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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfnEMfQpd2
Finally she turns her eyes away from the windowpane and says, “You could be lying to me.”608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyOaApL4Gm
Mechteld shrugs and says, “I could be, but I haven’t told you a lie yet.”608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGkR9sSaiC
Marquita silently stares as she feels a uneasiness from deep inside her. Despite all she has seen; Mechteld is still a mystery to her.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Wba4tMgEu
“To do this for me is a favor. I don’t forget those who help me.”608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJfrwbbdO8
The photo of her parents catches Marquita’s eye. Marquita wants to say yes, but the fear of leaving Queens still bothers her.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnm7ypRzuFk
“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.”608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2W04yVojSc
Mechteld shakes her head, “They can’t know what you are.”608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAFjBAulhV
“Why? If they knew they would understand. I’m sure of it.” Tears once again line Marquita’s eyes as she begins to wheeze.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNCxp4BDZo
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?”608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoSSUWtVMx
Marquita stands still as she continues to gasps. She knows Mechteld is right, but a burning in her chest keeps her from answering.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhEJZbDRMs
“I need an answer Marquita. Are you coming to Las Vegas?”608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDAvnYkCXP
Marquita keeps her eyes averted from Mechteld as she asks, “Can I see my parents?”608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yTXkgM77M
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.”608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71aHnpc1Pa
Marquita looks up from the floor with wide surprised eyes. She watches Mechteld and holds her breath.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDdKRczcn8
“But I think it’s a bad idea to see them, Marquita.”608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0gIEpPm5K
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.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fHOKK4Eg3
“Why?” Marquita asks, cautiously.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu77xw3XMgK
“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.”608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4PCiQD6ol
Mechteld hands the pictures to Marquita. She stares at her parent, wishing she could see their auras in the photograph.608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrQmWIRTtK
“You said your family was dead. Who did you have to say good bye to?”608Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzrevcg9k4
“Just take the advice Marquita and help me pack.”
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