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.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HnBvh0yDp
Finally she turns her eyes away from the windowpane and says, “You could be lying to me.”695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFK9YB0SNZ
Mechteld shrugs and says, “I could be, but I haven’t told you a lie yet.”695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73ri8IgXBj
Marquita silently stares as she feels a uneasiness from deep inside her. Despite all she has seen; Mechteld is still a mystery to her.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoi3QssCS8
“To do this for me is a favor. I don’t forget those who help me.”695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmee3S8PgxZ
The photo of her parents catches Marquita’s eye. Marquita wants to say yes, but the fear of leaving Queens still bothers her.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsyvhnDbwz
“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.”695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyiTz7rpdC
Mechteld shakes her head, “They can’t know what you are.”695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4J8wTK5Wk
“Why? If they knew they would understand. I’m sure of it.” Tears once again line Marquita’s eyes as she begins to wheeze.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpwZMh6KUv
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?”695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpSuoWTyoE
Marquita stands still as she continues to gasps. She knows Mechteld is right, but a burning in her chest keeps her from answering.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyz5m2YslDa
“I need an answer Marquita. Are you coming to Las Vegas?”695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRLElzRJKX
Marquita keeps her eyes averted from Mechteld as she asks, “Can I see my parents?”695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxI6LCIZ3Vy
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.”695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVNmYNucx7
Marquita looks up from the floor with wide surprised eyes. She watches Mechteld and holds her breath.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPoK9Cgh7J
“But I think it’s a bad idea to see them, Marquita.”695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefxwDzMCWB
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.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOemZpmZEg
“Why?” Marquita asks, cautiously.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Uq0UdzPOh
“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.”695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7SgjGYoCF
Mechteld hands the pictures to Marquita. She stares at her parent, wishing she could see their auras in the photograph.695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqTLaPHLIu
“You said your family was dead. Who did you have to say good bye to?”695Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJsvOMEIwf
“Just take the advice Marquita and help me pack.”
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