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     807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNe4iH971f
     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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICd6ulRumA
    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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34WbMKrkZa
    — 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 ? 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcQ8pMM1wv
    — Yeah, I think so.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmruvi4Qh7
    — Jessy, please promise me you’ll never let yourself fall into the void like that again. I got the fright of my life.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsruPDPNyB
    Hands in his pockets, he shrugs his shoulders and breathes deeply before telling me : 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2sazYTt9P
    — Promise. Why do you care about me so much ? 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgMHt3uEVY
    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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6l0M6zMan1
    — Why not ? 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglPtezjhtC
    — 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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXDBcYf8c5
    — There are morons everywhere, I whisper. Jessy, I like you. I'm not going to start ignoring you because you have a health problem.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSV5pJ0BgU
    — Thank you, he murmurs, pursing his lips. I'm sorry for everything I said to you. I didn't mean to be so rude.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvxTO0pd0w
    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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lk1WS3IKr
    — It's forgotten. By the way, I met your mother. She seems very nice.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CB2Ofgcpc
    Despite our slow walk, we already arrive in front of his house.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboRWW8Rq0r
    — She is. Do you want me to take you home ? I can borrow his car.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFE2RHQrvkk
    — No, it is going to be fine. I don't want to get the seats soggy, I smile. See you tomorrow ? 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7EnTZsI0f
    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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnWsi50sQq
     807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFztQC61Gk
     807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zBDhn6ria
    It's almost 11 p.m. when I get home, completely soaked. My parents are waiting for me, impatient and worried.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UYAOLcJRV
    — Finally, here you are, my father roared. Look at you, you're good at wringing ! 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsA1asZMRw
    — Were you with Jessy ? My mother asks in her usual soft voice.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IFdcKItDl
    I nod, shivering from the cold.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkOhhAXmGv
    — 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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAo3HBeSXLM
    — He went back home. How did the meeting go ? 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqRbgJWtBg
    — Start by drying off, we'll tell you later.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVfk5mnWvF
    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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEecysa4b0
    — So how did it go ? I said, sitting across from them on the couch.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbF11US6hO1
    — 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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ226Q4INS7u
    — 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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRnE930teG
    — Indeed, I was looking for Jessy.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuU5TpJT1r6
    — Nina told us that you went looking for him after Chad’s visit. Did you find it ? 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRVc9PN0xd
    — Yes, and as far as you know, it’s over between Chad and me.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkjwdonEn8
    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 : 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbXXEH82AI
    — Because of Jessy ? 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSc8ygfS0s
    — 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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSW6c23ROV
    Once again my parents exchange this strange look which seems to mean that they are not at the end of their trouble with me.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWbDgkAGLg
     807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6R1wxgOB3
     807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeVguHAkgN
    The next morning, when I arrived near the school, I saw Jessy waiting outside on the sidewalk.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFIhKnvo34
    — Hi, how are you ? 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYp8bbuP9wZ
    He puts a hand to his heart.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5Rq1C8OUo
    — Oh, you scared me ! 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfoUMAB1iA
    I burst out laughing.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwdSyr2Oep
    — That’s for the scare you gave me last night ! 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRfHXDt5yp
    — It’s fair game, he smiled.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5lQ3dBXx8
    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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdTcvreNjQ
    — Are you planning to come to class today ? 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wwoMFdStv
    — I don't know. After what happened yesterday...and then this meeting.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2RWzbyW2b
    He huffs and then purses his lips, visibly uncomfortable.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4z0KDN72m
    — Did your mother tell you ? 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuNdYYmjpc
    — 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... 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zRaUwD43g
    — No way ! 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgTS4JqbBj
    Jessy looks at me, surprised.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdYeh33YSj
    — We'll go together and everything will go well, you'll see.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Ep95WUgl0
    — There are looks that are sometimes hard to bear, he admits to me.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnlHojpJvU
    However, I notice that he accompanies me towards high school.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANGoG7279u
    — 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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1erMAZPyd
    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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Y6kC47Np6
    — 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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMRxfKUl1n
    I meet the gaze of a tall guy, named Tyler, who grimaces when he hears me.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdJdfUuLGu
    — Yes, complete idiots, I said again in a louder voice.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzdOcz2bkT
    Jessy gives me a grateful smile.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBgSv1RnDC
    — Oh, it’s getting bad, he murmurs.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAgbv271ev
    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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0M8Sstouj5
    — 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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGx1PE1zPyW
     Jessy hesitates for a few seconds then squeezes his hand, nodding.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55TRJM71wg
    — Thanks.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskhS9OcVLm
    His eyes move from Jessy to me, he doesn't seem to know how to behave around me anymore.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bhVzDuVsg
    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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhpHVna4x8
    He taps Jessy on the shoulder and says — See you later and walks away.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCczAm6J5j
    — It’s weird that Chad came to apologize. Did you ask him to do it ? 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPdJNo2VMe
    — 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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDnFZpXxKA
    — What ? 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31QSHWmrnX
    I turn my head towards him.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEI4TxxUR5b
    — Why did you break up ? 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡes3nBRRUnr
    — We are too different.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20vriB34Fr
    I shrug my shoulders as if it were obvious.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKa8T9DfIHG
    — And are you okay ? 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHje8qwV9G
    I see in his eyes that he really cares about me, it warms my heart.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1h4FQ8kUC
    — Alright.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDMhpuKwfX
    A small smile appears at the corners of his lips.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHSTXM8bv8
    — 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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBR0tA7i15
     807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEUdZ7eQHQ
     807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfP18Oc5cBg
    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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhcbBGz5gl
    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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyI6NrVJgYz
    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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawNYGRF8ef
    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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VKNMRuOPv
    — You've lived locked up enough like that ! » is my key phrase to convince him.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1I0T6b2OEy
    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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZVry4YoZI
    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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4SkewiUdD
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    — Hello Mrs. Sutter, are you well ? I say happily as I enter the living room, accompanied by Jessy.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhMpTq4RDf
    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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheG9JDYbrZ
    — Good Meg and you ? 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmgSnPRZyG
    — I’m fine.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfwdD17WGB
    Elise gets up while Jessy goes to turn on the television.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZevFQvUjV
    — What movie are you going to watch ? 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60RjSiQLZG
    — Ghost ! With a big smile, I show the video tape I brought, asking him : Are you staying to watch it with us ? 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKVLkaB8qO
    — 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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARSAOtd8TK
    — Good luck, Mrs Sutter. 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5Q7Km5BqP
    She takes a few steps away before turning back to me.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbic9UZqz2
    — Meg, for the hundredth time, call me Elise.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvlql77F4T
    — I'll try, I promise.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiabYYUeAm
    His mother leaves the room, leaving us alone.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewJapxAmvw
    — Pop corn ? Jessy asks me. I only have salty, I don't like sweet.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14OHKFt1Dg
    — That suits me very well.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5Ehd1OGao
    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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqW9Rtm1T4
    — Don’t make fun, I said, seeing him laugh discreetly.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdBmkCxPO4
    I stand up and stretch before wiping my eyes.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8C7Ld5AvB
    — Patrick Swayze is too sexy, I comment.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxObGx03gy
    — Demi Moore is not to be outdone, he sighs, lowering his head.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHgaBJWi7q
    He suddenly seems sad, which worries me.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhhgpbB3SH
    — Isn't that okay ? 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZH6PO8VQC3
    — Yes, it’s just that… Do you believe that the afterlife exists ? 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIr8ZTerfq
    Still sitting on the couch, I turn to him.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlECVaOFUO
    — I think yes. However, I don't know if it's like in this movie.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCCQh0MZne
    He adopts the same position as me, we find ourselves face to face.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3Na0tZMLj
    — If that’s the case, I’ll make sure to let you know when I get there.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aJ4yQPc5h
    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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTz4OU4EeH
    — What do you have ? He is surprised.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJz9sLByG3a
    — I don't want you to die Jessy ! 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooGoGRP85A
    I burst into tears as I threw myself on his neck. Immediately, he hugs me back.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6VHblI7p7
    — Don’t cry, he whispers in my ear. I don't like seeing you sad.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxSqMYH26B
    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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpOdp0AIyH
    Staring at him, I detach myself from him.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mOrQxjbF7
    — You're going to fight to stay alive, aren't you ? 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡap5eyJVSq5
    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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGG90ZkEYML
    Finally, he nods in agreement.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5T8AAL5sx
    — 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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ACpInljTj
    — Meg, we've already talked about this. You can't save me.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Z757BFGrt
    He lowers his head but I have time to see his eyes fill with tears.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUz6GH5cMsS
    — I know... For the moment, but I can keep hope, I smile, wiping away the last tears that linger on my cheeks.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8PbxOqbzN
    Mrs. Sutter enters the room at this moment, breaking our moment of complicity.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtYyuah7Ms
    — Megan, are you crying ? She worries, looking at us in turn. And you too ? 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXen8yzaUp
    Jessy and I exchange a look before bursting out laughing under the surprised gaze of Elise.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadlfQsXbu6
    — I’m going to go home, I announce, leaving the sofa.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKVMIwOvcn
    — I'll take you back.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PswnjomwO
    — No, it is going to be fine. I need to get some fresh air.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNJDwaPGea
    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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡao5CGci0ip
    — Do me a favor, hold on to life, I whisper in his ear.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nFwi2b9li
    Emu, he acquiesced.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2YRmGPoqN
    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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4oYb39JPG
    — Good night, see you tomorrow ! I throw before going out.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdGmx60wd3
    I take a few steps while staring at the dark sky, inside I promise myself to do everything to save Jessy's life.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43GwfQbOWc
     807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRghs3wCXYb
     807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnY2Brips8X
    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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFm8Rum8dZ4
    — What is all this ? My mother asks me when I return home, my arms full of magazines and books.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyA2pAa428h
    — I'm finding out about AIDS, I admit, placing my load on the kitchen table.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWwn5qZygr
    — Meg, I know you care about Jessy but... Don't waste your life for him.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAgzdf0zxM
    My mother's words felt like a stab to the heart.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iQh1EZlqp
    — That's not what I meant, she continues, realizing my fear.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKIscd1j9d
    Hand on her forehead, she shakes her head as I grab my books again, determined to put an end to this discussion.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPUQfhc0UJ
    — Megan, you are 16 years old, you have your whole life ahead of you.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP71lbWiBTf
    — And not Jessy, right ? ! I get angry.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3L1Qk6wfa
    My mother looks down.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYcLAF2dMD
    — 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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYT14RJ1j6
    — 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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsit2WLJR4L
    My mother nods weakly.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHm373IxXvR
    — I just ask you to be careful. Don't get too involved.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7FU40lQrp
    — 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 ? 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyNocVOa45
    I turn on my heel, ready to leave the room when my mother asks me : 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9gRMeDAnj
    — You love him, don’t you ? 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdJRX84Hjw
    I don't answer. I lock my gaze on my mother's, trying to make her understand all the feelings that are inside me.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQgfU7KB3C
    — Please don’t tell Jessy about these books, I ask her before going out.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Wrm0ZKElI
     807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8uAziOGUA
     807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObwPnrNTQt
    — Good evening, Megan, Mrs. Sutter calls me from the kitchen when I arrive at their house.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Vhqk1TeCh
    — Good evening.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlppsr5L2dQ
    — Jessy hasn’t come home yet.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EdmtICNxm
    I look up at his mother with worried eyes. It's 8 p.m., classes ended several hours ago.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViu5m406B7
    — 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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFcnCNp4jG
    — Did he leave there complaining ? 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpdley8jda
    — You know him well enough to know that he complains a lot, she said, smiling.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fLKafj6VX
    — When he is with me, he is rather...807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHoyOO3WNC
    Hearing the front door open, I don't finish my sentence.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6c9yjcgEW
    — Yes, but you are special to him, Elise whispers to me.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWi67BZSoJ
    I remain speechless, wondering what she means by that.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaceZVzaYy9
    — Sorry to be late.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAopFeDNcd5
    Jessy's face is tense, he seems upset. The evening could be long if he remains in this state of mind.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpanQq5oefm
    — How was it ? His mother immediately questions him.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlLrub0paX
    Jessy glances at me quickly before responding coldly : 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgeMGjnCV4
    — I don't want to talk about it.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYR3IeqE6F
    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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAgvpLorKZ
    — You want some ? 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiztJm5RoY
    His tone is less cold, but still full of anger that he tries to contain.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBRxgAB22p
    — Yes, thanks.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXOJ2UBjSe
     He purses his lips before asking me : 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTz8UnEMpf
    — What movie did you bring this evening ? 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoaZQ0fBgW
    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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDHUkT8aNe
    — Dirty Dancing ! 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxNIbGovVO
    He rolls his eyes, but I sense that he is holding back a smile.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRFajXdHfW
    — 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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbVBcUZkYI
     I pretend to look shocked, which makes him laugh.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHSt0oQFZh
    — It’s true that he’s hot, but in my ranking of the most handsome guys, he only occupies second place.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNXqM3pIr9
    — 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 ? 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAjn83Rily
    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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7IbpcONgp
    — No others, I promise. For me, the hottest guy isn't an actor.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdB0jAkQ2a
    — Ah good ? Who is it ? 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnvDNBe1WK
    He comes to join me on the sofa, frowning.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJinseTACV
    — He’s someone I see every day.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6vZfX5QXs
    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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3pzSKTIfF
    — Your father ? he asks after a few minutes.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tK7rqrkaI
    Without taking my eyes off the screen, I shake my head and smile. It amuses me to see him searching.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXfJwJtzgD
    — Someone from high school ? 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5bvr7GUyb
    J'acquiesce807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsfSpflgMv
    — Chad ? 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCagl3BzMp
    A hint of anger and disbelief filters into his voice.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqTh7vkTxJ
    — No. Jessy, do you want to watch the movie or tell me all the names of the guys at school ? 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWHqZNyDrm
    — Sorry, but no matter how hard I look, I can’t see who…807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAelREhTJz9
    — It's you.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUzUUp95f1
    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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFe8jYejcOA
    — Well, that makes you feel, I said mockingly, pausing the movie.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmzJWW0c6d
    — You got me, he says from the kitchen.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCxDpbOOuK
    I turn around on the couch to look at him.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgd43i7hXA7
    — It’s the truth, Jessy, I’m not making you walk.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QyFaVkmLq
    He comes back to sit next to me on the sofa. His cheeks are red as he places a kiss on my forehead.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9KIfPST7A
    — It’s nice of you to try to cheer me up. I love you.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdFVLqOKJk
    That's not what I'm trying to do, I really mean it, yet my heart immediately races : he adores me. 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77P1LhJUvu
    — Is it true ? 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTrMisQ3vO
    — Of course. You're my best friend, Meg.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrrUIYImIu
    Oh… Friend ? My heart calms down quickly.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFnUpDOn9q
    — Aren’t you in good spirits ? Is it because of the meeting ? 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67nVUvqJj3
    Your mother told me about it, I add in front of his frown.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdfA3UnGzt
    — Yeah… it was depressing. Hearing all these patients talk about their fears… it brought me back to my own.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxQyYhq6Ax
    — Did you speak with them ? 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEuBmrmwsg
    — 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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdfYqcMjA8
    — If you want, next time, can I accompany you ? 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOMaNMexZC
    I suggest, but I already know the answer.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGK48JgjaL
    — Non ! 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrpW2sXMgE
    His tone is harsher than I thought. However, he softens very quickly.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjUTjukeFu
    — That’s nice, but no. I don't want you to come into this part of my life.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4vct50QeC
    — For what ? 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qv99jbxg2
    Anger reappears in his eyes, he lowers his head.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPuIwdtV6V
    — Because you are too important to me for me to drag you into this world of illness with me.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgFMDVzCN2
    — Jessy… 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqZocBeTKh
    — 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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIc6Er4rTJ
    — OK as you want.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cJTPMCzY0
    I sigh as he resumes playing the movie. After a few minutes of silence, he glances at me and whispers : 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYfXrng0o6
    — Are you mad at me ? 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OYoq2UYSK
    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.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxy41PzrkZk
    — No, it’s your choice.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85EqwXX8ic
    He places another kiss on my forehead. I whisper to him without taking my eyes off Patrick Swayze : 807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpUULOuBLU
    — Me too, I like you.807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW50xEvw14K
     807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvYth4wcK6
     807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBrp4nJjuY
     807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6xEcL7he8
     807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7VWOzYXX7
     807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5BAxFpeda
     807Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBHUCHfFNc
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