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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0fojXyNbQ
Finally she turns her eyes away from the windowpane and says, “You could be lying to me.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Xs5rKXt5Q
Mechteld shrugs and says, “I could be, but I haven’t told you a lie yet.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNKuMlyBma
Marquita silently stares as she feels a uneasiness from deep inside her. Despite all she has seen; Mechteld is still a mystery to her.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4SfvKLhyh
“To do this for me is a favor. I don’t forget those who help me.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyQDqkdOhP
The photo of her parents catches Marquita’s eye. Marquita wants to say yes, but the fear of leaving Queens still bothers her.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDkyYnw29u
“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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZuK2FeoI3M
Mechteld shakes her head, “They can’t know what you are.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIljNFY0mIL
“Why? If they knew they would understand. I’m sure of it.” Tears once again line Marquita’s eyes as she begins to wheeze.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ751aXucGaA
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?”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXev9oeeIJ
Marquita stands still as she continues to gasps. She knows Mechteld is right, but a burning in her chest keeps her from answering.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpKcIbrvxd
“I need an answer Marquita. Are you coming to Las Vegas?”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsvrzigDRH
Marquita keeps her eyes averted from Mechteld as she asks, “Can I see my parents?”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKj96X7YQZn
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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IVHRUZZKQ
Marquita looks up from the floor with wide surprised eyes. She watches Mechteld and holds her breath.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZ5vc0hreV
“But I think it’s a bad idea to see them, Marquita.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3khyBjal9k
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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xpwUEXrnq
“Why?” Marquita asks, cautiously.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZNTPCNJ0u
“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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPbBBcDt5Q
Mechteld hands the pictures to Marquita. She stares at her parent, wishing she could see their auras in the photograph.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbeoa6Qfyc
“You said your family was dead. Who did you have to say good bye to?”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmeoEtTPBu
“Just take the advice Marquita and help me pack.”
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