379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfp9sqxfr3Q
     379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdA1ANyfhiW
     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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCywCQeGZgx
    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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBUXmTbu8E
    — 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 ? 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOu2mkqvhYi
    — Yeah, I think so.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvIOK2VsHE
    — Jessy, please promise me you’ll never let yourself fall into the void like that again. I got the fright of my life.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2nWUoSPMu
    Hands in his pockets, he shrugs his shoulders and breathes deeply before telling me : 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU04CnMOZXP
    — Promise. Why do you care about me so much ? 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAhACP62kd
    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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPd5x1SEfu
    — Why not ? 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6lGFuEswT
    — 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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZtewJDY7L
    — There are morons everywhere, I whisper. Jessy, I like you. I'm not going to start ignoring you because you have a health problem.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqozp9P2mk
    — Thank you, he murmurs, pursing his lips. I'm sorry for everything I said to you. I didn't mean to be so rude.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0rWyRZdeP
    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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtp73yaRxRi
    — It's forgotten. By the way, I met your mother. She seems very nice.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOhowMr8wI
    Despite our slow walk, we already arrive in front of his house.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhPlN5Zuxb
    — She is. Do you want me to take you home ? I can borrow his car.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTBnPOzwYp
    — No, it is going to be fine. I don't want to get the seats soggy, I smile. See you tomorrow ? 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkQWWB1XUK
    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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbZptCoe7K
     379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTj8ho9XKN4
     379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVTmQZlbgN
    It's almost 11 p.m. when I get home, completely soaked. My parents are waiting for me, impatient and worried.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpQgxsLI1g
    — Finally, here you are, my father roared. Look at you, you're good at wringing ! 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HoggNsehZ
    — Were you with Jessy ? My mother asks in her usual soft voice.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5luy1trkTB
    I nod, shivering from the cold.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1bkDCttD3
    — 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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneNQynBTIO
    — He went back home. How did the meeting go ? 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sjJ9olo3e
    — Start by drying off, we'll tell you later.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenAa9505c5
    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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkF4mwHTEcH
    — So how did it go ? I said, sitting across from them on the couch.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSbQngahK6
    — 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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHtjFslY44
    — 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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyA6GWYTdLr
    — Indeed, I was looking for Jessy.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rtss4R7RO
    — Nina told us that you went looking for him after Chad’s visit. Did you find it ? 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGLS0mpExB
    — Yes, and as far as you know, it’s over between Chad and me.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ78iJYB7Sm
    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 : 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9xNxhckjM
    — Because of Jessy ? 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzm5vNTnx4P
    — 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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZN6HkqYZp
    Once again my parents exchange this strange look which seems to mean that they are not at the end of their trouble with me.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbV81LD7uO
     379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiwE0bQNlm
     379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCy07eVBLY
    The next morning, when I arrived near the school, I saw Jessy waiting outside on the sidewalk.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYd3LCVt5q
    — Hi, how are you ? 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPXMNsdv51
    He puts a hand to his heart.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtaqVjtTIx
    — Oh, you scared me ! 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWfBXspOOY
    I burst out laughing.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERp6xUKg80
    — That’s for the scare you gave me last night ! 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuHfC2jQFo
    — It’s fair game, he smiled.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ycPoJ0Py4
    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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTXDfz3m7O
    — Are you planning to come to class today ? 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFjnMR2hYs
    — I don't know. After what happened yesterday...and then this meeting.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBpf2xPH5t
    He huffs and then purses his lips, visibly uncomfortable.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwnjvY5FjG
    — Did your mother tell you ? 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6DHg9p4PB
    — 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... 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VXbawuM08
    — No way ! 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dUAokCeQj
    Jessy looks at me, surprised.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFhj4YK0qT
    — We'll go together and everything will go well, you'll see.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7rL6zy8vG
    — There are looks that are sometimes hard to bear, he admits to me.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xmXeGZFwe
    However, I notice that he accompanies me towards high school.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MIdjga3w2
    — 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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrd58VDDuE
    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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYRyrLB66P
    — 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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCceFS9Peu
    I meet the gaze of a tall guy, named Tyler, who grimaces when he hears me.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMgMVOiOYF
    — Yes, complete idiots, I said again in a louder voice.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XgklBzl8p
    Jessy gives me a grateful smile.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTg4CF9i51M
    — Oh, it’s getting bad, he murmurs.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyNGH5vBXC
    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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDNBjWG9bC
    — 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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIltcFofLY
     Jessy hesitates for a few seconds then squeezes his hand, nodding.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTknJKC26MG
    — Thanks.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh89pnjzFTY
    His eyes move from Jessy to me, he doesn't seem to know how to behave around me anymore.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnhre9BoE8
    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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEZ9OcYOGx
    He taps Jessy on the shoulder and says — See you later and walks away.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaId246KE0
    — It’s weird that Chad came to apologize. Did you ask him to do it ? 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHNhaXWIa9
    — 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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSD2n7XcTE
    — What ? 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ856bVCiyxF
    I turn my head towards him.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5KYxReDFI
    — Why did you break up ? 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6g1vZ6oqq
    — We are too different.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnY4ZFTvx9z
    I shrug my shoulders as if it were obvious.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnbHDasqoX
    — And are you okay ? 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtkHjbEpaB
    I see in his eyes that he really cares about me, it warms my heart.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhyyD82hwJ
    — Alright.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaOtAhQcs6
    A small smile appears at the corners of his lips.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKDnMLWS2O
    — 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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCtlSlwIXv
     379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHM9W8dArbV
     379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpk4NNRQlt6
    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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoiYbDrZRH
    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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtelCJ4AAA3
    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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38aOe4fs5a
    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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofaaaQrLty
    — You've lived locked up enough like that ! » is my key phrase to convince him.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6q9RyafKIG
    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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsQuWRSrW4
    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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6insRAJgS
     379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwWqPGKhFi
     379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjQeHms6IB
    — Hello Mrs. Sutter, are you well ? I say happily as I enter the living room, accompanied by Jessy.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxu3QLfCVf
    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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmq0PQvb01
    — Good Meg and you ? 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNygbKJgrR
    — I’m fine.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVVcFdVyyt
    Elise gets up while Jessy goes to turn on the television.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIUx7kJQjM
    — What movie are you going to watch ? 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZ4pSoJKQp
    — Ghost ! With a big smile, I show the video tape I brought, asking him : Are you staying to watch it with us ? 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJmoDPb8E5
    — 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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HannOVEil
    — Good luck, Mrs Sutter. 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4dmsgYsEA
    She takes a few steps away before turning back to me.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZynDjWIJzv
    — Meg, for the hundredth time, call me Elise.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFkbRQEBtw
    — I'll try, I promise.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9RMCKBg7J
    His mother leaves the room, leaving us alone.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JFbDavG9P
    — Pop corn ? Jessy asks me. I only have salty, I don't like sweet.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFL1FAGzsb
    — That suits me very well.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTZPffgZfW
    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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DaT3wvchA
    — Don’t make fun, I said, seeing him laugh discreetly.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaDbOAbp7Q
    I stand up and stretch before wiping my eyes.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBW0WfZA1kP
    — Patrick Swayze is too sexy, I comment.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3LEdYPtC2
    — Demi Moore is not to be outdone, he sighs, lowering his head.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXY8BMLJko8
    He suddenly seems sad, which worries me.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPII6408nfL
    — Isn't that okay ? 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbE7enF7xXM
    — Yes, it’s just that… Do you believe that the afterlife exists ? 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7JpfaaeBx
    Still sitting on the couch, I turn to him.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRiAD6OXf1
    — I think yes. However, I don't know if it's like in this movie.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYbPg1hFC3
    He adopts the same position as me, we find ourselves face to face.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzffCcWKIR
    — If that’s the case, I’ll make sure to let you know when I get there.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayw4XTINAX
    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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJ0vL23ibz
    — What do you have ? He is surprised.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqOInoCcZg
    — I don't want you to die Jessy ! 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBeaFPY8zw
    I burst into tears as I threw myself on his neck. Immediately, he hugs me back.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUbDPfMbnF
    — Don’t cry, he whispers in my ear. I don't like seeing you sad.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEfiXRqkSl
    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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2URsCq8Ep8
    Staring at him, I detach myself from him.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumOtIXANDW
    — You're going to fight to stay alive, aren't you ? 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8XfgrnPQh
    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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8qg0DUnqb
    Finally, he nods in agreement.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn51WuldElR
    — 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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOF2MNVFA2h
    — Meg, we've already talked about this. You can't save me.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhIvC3VFVT
    He lowers his head but I have time to see his eyes fill with tears.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21zLUX8kmP
    — I know... For the moment, but I can keep hope, I smile, wiping away the last tears that linger on my cheeks.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekVTbN39xn
    Mrs. Sutter enters the room at this moment, breaking our moment of complicity.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfir3aqE4lE
    — Megan, are you crying ? She worries, looking at us in turn. And you too ? 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEc7aTf7XEE
    Jessy and I exchange a look before bursting out laughing under the surprised gaze of Elise.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImHe3meFbO
    — I’m going to go home, I announce, leaving the sofa.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcRqYGz1oS
    — I'll take you back.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqYfNa9537
    — No, it is going to be fine. I need to get some fresh air.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLPWghhKLv
    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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoToZtw6Yqk
    — Do me a favor, hold on to life, I whisper in his ear.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyH50q48bBi
    Emu, he acquiesced.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiSFRdTqTN
    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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaaioqmezS
    — Good night, see you tomorrow ! I throw before going out.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8RuOn2X90
    I take a few steps while staring at the dark sky, inside I promise myself to do everything to save Jessy's life.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFUyny9UEL
     379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukLBwDUbk6
     379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9413wb2fl
    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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRG2OWcMNbm
    — What is all this ? My mother asks me when I return home, my arms full of magazines and books.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6S4aInKzlj
    — I'm finding out about AIDS, I admit, placing my load on the kitchen table.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXyfgcufas
    — Meg, I know you care about Jessy but... Don't waste your life for him.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2CiOeOREx
    My mother's words felt like a stab to the heart.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3RVVataou
    — That's not what I meant, she continues, realizing my fear.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqGBNPXkOY
    Hand on her forehead, she shakes her head as I grab my books again, determined to put an end to this discussion.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfejiUoLUp
    — Megan, you are 16 years old, you have your whole life ahead of you.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9rNQIpMoA
    — And not Jessy, right ? ! I get angry.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhsDqJ750g
    My mother looks down.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1aq0ZPhMC
    — 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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7A7fmF6dm
    — 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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1eAvIY4JD
    My mother nods weakly.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2ZRseXhqo
    — I just ask you to be careful. Don't get too involved.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLLPtSqpTx
    — 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 ? 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURLjoLhDxz
    I turn on my heel, ready to leave the room when my mother asks me : 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLiP9UNbec
    — You love him, don’t you ? 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7D90az0aFT
    I don't answer. I lock my gaze on my mother's, trying to make her understand all the feelings that are inside me.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoHJrLG1GB
    — Please don’t tell Jessy about these books, I ask her before going out.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk76QezJiUB
     379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76v40cwK6t
     379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6hd7B9ofb
    — Good evening, Megan, Mrs. Sutter calls me from the kitchen when I arrive at their house.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAwxlSwTjq
    — Good evening.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YBrXwCQtr
    — Jessy hasn’t come home yet.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uywljCKRq
    I look up at his mother with worried eyes. It's 8 p.m., classes ended several hours ago.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsv7RSwhjCd
    — 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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Az7gUPvRY
    — Did he leave there complaining ? 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDps5WZ9eCH
    — You know him well enough to know that he complains a lot, she said, smiling.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYL7EOimWM5
    — When he is with me, he is rather...379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxPk14Ya1o
    Hearing the front door open, I don't finish my sentence.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRd1uMKHSp
    — Yes, but you are special to him, Elise whispers to me.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwwCRWXDMz
    I remain speechless, wondering what she means by that.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11ZBSKumrI
    — Sorry to be late.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaid98MqeQL
    Jessy's face is tense, he seems upset. The evening could be long if he remains in this state of mind.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIl91Eg6F3x
    — How was it ? His mother immediately questions him.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjpZimEAUo
    Jessy glances at me quickly before responding coldly : 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xbOwaQ1fu
    — I don't want to talk about it.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JuUelhUab
    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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoI5Rq9N5j
    — You want some ? 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WsWDhFtKH
    His tone is less cold, but still full of anger that he tries to contain.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kPEsylI6v
    — Yes, thanks.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcVEFmwWls
     He purses his lips before asking me : 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGFc1Ey78v
    — What movie did you bring this evening ? 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeKEZsiNSe
    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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQh9XdHALuL
    — Dirty Dancing ! 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSHcFH5Rt2
    He rolls his eyes, but I sense that he is holding back a smile.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknVYbbmebF
    — 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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmUhzicPsP
     I pretend to look shocked, which makes him laugh.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAFQNjhQ85
    — It’s true that he’s hot, but in my ranking of the most handsome guys, he only occupies second place.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6eI5r90GVu
    — 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 ? 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76QJXGmNAa
    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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSH68lEF8DN
    — No others, I promise. For me, the hottest guy isn't an actor.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYXO6aUiLk
    — Ah good ? Who is it ? 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCajvVUvTmL
    He comes to join me on the sofa, frowning.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOmJPwZOZq
    — He’s someone I see every day.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpV11YIvX0e
    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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBd0TyrzNGz
    — Your father ? he asks after a few minutes.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqoLYOYEXn
    Without taking my eyes off the screen, I shake my head and smile. It amuses me to see him searching.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNL4mgIikp3
    — Someone from high school ? 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHuarg0xjE
    J'acquiesce379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCyw95OPQD
    — Chad ? 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHnSXOdFSF
    A hint of anger and disbelief filters into his voice.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqS7u21KZ8B
    — No. Jessy, do you want to watch the movie or tell me all the names of the guys at school ? 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5Aq7TKl4H
    — Sorry, but no matter how hard I look, I can’t see who…379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwD2zhrbZnx
    — It's you.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VV2d8rzjg
    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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKem2RZ9RQQ
    — Well, that makes you feel, I said mockingly, pausing the movie.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXxuMoLDWC
    — You got me, he says from the kitchen.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyDGZijSod
    I turn around on the couch to look at him.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9678xGKAr
    — It’s the truth, Jessy, I’m not making you walk.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yjBaaaeO9
    He comes back to sit next to me on the sofa. His cheeks are red as he places a kiss on my forehead.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgACw1pmOyD
    — It’s nice of you to try to cheer me up. I love you.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYBlzeDbwY
    That's not what I'm trying to do, I really mean it, yet my heart immediately races : he adores me. 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6mWqxykq5
    — Is it true ? 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUoq7MKwvXb
    — Of course. You're my best friend, Meg.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5qbJ8a093
    Oh… Friend ? My heart calms down quickly.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzX6M2SGqnz
    — Aren’t you in good spirits ? Is it because of the meeting ? 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WkaodDWLm
    Your mother told me about it, I add in front of his frown.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUslvvPHNr0
    — Yeah… it was depressing. Hearing all these patients talk about their fears… it brought me back to my own.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsfesPTLfQ
    — Did you speak with them ? 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5e2XnTPLnC
    — 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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6q0yNb1fzA
    — If you want, next time, can I accompany you ? 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaDQMuPpGW
    I suggest, but I already know the answer.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5D7ULC8qLh
    — Non ! 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxfX01vxkf
    His tone is harsher than I thought. However, he softens very quickly.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnb2wPnmDRL
    — That’s nice, but no. I don't want you to come into this part of my life.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPl5E9RI7P
    — For what ? 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4J8qrVxwd
    Anger reappears in his eyes, he lowers his head.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRIVjakEm8
    — Because you are too important to me for me to drag you into this world of illness with me.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSup9MDKzx
    — Jessy… 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfh5YvG4Nwc
    — 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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnErthOLiy
    — OK as you want.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8Qi9wm4mK
    I sigh as he resumes playing the movie. After a few minutes of silence, he glances at me and whispers : 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GyXcuf2Qb
    — Are you mad at me ? 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FX3c2eEAE
    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.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJa9gHYKWO
    — No, it’s your choice.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qAnIjaPs2
    He places another kiss on my forehead. I whisper to him without taking my eyes off Patrick Swayze : 379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFiifPaSaY
    — Me too, I like you.379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCRQfFbtvD
     379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrl5UHdBQp
     379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqB5uaOXDzr
     379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVv38gud7t
     379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJft5kUxd3
     379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEKV4p1N7E
     379Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZkMeJzssj
    8964 copyright protection375ＰＥＮＡＮＡxn757JW4qM 維尼

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