397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwOrFGsZ4k
     397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPyG2z2JT7
     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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuONBpnd3zY
    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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSFdXyBEG4
    — 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 ? 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnz4qiowgLv
    — Yeah, I think so.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKx9BFDvGJ
    — Jessy, please promise me you’ll never let yourself fall into the void like that again. I got the fright of my life.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNhVbv30oB
    Hands in his pockets, he shrugs his shoulders and breathes deeply before telling me : 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKK5oN25b9n
    — Promise. Why do you care about me so much ? 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjYPZdMNxf
    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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YyUiE0tXa
    — Why not ? 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyhImAGosA
    — 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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrsYCGsFe2
    — There are morons everywhere, I whisper. Jessy, I like you. I'm not going to start ignoring you because you have a health problem.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVSVy6QUJB
    — Thank you, he murmurs, pursing his lips. I'm sorry for everything I said to you. I didn't mean to be so rude.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmjPoRnzYA
    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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQwWqeeXw3
    — It's forgotten. By the way, I met your mother. She seems very nice.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHqrnEX05a
    Despite our slow walk, we already arrive in front of his house.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZyFcXfTto
    — She is. Do you want me to take you home ? I can borrow his car.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PbH6oOcmn
    — No, it is going to be fine. I don't want to get the seats soggy, I smile. See you tomorrow ? 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5rDyZTmvP
    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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iTQTY3j7p
     397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrWO6ccndw
     397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9cdUAqHvy
    It's almost 11 p.m. when I get home, completely soaked. My parents are waiting for me, impatient and worried.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT4R7tBZpP6
    — Finally, here you are, my father roared. Look at you, you're good at wringing ! 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQrdwhoh5Z
    — Were you with Jessy ? My mother asks in her usual soft voice.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXveEOvxCI
    I nod, shivering from the cold.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhUZDwJ8qi
    — 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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLcLVTZFPe
    — He went back home. How did the meeting go ? 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12Yz6Hz5vK
    — Start by drying off, we'll tell you later.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSWN8CN4CB
    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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0srFOHalcw
    — So how did it go ? I said, sitting across from them on the couch.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUAudFqV8a
    — 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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbiFgS1uHn
    — 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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9Jr2GdwDT
    — Indeed, I was looking for Jessy.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOe4FoX44A
    — Nina told us that you went looking for him after Chad’s visit. Did you find it ? 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQkddYjaZb
    — Yes, and as far as you know, it’s over between Chad and me.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9Ip3jm2CE
    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 : 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TdWADKiTG
    — Because of Jessy ? 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxOlk1BMKC
    — 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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JaUr9FLVu
    Once again my parents exchange this strange look which seems to mean that they are not at the end of their trouble with me.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXZfSQbAUB
     397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVacypgcRbX
     397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP43AQenSbE
    The next morning, when I arrived near the school, I saw Jessy waiting outside on the sidewalk.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5x1UZT3po
    — Hi, how are you ? 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcASWdmhYI
    He puts a hand to his heart.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyBDfJ0juB
    — Oh, you scared me ! 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWjkQbPjd7
    I burst out laughing.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlo4wl7Ni9A
    — That’s for the scare you gave me last night ! 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9z6Um6B5CI
    — It’s fair game, he smiled.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOlnFds8NJ
    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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTh5ABwjmK
    — Are you planning to come to class today ? 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jych9LbxB
    — I don't know. After what happened yesterday...and then this meeting.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHsDfPuGGM
    He huffs and then purses his lips, visibly uncomfortable.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICXbDBVpZ4
    — Did your mother tell you ? 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrCvOsZHwD
    — 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... 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwI1nQE5wYx
    — No way ! 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74dwVVvqLW
    Jessy looks at me, surprised.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDCtGCrZJo
    — We'll go together and everything will go well, you'll see.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnYGaXPN4d
    — There are looks that are sometimes hard to bear, he admits to me.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEioAfX4RPf
    However, I notice that he accompanies me towards high school.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JFGwaT5K4
    — 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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOL09zNlXEW
    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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGJLF37cGk
    — 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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbY3H8iyE7
    I meet the gaze of a tall guy, named Tyler, who grimaces when he hears me.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54Ev9AcVs4
    — Yes, complete idiots, I said again in a louder voice.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUCOPArCwR
    Jessy gives me a grateful smile.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iy2ZneVgF
    — Oh, it’s getting bad, he murmurs.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMK02mVDGRE
    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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplFZZhL8wD
    — 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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSe1qsUySu1
     Jessy hesitates for a few seconds then squeezes his hand, nodding.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMP5rZqyfX
    — Thanks.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXj1ColxHLQ
    His eyes move from Jessy to me, he doesn't seem to know how to behave around me anymore.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscomojG6kc
    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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBivO41vXX
    He taps Jessy on the shoulder and says — See you later and walks away.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0l0DiDBMT
    — It’s weird that Chad came to apologize. Did you ask him to do it ? 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvPHYS4MvA
    — 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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDFHE3caWU
    — What ? 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymYOWznOlx
    I turn my head towards him.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7c4eEENWW
    — Why did you break up ? 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXFGTk1ePG
    — We are too different.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gGKseiIo3
    I shrug my shoulders as if it were obvious.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8N1B2ds8O
    — And are you okay ? 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxAnLp9nlo
    I see in his eyes that he really cares about me, it warms my heart.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerp6H85O7u
    — Alright.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9fi1bGz4b
    A small smile appears at the corners of his lips.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vozTyBSb7
    — 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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwMf7ACed9
     397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQE1gMmyQj
     397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVFXDKeMOE
    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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXE5oY65oky
    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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMAo0yKH9V
    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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzd574xYMu
    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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtTPoywTOJ
    — You've lived locked up enough like that ! » is my key phrase to convince him.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42xsv2TrzN
    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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbAvwEAJ5g
    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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RUNdyqjmv
     397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDG9R17oOYq
     397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFSTW5tXBH
    — Hello Mrs. Sutter, are you well ? I say happily as I enter the living room, accompanied by Jessy.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbS8W7GZKP
    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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNkqB4igxc
    — Good Meg and you ? 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5Y8hCwRJW
    — I’m fine.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65cQ5Dpnjq
    Elise gets up while Jessy goes to turn on the television.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxYsjKjlp7
    — What movie are you going to watch ? 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfWCgGn8oc
    — Ghost ! With a big smile, I show the video tape I brought, asking him : Are you staying to watch it with us ? 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraiY440Min
    — 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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUqdhZv4xC
    — Good luck, Mrs Sutter. 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkuP8Mampl
    She takes a few steps away before turning back to me.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCX1zCirfCK
    — Meg, for the hundredth time, call me Elise.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jT6tgPfVP
    — I'll try, I promise.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYRO9SAjm9
    His mother leaves the room, leaving us alone.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlCKOrot6G
    — Pop corn ? Jessy asks me. I only have salty, I don't like sweet.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxUJaC5CMA
    — That suits me very well.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrE67T3ppOT
    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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66P62BXdQr
    — Don’t make fun, I said, seeing him laugh discreetly.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVB600Y5g1U
    I stand up and stretch before wiping my eyes.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMxrDe84gI
    — Patrick Swayze is too sexy, I comment.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZRAb6YXyn
    — Demi Moore is not to be outdone, he sighs, lowering his head.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pY2c04ltK
    He suddenly seems sad, which worries me.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6t8mGMzyr
    — Isn't that okay ? 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBmVtjTu7Z
    — Yes, it’s just that… Do you believe that the afterlife exists ? 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGI0RWXArje
    Still sitting on the couch, I turn to him.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvoVOYC6DJ
    — I think yes. However, I don't know if it's like in this movie.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDqzCt3npc
    He adopts the same position as me, we find ourselves face to face.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xIpY7LIgC
    — If that’s the case, I’ll make sure to let you know when I get there.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITknl7uZtM
    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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5jM0b4qaL
    — What do you have ? He is surprised.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNgm88MwG6
    — I don't want you to die Jessy ! 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsDEgoXrPo
    I burst into tears as I threw myself on his neck. Immediately, he hugs me back.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHx5QbWcvf
    — Don’t cry, he whispers in my ear. I don't like seeing you sad.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9HGaZtwVo
    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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0ILrInydp
    Staring at him, I detach myself from him.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8r3gWDnLz
    — You're going to fight to stay alive, aren't you ? 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiPrqGd4O7
    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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrOGUIQdXE
    Finally, he nods in agreement.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXa5aKk5APJ
    — 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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyrZrEXcjy
    — Meg, we've already talked about this. You can't save me.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Z6cfEksdw
    He lowers his head but I have time to see his eyes fill with tears.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywJJdttSUu
    — I know... For the moment, but I can keep hope, I smile, wiping away the last tears that linger on my cheeks.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70IIy8Xdtb
    Mrs. Sutter enters the room at this moment, breaking our moment of complicity.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSTdA1k7Zo
    — Megan, are you crying ? She worries, looking at us in turn. And you too ? 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9Omt6exGP
    Jessy and I exchange a look before bursting out laughing under the surprised gaze of Elise.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLztb0lzgi
    — I’m going to go home, I announce, leaving the sofa.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKMRJT78WZ
    — I'll take you back.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFjLTZlEc7
    — No, it is going to be fine. I need to get some fresh air.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzIZ3MUyzZ
    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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCN5TvQLu3
    — Do me a favor, hold on to life, I whisper in his ear.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRTJtiKC20
    Emu, he acquiesced.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqF72MV99eO
    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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5q7SXwN6j5
    — Good night, see you tomorrow ! I throw before going out.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8iMYFe7X8
    I take a few steps while staring at the dark sky, inside I promise myself to do everything to save Jessy's life.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqjgyWajcC
     397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJV2P4mz990
     397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTMiGE1E92
    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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23wQWxAY8T
    — What is all this ? My mother asks me when I return home, my arms full of magazines and books.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscJQN84MKP
    — I'm finding out about AIDS, I admit, placing my load on the kitchen table.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TeEKGMsTv
    — Meg, I know you care about Jessy but... Don't waste your life for him.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFYr6zyVwl
    My mother's words felt like a stab to the heart.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9i3b6bvRc
    — That's not what I meant, she continues, realizing my fear.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9Y9n51hWm
    Hand on her forehead, she shakes her head as I grab my books again, determined to put an end to this discussion.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WPvHx8DI3
    — Megan, you are 16 years old, you have your whole life ahead of you.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0pCfg4GmG
    — And not Jessy, right ? ! I get angry.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTf3qTcKEsh
    My mother looks down.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtYYi4RAd0
    — 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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2C4Zs5WmP
    — 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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHieTWWvq6
    My mother nods weakly.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxZCZPX5a8
    — I just ask you to be careful. Don't get too involved.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPilqePBQtq
    — 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 ? 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Bc41e4Qqp
    I turn on my heel, ready to leave the room when my mother asks me : 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXcMi1HYr6
    — You love him, don’t you ? 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMv0GXe4lYj
    I don't answer. I lock my gaze on my mother's, trying to make her understand all the feelings that are inside me.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YJ5c1lQGA
    — Please don’t tell Jessy about these books, I ask her before going out.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuqkmOuYvq
     397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXYnYXNNvt
     397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXB7i93Xw2I
    — Good evening, Megan, Mrs. Sutter calls me from the kitchen when I arrive at their house.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusNIA0tiyX
    — Good evening.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqP1Rb2m80a
    — Jessy hasn’t come home yet.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCdpyJVUqp
    I look up at his mother with worried eyes. It's 8 p.m., classes ended several hours ago.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOD6mhPIqdT
    — 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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEtJF6lzSQ
    — Did he leave there complaining ? 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhM9rKrnzeL
    — You know him well enough to know that he complains a lot, she said, smiling.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qSUqtfSYU
    — When he is with me, he is rather...397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssvex3RgYX
    Hearing the front door open, I don't finish my sentence.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFE14VAYgk
    — Yes, but you are special to him, Elise whispers to me.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPk5gzQJcTO
    I remain speechless, wondering what she means by that.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74aDtwXBo4
    — Sorry to be late.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthlLpDlCNG
    Jessy's face is tense, he seems upset. The evening could be long if he remains in this state of mind.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVL2jcZupO
    — How was it ? His mother immediately questions him.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aBNh3hiTy
    Jessy glances at me quickly before responding coldly : 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzhs0rwDMZ
    — I don't want to talk about it.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3THdMTOLgi
    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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjhJeLRpsN
    — You want some ? 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpuKbXH2km
    His tone is less cold, but still full of anger that he tries to contain.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4yKgKDlXO
    — Yes, thanks.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUR746HMnGd
     He purses his lips before asking me : 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp44HA14NvO
    — What movie did you bring this evening ? 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6ORlar5qv
    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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wyQOIXmjW
    — Dirty Dancing ! 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGL1pIyUTF
    He rolls his eyes, but I sense that he is holding back a smile.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzb8YQRD2K
    — 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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlTouWMFN9
     I pretend to look shocked, which makes him laugh.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSE7LJazJK
    — It’s true that he’s hot, but in my ranking of the most handsome guys, he only occupies second place.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaikvvDB0y
    — 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 ? 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarM8fIlZeR
    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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfr6MyLvKQV
    — No others, I promise. For me, the hottest guy isn't an actor.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktkmYaKc8q
    — Ah good ? Who is it ? 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kcABRWgQM
    He comes to join me on the sofa, frowning.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Bdj9KNU1r
    — He’s someone I see every day.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fkrhFkPdP
    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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOP5LTq0dyw
    — Your father ? he asks after a few minutes.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5QsAuN8Xz
    Without taking my eyes off the screen, I shake my head and smile. It amuses me to see him searching.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDlskxLujT
    — Someone from high school ? 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRebNcMcST
    J'acquiesce397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhB98b029aj
    — Chad ? 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWtwNSHePU
    A hint of anger and disbelief filters into his voice.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzMpTHCzrU
    — No. Jessy, do you want to watch the movie or tell me all the names of the guys at school ? 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyG9cTK75C
    — Sorry, but no matter how hard I look, I can’t see who…397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDnAnBmMBA
    — It's you.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZ8ArSPqJz
    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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbbwi7Wfyw
    — Well, that makes you feel, I said mockingly, pausing the movie.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRss9vapRZ
    — You got me, he says from the kitchen.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FcISjju2I
    I turn around on the couch to look at him.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7UyB94fmU
    — It’s the truth, Jessy, I’m not making you walk.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobh3drMvrq
    He comes back to sit next to me on the sofa. His cheeks are red as he places a kiss on my forehead.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dEDoGd4ub
    — It’s nice of you to try to cheer me up. I love you.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4dTlCeMtf
    That's not what I'm trying to do, I really mean it, yet my heart immediately races : he adores me. 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6OqBMcTnl
    — Is it true ? 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISjscwmi3S
    — Of course. You're my best friend, Meg.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxf4xuzQl5J
    Oh… Friend ? My heart calms down quickly.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jyvSQ235I
    — Aren’t you in good spirits ? Is it because of the meeting ? 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGFqW8iTYs
    Your mother told me about it, I add in front of his frown.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfVyFZqmzd
    — Yeah… it was depressing. Hearing all these patients talk about their fears… it brought me back to my own.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpctclDWUW
    — Did you speak with them ? 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5rrRDtfvm
    — 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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEWvLyVNT3
    — If you want, next time, can I accompany you ? 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPdI7uDd6k
    I suggest, but I already know the answer.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0Bf6EnXST
    — Non ! 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyhnZYgQCk
    His tone is harsher than I thought. However, he softens very quickly.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MxTENmIQJ
    — That’s nice, but no. I don't want you to come into this part of my life.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqAgnv9vqT
    — For what ? 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XlErqm4IJ
    Anger reappears in his eyes, he lowers his head.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzG9KrSaIjd
    — Because you are too important to me for me to drag you into this world of illness with me.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡva80XBYX8d
    — Jessy… 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKaem2RbUGf
    — 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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2LCj8Qofx
    — OK as you want.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSGvEI4mJJ
    I sigh as he resumes playing the movie. After a few minutes of silence, he glances at me and whispers : 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTSvZrp7Xf
    — Are you mad at me ? 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8OluAIIpC
    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.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1PNNYFiwR
    — No, it’s your choice.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5bHhZ0u7y
    He places another kiss on my forehead. I whisper to him without taking my eyes off Patrick Swayze : 397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSJQcJN7V9
    — Me too, I like you.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oSHF3r26k
     397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkldLt7NoYh
     397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9axgUW9eHo
     397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq27Zn1Qmfz
     397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vfZccJNVg
     397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dXrjGQHgs
     397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLUOdT22zH
    8964 copyright protection393ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JEwHfMl1D 維尼

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