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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuvDpJWHMS
Finally she turns her eyes away from the windowpane and says, “You could be lying to me.”635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQg9wnlkDD
Mechteld shrugs and says, “I could be, but I haven’t told you a lie yet.”635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ546jTykPHv
Marquita silently stares as she feels a uneasiness from deep inside her. Despite all she has seen; Mechteld is still a mystery to her.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NTyX8xDHS
“To do this for me is a favor. I don’t forget those who help me.”635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtGa4012DP
The photo of her parents catches Marquita’s eye. Marquita wants to say yes, but the fear of leaving Queens still bothers her.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ198oGCQBvx
“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.”635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xOsGHWTTa
Mechteld shakes her head, “They can’t know what you are.”635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHh0P6RqjXE
“Why? If they knew they would understand. I’m sure of it.” Tears once again line Marquita’s eyes as she begins to wheeze.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG07d9vr5DU
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?”635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLWF0sSbpU
Marquita stands still as she continues to gasps. She knows Mechteld is right, but a burning in her chest keeps her from answering.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7dM0GQRnQ
“I need an answer Marquita. Are you coming to Las Vegas?”635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWoUmOACBqT
Marquita keeps her eyes averted from Mechteld as she asks, “Can I see my parents?”635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaXxooSEsy
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.”635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeTgMGWF8f
Marquita looks up from the floor with wide surprised eyes. She watches Mechteld and holds her breath.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaXVRy1BeY
“But I think it’s a bad idea to see them, Marquita.”635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmAmw1Xka2
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.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6AZYxrFkt
“Why?” Marquita asks, cautiously.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Y97u3SeKc
“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.”635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLsH5qGG3Y
Mechteld hands the pictures to Marquita. She stares at her parent, wishing she could see their auras in the photograph.635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADcaSirthQ
“You said your family was dead. Who did you have to say good bye to?”635Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx07T0nH5aF
“Just take the advice Marquita and help me pack.”
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