Marquita thinks carefully about the offer while her finger graze the dusty windowpane. She wants to believe that she can have a future. She wants to know the feeling of control. She wants to not be afraid of Mechteld.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25pY2hH6gZ
Finally she turns her eyes away from the windowpane and says, “You could be lying to me.”689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2V5yimyizz
Mechteld shrugs and says, “I could be, but I haven’t told you a lie yet.”689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hvyKBHaiv
Marquita silently stares as she feels a uneasiness from deep inside her. Despite all she has seen; Mechteld is still a mystery to her.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVc6dvf7Mw
“To do this for me is a favor. I don’t forget those who help me.”689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBGwhHEatU
The photo of her parents catches Marquita’s eye. Marquita wants to say yes, but the fear of leaving Queens still bothers her.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyrulaDkiG
“You can’t just ‘consider’ contact with my parents. You have to promise me. I can’t do this without them. I need them to know that I’m okay and that I love them.”689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7Z8iwicIV
Mechteld shakes her head, “They can’t know what you are.”689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWs3b1bAoiL
“Why? If they knew they would understand. I’m sure of it.” Tears once again line Marquita’s eyes as she begins to wheeze.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJVjG3LINt
Mechteld turns away from Marquita’s crying and begins stacking the newspapers, setting aside the one with the picture of Marquita’s parents. Calmly she says, “You didn’t believe me until you violated my thoughts. How do you expect your parents to understand?”689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6xVDGpQ03
Marquita stands still as she continues to gasps. She knows Mechteld is right, but a burning in her chest keeps her from answering.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPJ3fIYyRi
“I need an answer Marquita. Are you coming to Las Vegas?”689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hSR6EWM0D
Marquita keeps her eyes averted from Mechteld as she asks, “Can I see my parents?”689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaRY9KqLcY
Mechteld looks at Marquita who keeps her crying eyes. After a long pause Mechteld breathes out and says, “I’ll arrange something, but only after we come back from Las Vegas.”689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJy4bkMqYb
Marquita looks up from the floor with wide surprised eyes. She watches Mechteld and holds her breath.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9XB9nTypv
“But I think it’s a bad idea to see them, Marquita.”689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0cvNoYEHh
Mechteld takes the remaining paper and looks at the side-by-side photos. She then removes the page from the rest of the paper and begins to fold and tear the photos out.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QLSHbwi4Y
“Why?” Marquita asks, cautiously.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dIUwEbQiF
“It’s better to be done with it. The last moments will linger for an eternity. You’d be surprised at how disappointing goodbyes can be if you try to do it over.”689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRTcj0gsbf
Mechteld hands the pictures to Marquita. She stares at her parent, wishing she could see their auras in the photograph.689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynF1o00nlq
“You said your family was dead. Who did you have to say good bye to?”689Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ei8f3Y3P7
“Just take the advice Marquita and help me pack.”
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