363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFViEhl117
     363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMIk2DyoAp
     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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9LTzxE8hs
    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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DcE8AMIst
    — 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 ? 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8yfjiKlJX
    — Yeah, I think so.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZ13QSDqgC
    — Jessy, please promise me you’ll never let yourself fall into the void like that again. I got the fright of my life.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVErILzRA9
    Hands in his pockets, he shrugs his shoulders and breathes deeply before telling me : 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWC4m63Rkzg
    — Promise. Why do you care about me so much ? 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjHJQIldSQ
    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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUAggAHbhS
    — Why not ? 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUv34uLe5XA
    — 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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCrHnDlz4B
    — There are morons everywhere, I whisper. Jessy, I like you. I'm not going to start ignoring you because you have a health problem.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoP4P3ixi9
    — Thank you, he murmurs, pursing his lips. I'm sorry for everything I said to you. I didn't mean to be so rude.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lSL8533yI
    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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4y44k2BD3
    — It's forgotten. By the way, I met your mother. She seems very nice.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0b1x9wCxf
    Despite our slow walk, we already arrive in front of his house.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Xa6MDTYmm
    — She is. Do you want me to take you home ? I can borrow his car.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRNUDd9xfW
    — No, it is going to be fine. I don't want to get the seats soggy, I smile. See you tomorrow ? 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AYbGwj4WP
    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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWBmVzPFUs
     363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeC1LQ4rl3p
     363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBlzreeCWM
    It's almost 11 p.m. when I get home, completely soaked. My parents are waiting for me, impatient and worried.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRosxjDxomf
    — Finally, here you are, my father roared. Look at you, you're good at wringing ! 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZQs8G4BHs
    — Were you with Jessy ? My mother asks in her usual soft voice.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDDHQAvylR
    I nod, shivering from the cold.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ644VdQwHn4
    — 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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdkLQTAr8A
    — He went back home. How did the meeting go ? 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABnUXSvw6E
    — Start by drying off, we'll tell you later.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmI7oRyOtA
    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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSx27ewwuw
    — So how did it go ? I said, sitting across from them on the couch.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuUONFQIlu
    — 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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rA3lgNZn1
    — 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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkI7p2l3tOt
    — Indeed, I was looking for Jessy.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlCufOxOkd
    — Nina told us that you went looking for him after Chad’s visit. Did you find it ? 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncX0DYyZZa
    — Yes, and as far as you know, it’s over between Chad and me.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAD8KFnSiN1
    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 : 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9e1CksdgV
    — Because of Jessy ? 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWXnyKwUQ8
    — 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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRulUuBxlCB
    Once again my parents exchange this strange look which seems to mean that they are not at the end of their trouble with me.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3F19rvHpyE
     363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7b2uCA328
     363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJPqnGSVTk
    The next morning, when I arrived near the school, I saw Jessy waiting outside on the sidewalk.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGQDat84R3
    — Hi, how are you ? 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNbRpuWo6u
    He puts a hand to his heart.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI82dO5RkCB
    — Oh, you scared me ! 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyMnoYZPax
    I burst out laughing.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKt67pkjuW
    — That’s for the scare you gave me last night ! 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aXWbhpTHZ
    — It’s fair game, he smiled.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUtMc8zv8o
    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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yMOgS1zzY
    — Are you planning to come to class today ? 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3TGeP2BsG
    — I don't know. After what happened yesterday...and then this meeting.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYpfi4KiuN
    He huffs and then purses his lips, visibly uncomfortable.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNANg6VKLUu
    — Did your mother tell you ? 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zBU6Mh4jP
    — 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... 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy43CR72md3
    — No way ! 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCN9KK0cfxC
    Jessy looks at me, surprised.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQFrChPNbk
    — We'll go together and everything will go well, you'll see.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxvjDyjicK
    — There are looks that are sometimes hard to bear, he admits to me.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJddMzBtBPf
    However, I notice that he accompanies me towards high school.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyhs78zPpk
    — 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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6KyuvhyY6
    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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjxVpsOzf1
    — 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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfkDU6UB5F
    I meet the gaze of a tall guy, named Tyler, who grimaces when he hears me.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0n1pcwe4J7
    — Yes, complete idiots, I said again in a louder voice.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyXuj7mVuk
    Jessy gives me a grateful smile.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbvDFDF1gD
    — Oh, it’s getting bad, he murmurs.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUlkRNWndu
    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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOmZuRzoVw
    — 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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnCcOZA2qy
     Jessy hesitates for a few seconds then squeezes his hand, nodding.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCSr0y0g5J
    — Thanks.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIU0yUxDjW
    His eyes move from Jessy to me, he doesn't seem to know how to behave around me anymore.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxONo8AjxOv
    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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzbGSHHgdh
    He taps Jessy on the shoulder and says — See you later and walks away.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNl7kJVrEq
    — It’s weird that Chad came to apologize. Did you ask him to do it ? 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXiFZT6e3P
    — 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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0lXSKkqKc
    — What ? 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKikzFigJiD
    I turn my head towards him.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFy5SZnYAyL
    — Why did you break up ? 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAFysONPKb
    — We are too different.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszeOYRHywZ
    I shrug my shoulders as if it were obvious.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekP4Q37T31
    — And are you okay ? 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEn02128oF7
    I see in his eyes that he really cares about me, it warms my heart.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQv9MAaWaA
    — Alright.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFPnaABXrQ
    A small smile appears at the corners of his lips.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGvdCGsw0f
    — 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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7G6J0RYUl
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    In the days that followed, things calmed down at the school. I can't say that Jessy goes unnoticed, but he is seen less as an outcast, which is already a small victory. At school, I was always the model student, collecting good grades. The super serious girl who has the teachers on her side. When I dated Chad, who is the most popular guy, I became popular and other girls tended to take their cues from me. So, even if there are a few who look away and whisper as she passes, most of the students are starting to accept Jessy. Since the evening on the bridge, we have spent a lot of time together. I prefer to be with him rather than with my pseudo friends : Pearl and especially Amy, who has turned her back on me since Chad and I separated.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjw3PaTbCE
    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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfX2aKW6KS
    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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gQ7U19eGT
    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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡde9D3LrgL6
    — You've lived locked up enough like that ! » is my key phrase to convince him.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvZ7neWysC
    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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJxaz3QDhz
    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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHXcDXjfkW
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    — Hello Mrs. Sutter, are you well ? I say happily as I enter the living room, accompanied by Jessy.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLdEZFlhwg
    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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zBe1tRsU8
    — Good Meg and you ? 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaEJz8asSq
    — I’m fine.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWohAkORaQ
    Elise gets up while Jessy goes to turn on the television.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpPW8m8guo
    — What movie are you going to watch ? 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtMgVLnUKz
    — Ghost ! With a big smile, I show the video tape I brought, asking him : Are you staying to watch it with us ? 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuyHy9TWVp
    — 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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLU7XwxOq0I
    — Good luck, Mrs Sutter. 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFaCHqsjaRg
    She takes a few steps away before turning back to me.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kl7o8myv1
    — Meg, for the hundredth time, call me Elise.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNgPv4ThTM
    — I'll try, I promise.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCnnS7LaWZ
    His mother leaves the room, leaving us alone.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7hd8Mb24z
    — Pop corn ? Jessy asks me. I only have salty, I don't like sweet.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJt6XiIbKi
    — That suits me very well.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WJxWGE0wI
    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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUaA6OSquY
    — Don’t make fun, I said, seeing him laugh discreetly.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8egacnvDy
    I stand up and stretch before wiping my eyes.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNxdMQI4oY
    — Patrick Swayze is too sexy, I comment.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzu2JdACyS
    — Demi Moore is not to be outdone, he sighs, lowering his head.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxPhke1NBY
    He suddenly seems sad, which worries me.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dnTihCFoZ
    — Isn't that okay ? 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88asHDBscK
    — Yes, it’s just that… Do you believe that the afterlife exists ? 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwJHFgHhK7
    Still sitting on the couch, I turn to him.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vwGP8taes
    — I think yes. However, I don't know if it's like in this movie.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0AeA76tG4
    He adopts the same position as me, we find ourselves face to face.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DhMGaDex5
    — If that’s the case, I’ll make sure to let you know when I get there.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sl04EcAVo
    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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAo2nVpRFz
    — What do you have ? He is surprised.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7PxQjyy5Q
    — I don't want you to die Jessy ! 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtMrjspNq0
    I burst into tears as I threw myself on his neck. Immediately, he hugs me back.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC18STlYi6E
    — Don’t cry, he whispers in my ear. I don't like seeing you sad.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05saxUaNcF
    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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4Utogc80x
    Staring at him, I detach myself from him.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0O4SUAH3v
    — You're going to fight to stay alive, aren't you ? 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9g6RFffbGv
    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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOj05V1yFV
    Finally, he nods in agreement.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHnMh1yYbg
    — 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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAX1Yy0NJU
    — Meg, we've already talked about this. You can't save me.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXn5Qi03bv
    He lowers his head but I have time to see his eyes fill with tears.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytt3AGcIs9
    — I know... For the moment, but I can keep hope, I smile, wiping away the last tears that linger on my cheeks.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2E5BghVzAx
    Mrs. Sutter enters the room at this moment, breaking our moment of complicity.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAEzUfzkfW
    — Megan, are you crying ? She worries, looking at us in turn. And you too ? 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWxnj1HCq0
    Jessy and I exchange a look before bursting out laughing under the surprised gaze of Elise.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0tnvRbpU1
    — I’m going to go home, I announce, leaving the sofa.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyBIKFTxWJ
    — I'll take you back.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvGCNjFpW9
    — No, it is going to be fine. I need to get some fresh air.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVK64XZBlmf
    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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC62XLJcyaz
    — Do me a favor, hold on to life, I whisper in his ear.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFuKVxq1hM
    Emu, he acquiesced.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTinxjqY6K
    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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjRjfrQzTc
    — Good night, see you tomorrow ! I throw before going out.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFcqiQp7da
    I take a few steps while staring at the dark sky, inside I promise myself to do everything to save Jessy's life.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUd0VEvPuh5
     363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD24h9uqYtb
     363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaIoeGIjBc
    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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRYF1vpWPY
    — What is all this ? My mother asks me when I return home, my arms full of magazines and books.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRhCUyCd3q
    — I'm finding out about AIDS, I admit, placing my load on the kitchen table.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJW0zA9W2Kp
    — Meg, I know you care about Jessy but... Don't waste your life for him.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQX9jfnxzh
    My mother's words felt like a stab to the heart.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xaWWLDJnA
    — That's not what I meant, she continues, realizing my fear.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1qKM0CtWz
    Hand on her forehead, she shakes her head as I grab my books again, determined to put an end to this discussion.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYq53lQyox6
    — Megan, you are 16 years old, you have your whole life ahead of you.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXxZjtDey8
    — And not Jessy, right ? ! I get angry.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWquzFDv6pg
    My mother looks down.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BnDWdpq6q
    — 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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoKaXiXFSQ
    — 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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegv4fkpKlE
    My mother nods weakly.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUb5GkFu51k
    — I just ask you to be careful. Don't get too involved.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQjmgOW89c
    — 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 ? 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrfRZx76JE
    I turn on my heel, ready to leave the room when my mother asks me : 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzL2FMmVk2M
    — You love him, don’t you ? 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nki5OjIvl
    I don't answer. I lock my gaze on my mother's, trying to make her understand all the feelings that are inside me.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXHEGoXvih
    — Please don’t tell Jessy about these books, I ask her before going out.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSeh18Smwb
     363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsk6Fy5CTX
     363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEvLTN952X
    — Good evening, Megan, Mrs. Sutter calls me from the kitchen when I arrive at their house.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMnROfFKLU
    — Good evening.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvO9QBZ3Mqo
    — Jessy hasn’t come home yet.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZerFIeCuyP
    I look up at his mother with worried eyes. It's 8 p.m., classes ended several hours ago.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbA5C4kAhdq
    — 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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuZpupPtmH
    — Did he leave there complaining ? 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWsbiduJnq
    — You know him well enough to know that he complains a lot, she said, smiling.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Q7gC8KuGY
    — When he is with me, he is rather...363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycngbytRAH
    Hearing the front door open, I don't finish my sentence.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAvk11nTg3
    — Yes, but you are special to him, Elise whispers to me.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAux1y15TyB
    I remain speechless, wondering what she means by that.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RvhwWlW5j
    — Sorry to be late.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZZBePOWJx
    Jessy's face is tense, he seems upset. The evening could be long if he remains in this state of mind.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSu1CC9iQVD
    — How was it ? His mother immediately questions him.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqPfly0SQQ
    Jessy glances at me quickly before responding coldly : 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWwSY620Sh
    — I don't want to talk about it.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rJ4W6cLb4
    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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11ZNG4bBL4
    — You want some ? 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujeX2h8jKn
    His tone is less cold, but still full of anger that he tries to contain.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuj30NwEFkZ
    — Yes, thanks.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXJbvWOnNm
     He purses his lips before asking me : 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvM6dMRCUA
    — What movie did you bring this evening ? 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMrAjpcmhD
    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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIPtsfuacV
    — Dirty Dancing ! 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYR24o21Pk
    He rolls his eyes, but I sense that he is holding back a smile.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiVKD6b3qa
    — 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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnpmZSd1S0
     I pretend to look shocked, which makes him laugh.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HW3UeNdSV
    — It’s true that he’s hot, but in my ranking of the most handsome guys, he only occupies second place.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXpI0Q4sEu
    — 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 ? 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqcgM7X7od
    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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxB7d9ivSg
    — No others, I promise. For me, the hottest guy isn't an actor.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9BmnrBqNC
    — Ah good ? Who is it ? 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BxIUtzXy7
    He comes to join me on the sofa, frowning.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VXra8Hiu7
    — He’s someone I see every day.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTqmD91HpA
    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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfGYJp1auz
    — Your father ? he asks after a few minutes.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4UC1tS4UB
    Without taking my eyes off the screen, I shake my head and smile. It amuses me to see him searching.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7tZRg84mD
    — Someone from high school ? 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7hXeEJynd
    J'acquiesce363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQLEgL5elL
    — Chad ? 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzYpXHjYxM
    A hint of anger and disbelief filters into his voice.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtzkMrlCI3
    — No. Jessy, do you want to watch the movie or tell me all the names of the guys at school ? 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAci2hLsU1
    — Sorry, but no matter how hard I look, I can’t see who…363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5Im6gZz38
    — It's you.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡync3xXOvo5
    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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmMUAjDkhd
    — Well, that makes you feel, I said mockingly, pausing the movie.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0m6dTTUOe
    — You got me, he says from the kitchen.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtDn59cNS9
    I turn around on the couch to look at him.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWQV0Wcvnj
    — It’s the truth, Jessy, I’m not making you walk.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zE3MTnEjr
    He comes back to sit next to me on the sofa. His cheeks are red as he places a kiss on my forehead.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQm0DqB76wl
    — It’s nice of you to try to cheer me up. I love you.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlA4BrfHfqM
    That's not what I'm trying to do, I really mean it, yet my heart immediately races : he adores me. 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQymGSLIf0
    — Is it true ? 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HP4iFRWaL
    — Of course. You're my best friend, Meg.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoO8g5yxH9
    Oh… Friend ? My heart calms down quickly.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8b4zPk9mE
    — Aren’t you in good spirits ? Is it because of the meeting ? 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sm0njwuqF
    Your mother told me about it, I add in front of his frown.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSx9EgEVBD
    — Yeah… it was depressing. Hearing all these patients talk about their fears… it brought me back to my own.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUasUgkrS00
    — Did you speak with them ? 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCRqpI3TN9
    — 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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXC6rpKvoH4
    — If you want, next time, can I accompany you ? 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoQXqljHLp
    I suggest, but I already know the answer.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVmMEo3eAM
    — Non ! 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMim6Egkcz
    His tone is harsher than I thought. However, he softens very quickly.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiBaHCTwtc
    — That’s nice, but no. I don't want you to come into this part of my life.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeoSJcPhw0
    — For what ? 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNG2lVNS4p
    Anger reappears in his eyes, he lowers his head.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2adiAaSRsi
    — Because you are too important to me for me to drag you into this world of illness with me.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CZiwhQWEY
    — Jessy… 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtIojkDGes
    — 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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsLEhVAQiC
    — OK as you want.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjcVC0Tatv
    I sigh as he resumes playing the movie. After a few minutes of silence, he glances at me and whispers : 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8t3UAW1Eb
    — Are you mad at me ? 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeixgBpCV3
    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.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJTZDVls7P
    — No, it’s your choice.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC70UasQ4BB
    He places another kiss on my forehead. I whisper to him without taking my eyes off Patrick Swayze : 363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHtJ5bjwol
    — Me too, I like you.363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcEFhKL8Sn
     363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM41ZEBljPB
     363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zVyU3oZOp
     363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLnYlyrpQv
     363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9sLnmOGIL
     363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMWxMNVisR
     363Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YbQT6kT4m
    8964 copyright protection359ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQsfGCyYhd 維尼

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