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.686Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0xZOuKLzT
Finally she turns her eyes away from the windowpane and says, “You could be lying to me.”686Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVLegy3SoE
Mechteld shrugs and says, “I could be, but I haven’t told you a lie yet.”686Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJXLkZYfqp
Marquita silently stares as she feels a uneasiness from deep inside her. Despite all she has seen; Mechteld is still a mystery to her.686Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZVfipqEVb
“To do this for me is a favor. I don’t forget those who help me.”686Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1I3tvYPPlQ
The photo of her parents catches Marquita’s eye. Marquita wants to say yes, but the fear of leaving Queens still bothers her.686Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwK4hyyVWN
“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.”686Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz26LDYGQ6q
Mechteld shakes her head, “They can’t know what you are.”686Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxI9ljII6Y
“Why? If they knew they would understand. I’m sure of it.” Tears once again line Marquita’s eyes as she begins to wheeze.686Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8qRIfNDzj
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?”686Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iGIZdZHUA
Marquita stands still as she continues to gasps. She knows Mechteld is right, but a burning in her chest keeps her from answering.686Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCJ78KK7nh
“I need an answer Marquita. Are you coming to Las Vegas?”686Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXUQZwOWuk
Marquita keeps her eyes averted from Mechteld as she asks, “Can I see my parents?”686Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXpRlbX8qn
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.”686Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7BVRvn7VT
Marquita looks up from the floor with wide surprised eyes. She watches Mechteld and holds her breath.686Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahcNEtHDzm
“But I think it’s a bad idea to see them, Marquita.”686Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNOuN6N6hw
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.686Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5iORPjVFA
“Why?” Marquita asks, cautiously.686Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqDT3AqGQw
“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.”686Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡij9QJ475sY
Mechteld hands the pictures to Marquita. She stares at her parent, wishing she could see their auras in the photograph.686Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QiAwtmZtV
“You said your family was dead. Who did you have to say good bye to?”686Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zueMV4bH9
“Just take the advice Marquita and help me pack.”
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