makes him smile more.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttFPHlkkpr
At the end of the meal, Jessy helps me clear the table, then asks me where the bathroom is. I tell him. My mother then approaches me and gives me a little smile.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPcPwxvqb3
— This boy is very nice, she comments quietly so that only I can hear. And very cute at that.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgy4oMendj
I glance at him sideways, smiling.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VpMXFWQMF
"I suppose you know what you're doing ? "482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRJffpHZXk
— Not really.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBgzVeDAfn
— Meg, you’re sixteen. You didn't make a lifelong commitment to Chad. You are all young, you have the right to be carefree. I was, at your age, and I didn't know your father until much later, when I decided to settle down.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzk5iUwbP0f
— You know very well that I am too serious to let myself be guided by my emotions without having first thought for hours.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVr3idiJuTF
— Yes, I know, my mother sighs. And at first glance, I would say that Jessy seems to be just like you.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnflAWKkH5E
— You think that…482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuabMAmxwow
I want to ask her if she thinks Jessy is interested in me, but I leave it hanging when I see him coming back to us.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7yNa4eQRt
— Thank you very much for inviting me to your table. It's getting late, I'm going to go home.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAIjgyhvf6
— Wait, I'm going to walk with you for a while.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzO0k5kloy
Jessy nods before going to grab his jacket hanging on a hook in the entryway.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqq1G7SfoV
— Thanks again ! Have a good evening everyone, he says as he leaves.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5abhoMAEw
— Megan ! 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACccxvly1I
I turn to my mother who is standing in the hallway, at the entrance to the kitchen.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHA9MiBAUo
— I am sure of it ! 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVx21clLqz
I give him a big smile.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDd48oAGdH3
— She is sure of what ? Asks Jessy who heard everything from the porch.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSptrjxyOhy
— Oh, you're welcome, just something I asked him.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqalLonEkLb
Fortunately, he doesn't insist.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGmjziBDZO
We walk down the sidewalk in silence.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hY1NiIxEh
My neighborhood is a quiet place, where all the houses482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeoUz3rTbr
look alike with their little white fence surrounding the garden. Only the colors of the houses vary from one to another, sometimes white with blue shutters, sometimes brown with red shutters. Our family home is cream with green shutters. My father makes a point of maintaining it well, repainting it as soon as the paint shows signs of age, and mowing the lawn regularly. This corner of the city is not known for being the richest, but at least its inhabitants ensure that nothing can damage it. I love this quiet little town which seems to live as if in a cocoon where nothing serious ever happens and where the smallest event, like the arrival of Jessy, is experienced as big news. This thought pulls me out of my reverie and, turning back to my companion, I decide to question him.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBf1vAm93H
— Did you move here alone ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5p2pJNvoCN
This seems incongruous to me since he is only seventeen, but I never see him with anyone, not even in town.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7Cedf1YI9
— No, I live with my mother.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSfLl6kPg3
— And your father ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTLHEP9M9C
— My father died when I was a kid.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfmZAU5k4h
— Sorry.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTuVXFczFU
— It's nothing. My mother remarried and I have a little brother, Jason, who is now seven.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVv43VWi4k
— So your father in law and your brother live with you ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00pfx3LYq6
Jessy grimace. 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVwCvmSFuo
— No, they stayed in Allentown.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfhzpgmamA
— For what ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3tkxlSad9
Jessy gives me a big smile while answering : 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsodjXvJhEu
— Joker ! 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyVegElj2c
Preferring not to insist, I move on to other questions : 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcco2sSLQc9
— Why did you leave Allentown ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucBZsXGzQK
— Re joker ! 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxH3B0Qqrwy
— OK. I always see you alone... but you must have friends ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85Sya7KZHB
— You know, I just arrived and I don’t know anyone yet, except you. In Allentown, I had friends, or so I thought, but..., he interrupts himself, purses his lips, shaking his head : 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsM2fXo0j2
— I don't want to talk about it... Let's just say, sometimes you think you know people and you're wrong.
— Like me the other night...482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjPZORpGTB
Looking serious, he nods.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwBMVKbuRS
— So you’re from Allentown ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNKcTdNZvW
— Yes, I lived in a small neighborhood where everyone had known each other forever, a bit like this one. (He looks around.) Except that in town, we couldn't see the stars as well.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMICp7R8y9
I follow his gaze, staring at the sky illuminated by hundreds of sparkling points that no cloud hides. I feel very small and fragile in the face of this immensity. It's strange to find myself next to this boy to whom I feel close and who, at the same time, intimidates me so much.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgXftqlgcX
— Your family loves Chad very much, he said suddenly, breaking this magical moment. How long have you been together ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVFsXA7Iil
I sit on the low wall bordering a house for sale.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSB9Dd0JOm
— My father was a big athlete in high school and I think he recognizes himself in Chad. My mother finds him cute and nice, and my sister is in love with him, I think ! (I smile.) He and I have known each other for a very long time, since kindergarten in fact…482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1svrM0vpo
— And you’ve always loved him, Jessy adds, sitting down next to me.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdffwinWw5
I blush and lower my head.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHmM5z4jdB
— It’s complicated… But let’s talk about you instead. Did you leave a girlfriend in Allentown ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovWi1Mejca
Jessy turns to me and raises his eyebrows, visibly surprised. I stare at him, both impatient and dreading his answer.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQOnMXfHfv
— Your question is strange...
— Why ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfvp4GrRFs
— Because you're dating the perfect guy according to everyone around you, so I wonder what your questioning is hiding.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9op6YPY73p
— It wasn’t you who told me that you shouldn’t necessarily listen to what others say ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSQqr7iRGH
— Touché, he smiled. Let's say I had a girlfriend.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRfSeb2D0y
— You still have ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSZNHgQFc0
— Well no, we split up...482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEbFGUfD8C
I don't give him time to finish his sentence as my lips are already on his. Immediately, he kisses me back.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3eHYY0LI5z
His lips are soft and warm on mine, I feel him slide a hand to my waist, pulling me closer to him until, as suddenly as it began, he pushes me back forcefully before standing up abruptly. jump, visibly annoyed.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1zeNjJYXy
— That’s not true ! Why did you do it ? He writes to himself while standing in front of me, hands on hips waiting for a response.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lDCm5l7vG
— I don’t know, I said as sincerely as possible. Since I met you, I have felt lost. I don't know why but I feel like I've known you forever and this feeling totally upsets me. I was hoping you felt the same way I did.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcC3ncnLSB
Far from calming down, Jessy walks away from me, walking as quickly as he can. I get up and run after him.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjaCc039Na
— Jessy, wait ! What is happening ? Please don't tell me that kiss was that bad ! 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5rBfe93ns
He doesn't stop though. I grab him by one arm, forcing him to stop his way.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4d36muy33v
He glares at me.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQjaFN3ukZ
— I'm sorry if... I shouldn't have kissed you, but I honestly thought you wanted to too.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifNxrj6k01
— It is, he whispers, staring at me.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUnLRxTVmV
— So where is the problem ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22lofSEwfQ
— I can not do that.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFjumHqS0J
— But why ? I know that compared to Chad it's a bad thing but...482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Dce3LUjH5
— It has nothing to do with him. The problem is me. I'm not made for love, he gets angry again. I gave too much, now that is forbidden to me.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MpU0N2D1B
He frees himself from my hand before continuing on his way. Staying there, I say to him : 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6moSAdd8I
— I don't understand ! You can't pretend to want to kiss me and then run away like that a second later. It's not me who made you suffer so why should I pay for what others made you endure ? I'm not your ex ! 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHydi8SI1iv
Abruptly, he stops his running, turns around before coming back towards me. His features are distorted by anger but I also read a form of pain there.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8pFXaQyR4
— No, you are not the one who changed my life and I in no way wish to become the one who changes yours in the same way ! My life is ruined Meg, I'm already at the end. I'm going to die, he adds when he sees that I don't understand his words.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxu99hyMW1
— Wh... What ? I stammer, in shock.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvOuMz7XJj
He gets closer. His face is only a few centimeters from mine.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28PWv48I8z
— Meg, I'm HIV positive. I have the AIDS virus, he admits quietly so that no one else can hear him, although the street is deserted. So stay away from me, believe me it's better ! 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEgHTWEMrv
He leaves as quickly as possible. Soon night envelops it completely. For a long moment, I stay there, dismayed, unable to make the slightest gesture, no longer knowing what to think. His words seem to spin in my head like a wild merry go round that no one can stop. I don't know how long I stand on that sidewalk looking in his direction long after he's gone.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsih4QXk8Y6
482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDK6YvCfkMa
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When I get home, I try not to let anything show and lock myself in the kitchen. I thought I would be safe, but as soon as I closed the door, my mother opened it and stuck her head in.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYZ3myGGfd
— Are you okay, Meg ? You're very pale, aren't you sick ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocuBbxo6Jd
— Everything is fine. I miss Nicolas, I would like to talk to him.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QlPVbYYAi
Understanding the message, my mother nods and closes the door behind her. Immediately, I grab the phone and dial my brother’s number. Luckily he answers after two rings.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoSHJOuM3w
— Hello ? he says, happily.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtCBGLI5Lw
— Nick, it’s me.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXItjyjsG40
I'm having a hard time keeping the tremors in my voice at bay.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEcwnbbgtg
— Meg, what’s going on ? He worries.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHgRQkpAzH
The day I met Jessy, I told my brother that same evening. He seemed happy that a boy other than Chad was messing with me. For some reason, Nick always grimaced at my relationship with Chad. 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UAgIXoFx3
— Jessy came to the house for dinner this evening... 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBok5yKII9q
— Oh, he sighs, he threw you away.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtZtZLiH3x
I think about the way I kissed him and feel myself blushing again. If I had known how he was going to push me away, I would never have let myself be carried away by my desire.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfBKkmmZ51
— Yes, but that’s not the worst, I sob. Jessy admitted to me that she was sick.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBg0h5aiPvW
Realizing the horror of the situation, I fall to the ground. I am not afraid of AIDS, I know that I risk nothing. But I am terrified for Jessy, for his future which is likely to be short. My brother doesn't speak, he gives me time to calm down. When my sobs dry up, I continue : 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1kzLngVuD
— Jessy is HIV positive, I blurt out in one breath.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyS5s258Mi
A gasp of surprise escapes my brother.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALV5buAUyZ
— Okay, he breathes, making me understand that he’s thinking about the situation. What are you going to do ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalxvNcNiG6
— I don't know. Nick, I need to know your opinion.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCXOHb3loH
— I admit that I didn't expect that at all. Do you see yourself turning your back on him ? 482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQsCory9um
— I wouldn't be able to.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FjTfQEjqn
— Meg, I know this probably isn't the kind of relationship you imagined, but based on what you've told me so far about this guy, I think right now he especially needs support and friendship. Don’t reject him because he doesn’t match your ideal.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjuVGYfHg4
— Exactly, he corresponds to my ideal and the fact that he is ill changes nothing. If I am devastated it is because AIDS is an incurable disease. I don't want him to die, Nick, I'm crying again.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34ZLzMTNgH
I am aware that I have only known him for a short time but, without being able to explain it, he has already marked my existence.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIogtAs6HRW
— Come on, little sister, don’t cry. For now, Jessy is alive and, even if he keeps you at a distance, I'm sure he would be happy to have you in his life. Try to make him smile while he's here. He must need to think about something other than this crap.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrsL4CwVGH
— You're right. Nick, what I confided to you must absolutely remain between us. No one should know.482Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWDds2qJlj
— Finally you know me ! Come on now tell me how he dumped you ! He laughs as I bite my lip in shame.
and then Add to home screen.