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.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47G32U595r
Finally she turns her eyes away from the windowpane and says, “You could be lying to me.”615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0no1GXJH3
Mechteld shrugs and says, “I could be, but I haven’t told you a lie yet.”615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqbz3Qjr6I
Marquita silently stares as she feels a uneasiness from deep inside her. Despite all she has seen; Mechteld is still a mystery to her.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUMwB77vm7
“To do this for me is a favor. I don’t forget those who help me.”615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNCOZ0DgLx
The photo of her parents catches Marquita’s eye. Marquita wants to say yes, but the fear of leaving Queens still bothers her.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnFe9PmxVz
“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.”615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkEIVKVDMl
Mechteld shakes her head, “They can’t know what you are.”615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNjQRxtwlY
“Why? If they knew they would understand. I’m sure of it.” Tears once again line Marquita’s eyes as she begins to wheeze.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnWbZL8RoB
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?”615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYitoxdisvU
Marquita stands still as she continues to gasps. She knows Mechteld is right, but a burning in her chest keeps her from answering.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMaccC5jX0
“I need an answer Marquita. Are you coming to Las Vegas?”615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4q0AW5esN
Marquita keeps her eyes averted from Mechteld as she asks, “Can I see my parents?”615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqAr0HICWx
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.”615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaUNWgvvfc
Marquita looks up from the floor with wide surprised eyes. She watches Mechteld and holds her breath.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPykYc9gQl
“But I think it’s a bad idea to see them, Marquita.”615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuPOBRFHbU
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.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsn1EZsUpBj
“Why?” Marquita asks, cautiously.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKqUIyxkTk
“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.”615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCNFjgIpPG
Mechteld hands the pictures to Marquita. She stares at her parent, wishing she could see their auras in the photograph.615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGeWkqamy4
“You said your family was dead. Who did you have to say good bye to?”615Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8h4bXuJmFB
“Just take the advice Marquita and help me pack.”
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