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.499Please respect copyright.PENANAalarhLuv0R
Finally she turns her eyes away from the windowpane and says, “You could be lying to me.”499Please respect copyright.PENANA37WtCdm5J0
Mechteld shrugs and says, “I could be, but I haven’t told you a lie yet.”499Please respect copyright.PENANA89RNpQDxs9
Marquita silently stares as she feels a uneasiness from deep inside her. Despite all she has seen; Mechteld is still a mystery to her.499Please respect copyright.PENANAx8PZYflyBB
“To do this for me is a favor. I don’t forget those who help me.”499Please respect copyright.PENANAGo4bnpxAgF
The photo of her parents catches Marquita’s eye. Marquita wants to say yes, but the fear of leaving Queens still bothers her.499Please respect copyright.PENANAarfyNivKb7
“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.”499Please respect copyright.PENANAZJW8ckkf8W
Mechteld shakes her head, “They can’t know what you are.”499Please respect copyright.PENANAU49295Gshd
“Why? If they knew they would understand. I’m sure of it.” Tears once again line Marquita’s eyes as she begins to wheeze.499Please respect copyright.PENANA4SlJlNhlPs
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?”499Please respect copyright.PENANAnuWyKS8iBL
Marquita stands still as she continues to gasps. She knows Mechteld is right, but a burning in her chest keeps her from answering.499Please respect copyright.PENANAqjOe2P5wyP
“I need an answer Marquita. Are you coming to Las Vegas?”499Please respect copyright.PENANA3bYlqRBZUy
Marquita keeps her eyes averted from Mechteld as she asks, “Can I see my parents?”499Please respect copyright.PENANAzbu1vX2C9O
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.”499Please respect copyright.PENANAk1EpP6yRoM
Marquita looks up from the floor with wide surprised eyes. She watches Mechteld and holds her breath.499Please respect copyright.PENANAfcELa0LGwm
“But I think it’s a bad idea to see them, Marquita.”499Please respect copyright.PENANA2KcfrtmGF4
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.499Please respect copyright.PENANASKeXvyrx2C
“Why?” Marquita asks, cautiously.499Please respect copyright.PENANA1OPjPep5wj
“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.”499Please respect copyright.PENANAgIVW7hJXXQ
Mechteld hands the pictures to Marquita. She stares at her parent, wishing she could see their auras in the photograph.499Please respect copyright.PENANAsmgd5GXMNp
“You said your family was dead. Who did you have to say good bye to?”499Please respect copyright.PENANAHZ7q6PwLUJ
“Just take the advice Marquita and help me pack.”
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