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.611Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHQc8idL6a
Finally she turns her eyes away from the windowpane and says, “You could be lying to me.”611Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Cxcdli5wx
Mechteld shrugs and says, “I could be, but I haven’t told you a lie yet.”611Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvHU8rzLLZ
Marquita silently stares as she feels a uneasiness from deep inside her. Despite all she has seen; Mechteld is still a mystery to her.611Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TiZOXHuwr
“To do this for me is a favor. I don’t forget those who help me.”611Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliks6IsoEP
The photo of her parents catches Marquita’s eye. Marquita wants to say yes, but the fear of leaving Queens still bothers her.611Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFab8zzXfY
“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.”611Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHPYsdZmXs
Mechteld shakes her head, “They can’t know what you are.”611Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQoQKwSFufo
“Why? If they knew they would understand. I’m sure of it.” Tears once again line Marquita’s eyes as she begins to wheeze.611Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGDL93nyY3
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?”611Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYXxamSbOi
Marquita stands still as she continues to gasps. She knows Mechteld is right, but a burning in her chest keeps her from answering.611Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1zr1U4n9W
“I need an answer Marquita. Are you coming to Las Vegas?”611Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHv2XWpLq5
Marquita keeps her eyes averted from Mechteld as she asks, “Can I see my parents?”611Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMe0wfBYxf
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.”611Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEDFZgwdNA
Marquita looks up from the floor with wide surprised eyes. She watches Mechteld and holds her breath.611Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ArsX4f3eJ
“But I think it’s a bad idea to see them, Marquita.”611Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVcKY12qy3
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.611Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfzFuMeoGC
“Why?” Marquita asks, cautiously.611Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbFn5NJQ82
“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.”611Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNGfsEMFYL
Mechteld hands the pictures to Marquita. She stares at her parent, wishing she could see their auras in the photograph.611Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1eVOW1AFj
“You said your family was dead. Who did you have to say good bye to?”611Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfE1X4Tm8au
“Just take the advice Marquita and help me pack.”
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