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.554Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgjaRqISsx
Finally she turns her eyes away from the windowpane and says, “You could be lying to me.”554Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrPVowd1YY
Mechteld shrugs and says, “I could be, but I haven’t told you a lie yet.”554Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNo3K6iBb7c
Marquita silently stares as she feels a uneasiness from deep inside her. Despite all she has seen; Mechteld is still a mystery to her.554Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4gIsFPiJ4
“To do this for me is a favor. I don’t forget those who help me.”554Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzusEGtybMW
The photo of her parents catches Marquita’s eye. Marquita wants to say yes, but the fear of leaving Queens still bothers her.554Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGmzRGzziP
“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.”554Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWvQQdJRag
Mechteld shakes her head, “They can’t know what you are.”554Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnh8K8MXqN
“Why? If they knew they would understand. I’m sure of it.” Tears once again line Marquita’s eyes as she begins to wheeze.554Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZ21U9AQ1F
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?”554Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBUTS6yeqm
Marquita stands still as she continues to gasps. She knows Mechteld is right, but a burning in her chest keeps her from answering.554Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8r2K9ceeDK
“I need an answer Marquita. Are you coming to Las Vegas?”554Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXJ7DlzJwT
Marquita keeps her eyes averted from Mechteld as she asks, “Can I see my parents?”554Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkFD7MDVCU
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.”554Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpRm3TPyFu
Marquita looks up from the floor with wide surprised eyes. She watches Mechteld and holds her breath.554Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8q0Hs1g6S
“But I think it’s a bad idea to see them, Marquita.”554Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ038teUu31o
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.554Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCBjjaG03g
“Why?” Marquita asks, cautiously.554Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyZoOf5rJf
“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.”554Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhOgNaHpSP
Mechteld hands the pictures to Marquita. She stares at her parent, wishing she could see their auras in the photograph.554Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6nuCQF165
“You said your family was dead. Who did you have to say good bye to?”554Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cgBgOe4eX
“Just take the advice Marquita and help me pack.”
ns 15.158.61.20da2
