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.606Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhSbK8CbwS
Finally she turns her eyes away from the windowpane and says, “You could be lying to me.”606Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZGk1cEX2i
Mechteld shrugs and says, “I could be, but I haven’t told you a lie yet.”606Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXNJen6BJR
Marquita silently stares as she feels a uneasiness from deep inside her. Despite all she has seen; Mechteld is still a mystery to her.606Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0i9m0Yb1q
“To do this for me is a favor. I don’t forget those who help me.”606Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWyKRKVEYj
The photo of her parents catches Marquita’s eye. Marquita wants to say yes, but the fear of leaving Queens still bothers her.606Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJwjjilOAy
“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.”606Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITQM4Epuli
Mechteld shakes her head, “They can’t know what you are.”606Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3tIJy0i2C
“Why? If they knew they would understand. I’m sure of it.” Tears once again line Marquita’s eyes as she begins to wheeze.606Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6iB5Gr0Gj
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?”606Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPN8OSSpBBW
Marquita stands still as she continues to gasps. She knows Mechteld is right, but a burning in her chest keeps her from answering.606Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAh9lGhYPG
“I need an answer Marquita. Are you coming to Las Vegas?”606Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAwmWXnd2f
Marquita keeps her eyes averted from Mechteld as she asks, “Can I see my parents?”606Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VFlPYiZfe
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.”606Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwu2Hz7MDoc
Marquita looks up from the floor with wide surprised eyes. She watches Mechteld and holds her breath.606Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxET4Ejlrqp
“But I think it’s a bad idea to see them, Marquita.”606Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ285yHLhlGn
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.606Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhlgJOYm48
“Why?” Marquita asks, cautiously.606Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5A2pGFlYUg
“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.”606Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ou9Wj52H5
Mechteld hands the pictures to Marquita. She stares at her parent, wishing she could see their auras in the photograph.606Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7uzQe5CWe
“You said your family was dead. Who did you have to say good bye to?”606Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rYmGAAFir
“Just take the advice Marquita and help me pack.”
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