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.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7E9ki5eIe
Finally she turns her eyes away from the windowpane and says, “You could be lying to me.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVayoH4Dm7I
Mechteld shrugs and says, “I could be, but I haven’t told you a lie yet.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiE4X82GFf
Marquita silently stares as she feels a uneasiness from deep inside her. Despite all she has seen; Mechteld is still a mystery to her.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCTHY7gscI
“To do this for me is a favor. I don’t forget those who help me.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgSUmlvubL
The photo of her parents catches Marquita’s eye. Marquita wants to say yes, but the fear of leaving Queens still bothers her.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgIVOOKmLw
“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.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnlsXgQJ1Q
Mechteld shakes her head, “They can’t know what you are.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9dqJg44hI
“Why? If they knew they would understand. I’m sure of it.” Tears once again line Marquita’s eyes as she begins to wheeze.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoin1hTgAHf
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?”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVgcpVxdOa
Marquita stands still as she continues to gasps. She knows Mechteld is right, but a burning in her chest keeps her from answering.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2kJ5tU8Y2
“I need an answer Marquita. Are you coming to Las Vegas?”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFCFbRMIa6
Marquita keeps her eyes averted from Mechteld as she asks, “Can I see my parents?”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDoTClR6Erh
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.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMd7UbyCBE
Marquita looks up from the floor with wide surprised eyes. She watches Mechteld and holds her breath.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0PXLOuaSs
“But I think it’s a bad idea to see them, Marquita.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLoSwVlHVv
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.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡft1COMICJA
“Why?” Marquita asks, cautiously.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡts2jJGmTOx
“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.”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz72aQY7pXA
Mechteld hands the pictures to Marquita. She stares at her parent, wishing she could see their auras in the photograph.555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3G2eWgrYiy
“You said your family was dead. Who did you have to say good bye to?”555Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppQKBsOYRs
“Just take the advice Marquita and help me pack.”
ns 15.158.61.20da2
