— No, I don't feel like it.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqowRdTuwp
— But yes, it will be fun.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeXDOAQoyW
— What's the funny thing about going to school on a day when there's no class ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMPw1wXeA3
We have one of those discussions where I try to convince him to come out. This time, I set my sights on the Halloween party that the school organizes like every year on the evening of October 31st.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDgqcylDbC
I thought about his question for a moment. How can I make him give in this time ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlnJtnysVB
— The classes will be emptied of their desks. There will be entertainment, sweets… a ball.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyTGbcMBq3
He raises an eyebrow and makes me understand that this is not a given.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzowjei9bSr
— Do you see me dancing ? ! 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrDKVG4R9Q
I ignore his reply and continue mischievously : 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxVbDWsgNY
— We will be disguised, and you can annoy everyone who criticizes you from behind. Why else do you think I would go ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMPu7tw37r
I can see by his expression that I have a point.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTO6x7TCncr
— Hello, Megan.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6pt4GMnW7
— Hello, Elise, are you well ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmRHoGJJnQ
I spend so much time with Jessy that I have become very close to Mrs. Sutter. She is always happy to see me at their place and invites me to come whenever I want. I feel a bit like home there.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhk11fpxj6A
— Where will you go in disguise ? Asks Elise who heard my last sentence.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESgIkMkC6E
— At the high school Halloween party.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBsgPps4dh
— Good idea ! 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQO0MGkQ4Ul
With one look, Jessy glares at his mother. Mrs. Sutter places a laundry basket on the dining room table where we are and begins to fold the clothes. I grab a T-shirt and spread it on the table to help him.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTzkaimXhY
— It will do you good to go out and have fun, you stay too cooped up here ruminating.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIAnbtrCtE
— I like to be alone with my thoughts, Jessy defends, grabbing the T-shirt I’m holding in my hands.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14SroPM5JU
— Luckily you're here, Meg, otherwise he'd never leave his room.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyjsTc3wKt
I grab another piece of clothing and start folding it.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9FtlmMbJ4
— Mom, stop. It’s okay, you win, I’ll go to the damn party ! But Meg, please stop worrying about my clothes ! 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUh6ERS41jS
I look down at the item of clothing I'm holding : it's one of his boxers. I let go immediately, but I already feel my cheeks turning red. Jessy grabs it and hides it behind his back. His face is as red as mine.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopnD0Jt5jp
— Sorry… I’m… so used to doing it… at home, I said, stuttering.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38gk1cSR3h
Mrs. Sutter bursts out laughing as she watches us.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvVEkSHUra
— Mission accomplished, she comes to high five me.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNfJOv6kAt
— What are we going to disguise ourselves as ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDW7JO9597X
— There's no way I'm going to wear a suit ! 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFOXN0TK0q
Jessy responds quickly, looking at us in turn.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWYO4JgPp1
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The next week, we're in the main hallway of the school during break time, talking about the Halloween party. I keep trying to convince Jessy to dress up but he remains stubborn.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAA0brSPm8
— I could see you as James Dean, I think out loud as I look at him.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxX2Jdy3OK
— Is it because I'm going to die young like him ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4rMc43Luf
Immediately, I grimace.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnNyxX5Vti
— Stop with that ! I was thinking of James because you are handsome and sexy like him but if you prefer to see the negative side...341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡil9TtMuyCv
— I was joking, he smiled. Beautiful and sexy, huh ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7vGlMARBI
I roll my eyes, smiling as my cheeks turn red. My words came out before I could hold them back. In Jessy's presence, I feel like I'm losing my composure. It is enough for him to stare at me with those beautiful green eyes for my mouth to respond without having the approval of my brain.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZC8gMAiD0
— I’m dreaming where your cheeks are all red, he mocks, pointing to my face with his index finger.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3YscvdZqX
I give him a little tap on the arm which makes him burst out laughing. I love hearing this sound. I have seen him so angry, sullen, lonely, that when he laughs I am happy.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9uoRyJZGc
— At times, you remind me of my brother. You have the same dubious humor every…341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcJ6wWUJFN
I leave my sentence hanging as my smile freezes when I see Amy passing near us. She gives me an icy look and completely ignores Jessy.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPglV77hM4A
— Why is Amy looking at you like that ? Jessy asks me.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYo6MWgUZe
I turn to him, trying to ignore my former friend. I don't want her to realize how much her attitude hurts and disappoints me.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkp7DX9JMEP
— I don't know. Since I'm no longer with Chad, she doesn't speak to me anymore. To think that she was my best friend... As children, we were all together often : Chad, Amy and me. And today, I feel like I've lost a part of my past.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNwWmlyHvC
— People change and evolve differently over the years. She'll come back to you one of these days.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZoQLfKBIu
— You think ? I ask him, hoping he's telling the truth.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXCYpNGl9n
— I'm sure. Who could give up a friend like you ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeVmJBey5e
— Yeah, a friend, I breathe with annoyance while scrutinizing him.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFa0mcRGL6R
I would really like him to see me as something other than his friend.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pSdOLsOEr
— And with Chad, where are you ? He questions casually.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TYbllVxmL
— Nowhere. We haven't spoken in several weeks. I turned the page on him. On the other hand, I continue by staring at him. There are three other boys who asked me on a date.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVdIBSaSCk
Am I dreaming or has his expression suddenly changed ? He lowers his face, staring at the ground as if it holds all the answers in the universe.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3PIQQwGEr
— Did you agree to go out with them ? He whispers in a strangled voice.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJ3rx379ar
— No, I refused. You're the only guy I want to spend time with at the moment.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWFpqhqp7C
Suddenly, he lifts his face and smiles. I observe him carefully. Maybe he doesn't really see me as a friend after all. It’s enough to make me smile again.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcgJfVKkhy
— You and Chad broke up shortly after I arrived in town, but there was one thing that struck me from the few times I saw you together.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3cfg8RCRM
— Ah good ? What ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVy64oqRSo
— The distance there was between you. I mean, you were never in each other's arms or making a move to touch each other.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Enj19Wbfk
— Is that what you did with your exes ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0O6PyBRLc
I scrutinize him to read his reaction which does not take long : 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLObEXfEPPL
— No, but I have never been in love.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjjFHM0MCw
— Maybe Chad didn’t like me that much, I shrug. Or that I'm not the type of girl that guys like to hug.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLxeDV5KU5
— Oh yes, any man would be happy to be able to hold you against him, he says without a shadow of hesitation.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrxNrvNB8y
So why don't you do it ? ! I want to ask him.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4QL0SC75g
But suspecting that this would turn him on, I just stare at him and remain silent. However, I am happy with his admission, so I continue with a smile : 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0g1FBQDP73
— So for Halloween, what are we dressing up as ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvgdXNR2bK
341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDthLluoqFx
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On Friday evening, I found my parents in the living room while waiting for Jessy to arrive. I enter the room and turn around asking them : 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUCUCA7BnK
— Is my dress okay ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrSgySG5vc
— You are very chic, admire my father.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFdSLrVKgz
For the occasion, I opted for a black Charleston— style dress, and my hairstyle is adorned with a white feather. It's not my favorite outfit, but Jessy only agreed to wear a very classy suit jacket.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSylwpfdlQ4
— Megan, why do you have a mask in your hand ? Nina asks.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFAgxrf6SV
— I'll put it on when I get to school. I promised Jessy that, under cover of anonymity, he could annoy the students who criticize him.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHzjPXON0K
My mother laughs.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡES2T5ZT87N
— That’s definitely your idea ! 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEynkMe28wj
— It was one of the arguments to decide him to leave his house.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqBPDy9140
— You two spend a lot of time together, my father comments seriously.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZexp9zvX7
— Yes, he’s great ! 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJQ97mj8ms
— You know we love Jessy, but we're worried about you.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0ldmNp3sH
— We are just friends.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNiLSk53mP
— I'm not talking about that. Losing someone close to you is difficult.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuAy1zil4E
— I know. I know that one day he may no longer be here, but if that were to happen, I would have time to prepare for it. And he's my best friend, I can't stop seeing him, that wouldn't be fair to him or me.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRXrtWSgiU
— Are you sure it’s just friendship ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgJZpYpqrg
My father examines my face which immediately turns purple.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQClsxg3A2g
— I preferred Chad, my sister objects, sulking.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzvFP29i3q
Without meaning to, Nina makes me smile again and distracts my father's attention. Admitting to myself that I'm in love with Jessy is one thing, dropping this bombshell in front of my father is another. I already know the moral lesson that would await me.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIQ5gJjQZT
— And I find this school rule stupid which stipulates that you have to be fifteen years old to be able to attend this evening. I would have liked to go there ! She says, crossing her arms over her chest.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGf8HvVSb0U
— Then you should have asked Chad to invite you ! I said, provoking her.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMwbPyminw
In response, she taps her foot on the ground while the doorbell rings.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8va4HUTWK
— I go ! 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQ9nLrsgyA
I rush to open the door to Jessy. And I literally stand there glued to the spot when I see him in his black suit with a white shirt, black tie and hat. In his hand he holds a white mask similar to mine. He exudes a particular charm that disturbs me even more than usual, which is saying something.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynzZhRrneS
After a few seconds of examining each other, he leans towards me to hang a white rose on the strap of my dress.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5KJakDX7x
— How pretty you are, he whispered to me.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6oL9RWYKX
His hands brush the skin of my shoulder and I feel myself melting. I take a deep breath to force myself to pull myself together.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9k0vKwhj2
— Isn't that okay ? He asks me, visibly worried.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVkxuQGe1R
I can't tell him the truth. He was very clear with me when I let myself kiss him. And even though he hasn't spoken to me about it again, I still feel a burning shame. Since then I have restrained my actions and am content to be the friend he needs so much.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7AHzRzyth
— Yes, it's going very well. It’s just that it’s hot in the house and cold outside, the contrast struck me. Come on, just a minute, I'll get my coat.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWT6i0z2As
He nods and follows me to the living room where he politely greets my family as usual.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmm81IZcyTO
— Wow, Jessy ! This costume suits you really well ! Launches my mother.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRSfIssV7J
— Thank you, Mrs. Crawfords. Nina, I thought of you, I brought you a little thing to console you for not being able to come to the party.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDfV1AUmiY
He takes a rose similar to mine out of his pocket and hands it to my sister, who is speechless for a few seconds.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4XXa9Og0D
— Thank you, Jessy, she finally said. Then looking at us, she adds : I take back everything I said earlier, it’s Jessy, my favorite ! 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUmUGfyM9f
We burst out laughing.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjRuMU93pw
— Well done, Jessy, you managed to dethrone Chad ! My father is joking.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrSgIP56P6
— It wasn’t won though, smiled the young man. — Here we go ? I ask him.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8SOhNGzXO
Jessy makes a hesitant face and answers me without much enthusiasm : 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvun2qFOSe
— I would have done without it, but since I have to… let’s go ! 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMI0q78G4pT
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Two hours later, I see that Jessy is having a good evening. We took the route of anxiety : a walk in the middle of the corridors of the high school which, for the occasion, were decorated as a house of horror with skeletons suddenly appearing in front of us, vampires thirsty for blood who throw themselves on those who dare to approach them or even werewolves who run after us in the feigned hope of devouring us. There are many activities, but Jessy doesn't forget his little revenge either. When we pass a tall dark guy dressed as Dracula, whom my companion immediately recognizes as one of his persecutors, he puts on his mask, approaches slowly and manages to drop off without anyone, except me, noticing. has a large rubber tarantula on his shoulder. A moment later, we hear a scream echo through the classroom as the guy in question squirms in every direction to escape the spider. Jessy and I walk out of the room laughing until we cry.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYhLhahQW0
— I admit, he said to me shortly after in one of the corridors, when we caught our breath, that just for that, it was worth coming ! 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJOd3dnDc5
— See, I told you we’d have fun ! 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD061Hfeb0i
— You were right, thank you for forcing my hand. (He takes off his mask before staring at me.) Of all the people I know, you are always there for me, no matter what. For what ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtajxmarobq
He is suddenly serious.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEe5L7YeWj
Can't you see that I'm in love with you, idiot ! 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9NebTKRWx
I want to tell him, but I hold back.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTJ2Nwf29X
Instead, I answer him : 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreUNXi8Y2W
— Why not ? You're my friend, right ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUJmVmFOq9
He nods, and his green eyes shine with a strange light.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97HlaNlfC0
— Oh, Jessy, come ! 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsRJ1dXIIv
Without waiting for a response, I grab him by the sleeve of his suit and force him to follow me into one of the classes that says : Come discover your future through cards.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnlGTFJ0cY
For the occasion, the room, deliberately darkened, was divided into three parts by curtains, thus constituting cabins where clairvoyants sit. We approach one of them.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LOTO4MRkQ
— Can we ? I said, pointing to the seats in front of her.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZ6mEynFeW
— Of course, my children, come. Sit down.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQy4Ln9yO1v
She is a small woman with brown hair, with a fairly fleshy build, who inspires confidence at first glance.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEv2DMefxE1
— Who wants to start ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRagiDlOooT
Jessy and I exchange a look.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qq8ODDRD2
"Iron, Meg."341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IpWB8rGc7
— OK, draw seven cards from the fan in front of you.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJjDY9HmDG
She turns the cards over one after the other, arranging them in a sort of large cross.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdYxk6j4H9
— You are a nice girl, a little too serious at times, she said to me. You are always there for the people you love. This card, which designates the Empress, tells me that you are good at studies. I can assure you that you will go to university and study for a long time. A great job awaits you at the end.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTB3yO9gBN
I'm happy, studies are very important to me.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2XEUz7lAZ
— This card, she continues, showing me the Lover, — tells me that you are hesitating between two boys. One has the key to your heart and the other relationship is more controlled by your reason, the first boy completely capsizes you, the second rather symbolizes security.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmRkXyfogC
I feel myself blushing from head to toe and, silently, I thank the heavens that the room is just lit by candles. Jessy and Chad ! Only I'm not in love with Chad and I'm banking on love... I feel Jessy's gaze weighing on me, but I don't dare respond.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVrdFGFaP9
— I can't tell you more, it will be up to you to choose between these two men, she places her hand on mine.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPW4CT6KmOY
— Thanks.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3YKrNRdxk
— Your turn, young man, announces the woman, shuffling her cards before spreading them again on the table.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMIPMzH90R
As I did, Jessy takes out seven cards from the deck and turns them over as she goes.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtvY3fw4hO
— You are a kind boy, very sensitive, who has suffered a lot, but you do everything to keep it from showing. You play tough to hide your heart of gold. You are gifted in studies, but this card, it points to the Moon, leads me to believe that you are especially gifted in the arts. The drawing ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoQWV1I3mP
— I painted a lot, but I stopped for a while.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzXE6Ro37P
— You should start again. You are an anxious boy, and this would calm you down.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxsoNhCruL
She turns over another card : the Hermit.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEvHjhS0VP
— This one tells me that you tend to run away from others. You like to be alone and, at the same time, you experience this solitude as if you were afraid of the world around you. Yet you are not alone... There is someone in your life that you love, but, for I don't know what reasons, you seem to be running away from this love that life offers you.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7aPXCGJnI
I see Jessy growing nervous next to me as he stares intently at the cards.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpsCLCe9At
The clairvoyant turns over the penultimate card : the Nameless Arcana. Despite myself, I flinch.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtB58vwOyxT
— Don't worry, the lady is reassuring, this card is scary with the skeleton reaping it represents, but it rarely means physical death. Above all, it is a sign of change in life. Your existence will be turned upside down, you will succeed in overcoming your fears to fully live your destiny.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLm4tSri3s
She turns over the last card : the World.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4MJYWhy0q
— In the coming months, you are going to be very happy young man, much more than you imagine, but for that, you must open your heart to accept the gift that is being given to you, said the clairvoyant, looking Jessie.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqATiRkY2n
— Thank you, Madam, he stammers, visibly embarrassed.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKj2kMrIpq
— One last thing : Concerning your health, just live day to day without worrying too much. Destiny is destiny, you cannot change what will happen.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQJcWMdZej
Jessy nods, looking serious, even though my heart is pounding. Has she just confirmed his imminent death ? His words are enigmatic to me but not to341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6STx5u0vru
Jessy who gets up quickly and leaves the room, I follow suit.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd69KrBTnQ2
— Jessy, are you okay ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqEbTJteqq
— Yes, very good.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKBrunfTze
— I'm sorry. It was a stupid idea to go see a psychic.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRg2mJXLgm
He stops and turns to me.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyGIy1vykh
— Don't worry, she told us an ending that you and I already know.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqGqUR0cXf
— It wasn't that clear to me.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKfKeCfCp0
— Yes, but you are always overly optimistic while I…341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnswU6n4eLV
— You are disarmingly pessimistic.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNL33YWj8RY
My reply makes Jessy laugh.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wwJal7MEV
— It's true. Between the two of us, we have the perfect balance.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQNb42KCkM
I smile in turn, thinking about how we complement each other perfectly.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqHoofEgdK
— Seriously, are you sure you’re okay ? If you want, can we go back ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEckFSXpYZ
— No, we're having fun. Come on, come on ! 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cOQpelL11
He gives me a reassuring wink. For the first time, he takes my hand, which suddenly makes me feverish, and guides me towards the gymnasium which has been transformed into a ballroom. Black and orange garlands cascade from the ceiling, paper pumpkins have been installed on the tables where soft drinks are served. In the four corners of the room, plastic skeletons held by wires move like puppets. In the center of the room, students wiggle to the rhythm of a wild Rolling Stones song.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMFcRukBYJ
— You are thirsty ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYKXvJdkiX
I nod with a nod. Jessy leaves me to go get two cups. I look around the room. In a corner, I see Chad dressed as a vampire, and his friends. Apparently they are the ones responsible for leading the anxiety journey. Then a tall blonde girl comes and kisses him full on the mouth. Despite her Marilyn Monroe disguise, I recognized Amy immediately. That's why she's been running away from me since we broke up, she did everything to seduce him and it worked. Chad quickly forgot me and her, that traitor ! Jessy returns with the cups. I drink mine dry.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrjXOuY368
— What do you have ? He asked in front of my furious face.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJH6GnOvjKF
I nod and show him Chad and Amy.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChjORXtHym
— Oops, is the only sound that comes out of his mouth.
Jessy looks over to the corner where Chad and Amy are watching us, seeming to be watching for my reaction.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8E1l1OnTjz
— Come Dance.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUomn74mWe
He takes my hand again, which has the effect of calming me down immediately.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2qR7akhXW
— I thought you didn't dance ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZWfpqUvUZ
— I never said that.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuPi7MKN8t
His smile completely melts me. I let myself be guided to the dance floor. The music starts with a soft song. Like every time I'm in contact with Jessy, my heart starts racing. Without thinking, I put my arms around his neck, while he places his hands on my waist. Soon my head is resting on his shoulder. I breathe in its sweet and intoxicating scent, a mixture of flower soaps and aftershave. I feel wonderful, everything is so natural with him. But he stops abruptly. His gaze is focused on a girl, small in stature, with bobbed red hair, who turns her back to us and is chatting with friends a few steps from us.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKuq6wVTGd
Jessy doesn't take his eyes off her as I feel his shoulders tense.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAssX4Ty9d
— What is…341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0S66o5DlK2
The girl turns around, revealing her face to us. Jessy takes a deep breath before turning his attention back to me.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICSyNdmrFh
— I need to get some fresh air, he tells me, white as a sheet.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbEsVbIquW
We push through the crowd to the parking lot where he takes a deep breath. A cold wind rose, carrying with it the dead leaves from the trees to our feet.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAF8Pyjvf3
We lean against a car.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRHo0xE7Ek
— Why are you shaking ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCsVVrs9uK
I question him timidly.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡry0s444s6G
— I don't really want to talk about it.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UpPllGJVi
— But you are livid ! 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TPusU2VZ3
— I don't want to talk about it. Let's forget that, okay ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJlMKDSIyM
— Agree as you like.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS15ZxOQ1w6
He raises a questioning eyebrow at my resolve. It's not like me to give up so quickly. Usually, I insist that he talks to me, but now, I'm afraid to know the truth.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWT8gsuUEJ
— Shall we go back ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWj058Xp5su
— Yeah, I think it's better after all that.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZB4Jb3MdSH
We set off. The high school is only a few blocks from our homes.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwV7edRiayT
— All that ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJHXynDdNl
— Between the clairvoyant, Chad and Amy…341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXEeKbv8Sz
— And your latest conquest, I tell him, not being able to contain the feeling of jealousy that has invaded me since he saw this girl.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPcEjptRvs
Jessy turns to me.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73lTZ0lngl
— It's not what you think. I thought it was Haley... The girl who gave me AIDS.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0FK0TFoq1
— Every time you talked to me about the virus, you told me you were handling it all. But after seeing your reaction tonight, I think you're handling things the wrong way. You didn't solve the problem with her. I think you should see her again, or at least talk to her.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJt4fUhvjoA
— I don't see how that would help me. You know, it was just an adventure, but one that I will regret for the rest of my life... — Think about it.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDx4Ej4CI04
He nods silently.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdd81Z8rctO
I don't add anything. It's his story, and only he knows whether he wants to look straight ahead after settling his scores, or stay immersed in a past that gnaws at him.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRcCOtqGRv
341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkMXZaUSTZ
341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUv9bFneJJ9
The next day is Sunday; dressed in my coat, a scarf and my gloves, I leave my house, determined to face the morning cold which has suddenly fallen on the region.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrP3DFoqr0
A black car stops next to me.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡciYhoctYVv
— Hey, a familiar voice calls out to me.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7BkIRLuws
— Hi. Jessy, do you have a car ? ! 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuieiAypt8F
— Eh yes ! I've been talking to my mom about it for a while, and this morning she came back with it. She was so happy to see me out of the house ! You come ? I'll take you.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFG54hywJ3
He starts and, quickly, I see that he is heading towards the highway ramp.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfIdSrgkOA
— Where are we going ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCBQZ6aHHh
— It's coming ! 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvJn1iDZrA
— At the cinema ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kKNhEfDql
— Non. 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEd8gv7Gm2
— Take a walk in the forest ? No, that's not the road. So, maybe visit a museum ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGXjgkSIQP
— No. You'll see, it's a surprise, and he gives me a big, innocent smile.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCwb3GAGnq
— OK, anyway, wherever it is, I'm up for it.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAxrmtNQDC
— Your parents won't be worried ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVkia35e0r
— I told them I was going to see you. They suspect that I'm going to spend the day with you.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOoD8u5RqYQ
— And that's going to be the case, because we're not going very close. I don't think we'll be back until tonight.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVvr6r9NNJ
Still want to come ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡga2kFUXXrq
He gets onto the highway.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX50lvfduhA
— Totally ! 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFH1ZcQO7rS
— I want to show you Allentown. Today, we are going to walk in the footsteps of my past...341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LwrOZnxnw
341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj05TNWCFrP
341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxEV0epSHY
After driving for almost three hours, Jessy parks in a small suburban street that seems very nice. All the houses are undoubtedly owned by wealthy people.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHcx92YJUR
— We have arrived, he declares, getting out of the car.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgMGMKlclF
I'm happy that he trusts me enough to show me the places that mattered to him. I get out and look at the house we are parked in front of. It is a single storey white villa with a well kept lawn. Large bay windows let the sun shine through, and a solid oak door welcomes visitors via a small path which splits the lawn into two parts.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGh9ezixqe
— Is this where you lived ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk76dZ3Uffv
Jessy has an enigmatic smile.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SKf365J2O
— No, it’s not my place. We're at Haley's.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CAnhWCqfY
He gestures with his chin towards the beautiful house. I suddenly have a pit in my stomach.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUUbaXZBJR
— What ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKsyjr3LqJ
— I found her, it was very easy, actually. She told me her name and what neighborhood she lived in, a call to telephone information was enough.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmDGJwbcYb
He leans back in his car, staring at the house like he can see through the walls. Little by little, his enthusiasm seems to diminish. His face turns pale...341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUwNOtoOTF
Suddenly, Jessy comes around the car and announces to me : 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixWQDkhrhv
— Come on, let’s go.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwXPMcegIY
I remain stunned.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFWkNpL0MK
— Oh no, we didn’t come all this way to leave now. You need to go talk to him ! 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0Tj5pSncj
He stares at me, his face frozen.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6feeMd49rH
— I am scared.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdwiEkPkne
— I know, but if you don't go, you'll be left with everything that's on your heart for a long time to come. You need to move forward Jessy, you can't stay stuck with all these emotions.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErLdMTl1c0
He nods and, taking a deep breath, heads towards the house. I see him approaching the door, taking the small gravel path. I'm afraid for him. It rings and only waits a few seconds before the door opens. Jessy enters. I'm not really thrilled that he's seeing one of his ex girlfriends again. What if he fell back into her arms ? This scares me as much as imagining him screaming horrors at him.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ06E5WPxMU
After all, she is HIV positive, he could perfectly well have a real relationship with her. Not just a friendship like with me. Now I'm almost wishing I was sick, my God, I'm really going crazy ! 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdQwWAy73v
During his absence, I also wonder about his behavior. Just the day before, when we talked about the clairvoyant's words, he repeated to me that he had nothing to offer a woman who, in any case, would quickly tire of only being able to kiss him. I managed to tell him that some relationships go beyond that. But he remained firm in his positions. Lost in my thoughts, I don't see him coming back. I jump when he opens the driver's side door and slides behind the wheel. I see right away that it's not going well. He is even paler than when he went to ring the bell, and his hands are clinging to the steering wheel as if his life depended on it. His whole body is shaking. I feel him at the end of his nerves even though he tries to control himself. I ask him half— heartedly : 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHJi5nlpYV
— Did it go wrong ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8bgKLtQLS
— It was his mother who opened the door to me...341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlEaUivUPo
His face expresses such hatred that I immediately think of the evening on the bridge when he was hanging above the void, screaming. I would bet that at this very moment, he would let himself fall under the wheels of vehicles rather than live another minute on this Earth. He struggles to speak, but I don't do anything to rush him.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iHFjInkJr
— Haley died five months ago.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArMb2sw3ZO
I immediately understand the dark thoughts going through his head at that precise moment.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmr3JlCdcv
— Is that all his mother told you ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJl9AF5S9lR
— Oh no, he gets angry. She told me she is sorry that her child infected me ! She also gave me a letter that Haley wrote to me before she died. We're getting out of here ! 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0erlyw4By0
He starts off with a bang and rushes through the streets which, apparently, hold no secrets for him.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSLeXYKpsK
— Jessy, please slow down a little, you’re scaring me.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9Xh40nNPa
He doesn't respond, but I notice that he raises his foot. He drives like this for several minutes, in silence. We enter downtown Allentown. He takes the main artery then branches off several times before stopping abruptly in a small street. On either side, tall buildings block out most of the daylight. Along the buildings with their gray walls, rusty iron fire escapes make the place even more sinister.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNvoHPFzcr
Jessy gets out of the car and slams the door. I'm. I am so afraid that he will try to end his life. He walks to the center of the street, where metal garbage containers are piled up, and hits them with all his might several times.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhYuK1ddmX
— Jessy, please calm down, I’m begging you.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaQqx6BVjy
— For what ? Can you tell me what all this is for ? What's the point of living ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUnI7U4RsG
— Stopped. (I place myself between him and the trash can on which he pours all his anger.) You are alive ! You hear me ? Are you still alive ! And by the time the disease breaks out, perhaps doctors will have found a treatment. But the force you put into hitting this container, you have to put into fighting yourself.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1bSDeBcDl
— But why ? What is keeping me on this planet ? Don't you understand that I'm going to end up like Haley ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKE6MwjbHD1
He pushes me away with one arm before knocking again.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9H9BzlCg2W
Soon his fist is bloody.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUnoD7mPqy
— But why are you hitting this trash can ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9NjmxRRUc
— Because I'm angry, and even then, angry is an understatement for what I feel.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtr3Pw5lvg
— For what ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPb8tIaVqi4
He, usually so secretive, finally decides to confide in me while now kicking the poor trash can.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzju2A1WK0
— This is the place where my life changed, he said to me, out of breath.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAB2GHUTLd
He stops knocking and points to a spot near the right wall, a little further away.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLV2Nubn8I
— Do you see there ? This is the place where my father, my real father, died. He was killed by a local gang who wanted to steal his money, they dragged him here before shooting him. When I was little, I was terrified of losing my parents. I don’t know where this anxiety came from, it was unreasonable, it woke me up at night. My father reassured me, constantly telling me that he would always be there to protect me, and when I was five, suddenly, he was no longer there. He let me down. He didn't protect me ! Things would have been very different if he were still here. And now Haley is gone ! And it pisses me off because, even if it’s wrong, I would have liked to scream at him with all the rage I have in my heart ! And all I have instead is this damn letter ! 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxbvHT58gt
He takes the missive out of his coat pocket and shakes it in the air, as if he wants to get rid of it but is unable to.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03IAMqJlPc
— I understand that well ! But when you calm down, you will want to know what she had to say to you. Your father didn't get to say goodbye to you, Haley did it through these words in this envelope.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGW8qnYjIG
My voice is choked with sadness. Jessy looks at me, searching in my eyes for the reason for my sudden emotion.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AHePYWkcT
— You’re right, he whispers, looking at the letter still in his hand. I must not condemn her, she was not the only one responsible for what happened that evening, he said more calmly.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0OmkOL9Wz
— It's true. She didn't know she was sick at the time. But on the other hand, I can't help but feel relieved that you didn't see her again. I know, it’s awful to think that ! 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqMyaNFxJS
I turn away, I don't dare look at him anymore. I just told him about the fear that filled me the first time he mentioned Haley. Even though she infected him, he had a history with her, he was closer to her than he will ever be to me, and it breaks my heart to admit that.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauJ9EbXdY2
Jessy stands in front of me and examines my face.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQVaoOLMuB
— Why do you feel relieved ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sogyl7L1P
There is no longer any trace of anger in his voice, just curiosity.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9EdJuBfYg
— For nothing, forget it.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zeqysMgYU
— Yes, tell me, he breathes softly. I hesitate, watching his piercing gaze.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlabuMfQ7Yl
— Because I was afraid you would get back together with her.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OWZBcJ8Gm
He looks at me, incredulous.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12YQeIhg12
— I know..., I continue but I quickly interrupt myself, no longer knowing how to continue without admitting my feelings.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEO6mM8CcI
Jessy stares at me for a moment that seems to last forever.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44cdeR4PCL
— When you were with Chad, I said to myself : "Nothing will ever happen between us while he can do anything for her. "341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNa2Fv6vJBY
I remain in shock, did he just tell me that he is dying to be with me or was I dreaming ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAYqkcDTwf
— I'm not going back with Chad.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRXRpI6eYl
— It's true ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5OuiBNrCW
I nod, grabbing the lapel of his coat.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29jd595kr8
— Chad has never been an obstacle between us. He's not the one I want to be with.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFnDl99rZh
He wipes his forehead where beads of sweat appear and looks at his damaged hand.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetrH2AyUCk
— Actually, I mainly thought that it would scare you to be with me.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Ai48gYNs4
— Maybe you should have asked me ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNACVU0Da6
I fiddle with a button on his coat.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6J5tePyGLE
— It's true.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbezarvxt47
He purses his lips and says : 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYLBlFlF93
— Do you want to go out with me ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjiRJ6OhMx
Finally you decide ! I smile. Of course I want to be with you, that’s all I’ve thought about since we met.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVP2TnEEvs
Jessy gives me a big smile.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtNAkqt7zF
— I don't know how long I'll stay alive.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXL7jH8X8es
— We'll see. We're going to make every day count.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzqa1EFD6e
— And with Chad, is it definitely over ? Are you sure ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyktpyTUxj
— Jessy, Chad and I broke up because you came into my life and offered another horizon to my future. When I met you, I realized I never really loved him. He's just a friend. That’s the real reason… At least for me.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylZzzX8SPj
I hand him some tissues which he wraps around his scratched hand, which has already stopped bleeding. Then he puts his arm around my shoulders, kisses my forehead and leads me towards the car, putting the letter in his coat pocket.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdjcmQoXrM
— I suspected that I was somewhat responsible for this story, he said, winking at me.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBAfEusiRe
Suddenly, he hands me the car keys.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWQiILerX5
— I don't feel like driving after all this, would you like it ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJm83A21FD
Too happy to be able to get behind the wheel, I eagerly grab the keys.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91hxZlQ3yn
341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3Pd6lUglF
341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dJs4TyI97
We enter Millisky, the town is deserted at this hour, only the street lights give a semblance of life to the streets. I glance at Jessy, lost in thought. Suddenly, instead of heading towards his house, I change direction and head towards the hill. I can't let him go home like this. Having reached the top, I stop the car. Jessy snaps out of his thoughts and looks around, surprised. He doesn't know this corner of the city where I myself rarely go.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpagGTnCJP
— Where are we ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVl0z0RUh6
— Come with me.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jwUX8iria
We are on a small dirt road bordered by a security fence. Tall grass protrudes from the slope overlooking the town. Jessy joins me in front of the car, I take his hand and lead him past one of the sumptuous mansions, which offers a perfect view of the sleeping city.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUoBadNiH4u
— I know you’re not in good spirits and I understand perfectly why, I assure him. I also know that you're waiting until you're alone to read Haley's letter. But I'm not going to let you do it, I don't want you to be upset, alone, in your corner while I'm worrying about you. Please, Jessy, do this for me. I'm not asking you to read it, I just want you to read it in my presence because whatever you think about it, you're going to need support afterwards and I want to be the one to hug you to make sure that everything will be alright.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlF1fjbHCc
With tears in his eyes, he nods.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmKa10yb1g
I move a few steps away to give him his privacy. He takes out the envelope, hesitates for a few seconds then opens it. From the first words he reads, I perceive the change in his expression, he seems to be decomposing. Quickly, I see tears rolling down his cheeks while I hold myself back from going to join him because I feel so bad for him. A few seconds later, he stops reading, leans over to lean on the safety barrier as a loud sob escapes him. I can no longer resist and will hug him. My arms are around his neck, my face on his shoulder.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqg9WV8ixHV
I'm here, Jessy, I'm here, I whisper in his ear.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMsxB8BIX5
He stands up, turns around and hugs me as if I were the only thing holding him back on earth.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInMYhHWL9h
— Here, he said, handing me the letter.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsAZQqxtVx
— No, it’s meant for you.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8yeGIxTYl
— I don't want to hide anything from you about Haley, not after what you admitted to me earlier.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWRlEiFZty
Although it bothers me, I grab the paper.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNIDmSEW09
341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDB6c0og6N
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Jessy, 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jVWEATsMm
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If you are reading this it is because I will no longer be here to speak to you in person. It’s also that you are looking for answers to your questions, explanations. I will try to answer it.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xJWTeZWzZ
First of all, I wanted to tell you that I am deeply sorry for having infected you. If I had known that I was carrying this virus, I would never have hit on you that evening. As I told you during that famous evening, I wasn't looking for anything serious, yet when I saw you, I liked you straight away. If I left so quickly once we slept together, it was because I could have had feelings for you and coming out of a difficult relationship, I didn't want that.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRunXyIxSe8
If you are wondering how I became HIV positive, it was precisely this ex that I had such a hard time forgetting who infected me after cheating on me. He didn't know he was sick either.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMptu50rUR
As I write these words to you, I am in the hospital. I don't think I'll get through it. I'm not telling you this to inspire pity, but to tell you that I pray that you never experience the same thing. I sincerely hope that medicine finds a cure before the virus manifests itself. In no case did I want to condemn you to live in this hell, neither you nor the two other boys whom I also infected.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpZNDQDHVX
I'm going to leave consumed with guilt. I pray that God forgives me, that you will be able to forgive me one day.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVwvmQN97w
341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlq4KAJLxCH
Haley 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQ35U38wg9
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These words upset me because they seem so sincere to me. I turn to Jessy who has wiped his eyes but still seems disturbed.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMjgbRkzMF
— How are you feeling ? I ask him.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupVABCxUTF
— Sad and relieved at the same time. In fact, I feel like life will never give me any gifts and that every one of my hopes will be disappointed.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RRRkNhPIj
— You are wrong, Jessy. You see that ? I point to Millisky lit up in front of us. This is your life today. It is no longer a dark alley in Allentown, nor even a state of the art residence in which many misfortunes hide. No, your life is here now. As for your future, I don't know what it will be like, just as I don't know my future, but there is one thing I am certain of : I will be with you.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtvM6yNcAG
He leans towards me, I kiss him full on the mouth. This time he kisses me back forcefully. His body presses against mine, making me shiver. From my lips, he lets his mouth slide slowly down to my neck. I savor this kiss, this desire that pushes me to want him ever closer to me. Then he takes my mouth again with a mixture of tenderness and eagerness. With the tip of his tongue, he parts my lips, his tongue caresses mine while he sucks in my breath. No boy, no even Chad has never kissed me like that. I feel faint in his arms, my legs have difficulty supporting me. He moves slightly away from me, staring at me. I can read in his eyes that I won this first battle, he regained faith in life, in my love for him. For the first time since I've known him, he's happy.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CldQEXwwG
Behind us, in the house, the group Divinyls can be heard with their songI’m on your side. 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdz2Y1pkC9
— Miss Crawfords, will you give me this dance ? 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXVUHPmbTe
He holds out his hand to me. 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjisqCqJtZE
— With pleasure.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw97oNuqjMU
« I’m on your side 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOG8D2xUjcs
You know I’m not the enemy. » 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PekN4cHSI
It's not hot tonight, but sheltered in Jessy's arms, I'm not cold.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9W49thtq7
« I love you, babe » rises in the silence of the night.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxX9yef9vL
Jessy moves back a few inches and looks at me with a mischievous smile.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuY7u1bG6j
— So in the end, who won ? The heart or the reason ? He asks me, quoting the words of the clairvoyant.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrHvmfGAyP
– You are the heart, you always have been, I answer him forcefully.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qog57eTyX
« I’ll hold on to you. » 341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPp9z5el7i
This is how, snuggled in each other’s arms, the music rocks us.341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoosRLHhLo
« I love you babe, I love you babe, I’m on your side. »341Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhXNOHms4c
and then Add to home screen.