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.693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cQkirl4Oj
Finally she turns her eyes away from the windowpane and says, “You could be lying to me.”693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5S9n3rw5r3
Mechteld shrugs and says, “I could be, but I haven’t told you a lie yet.”693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlCTrLdWmz
Marquita silently stares as she feels a uneasiness from deep inside her. Despite all she has seen; Mechteld is still a mystery to her.693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0b6jAiazUn
“To do this for me is a favor. I don’t forget those who help me.”693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqj5P30YIx
The photo of her parents catches Marquita’s eye. Marquita wants to say yes, but the fear of leaving Queens still bothers her.693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT072DKd39I
“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.”693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymgZRKZaQZ
Mechteld shakes her head, “They can’t know what you are.”693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfSTz92TFE
“Why? If they knew they would understand. I’m sure of it.” Tears once again line Marquita’s eyes as she begins to wheeze.693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUeI5IIJ9E
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?”693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4qVEojGGg
Marquita stands still as she continues to gasps. She knows Mechteld is right, but a burning in her chest keeps her from answering.693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqhDU8m6b1
“I need an answer Marquita. Are you coming to Las Vegas?”693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJwwcQL7ol
Marquita keeps her eyes averted from Mechteld as she asks, “Can I see my parents?”693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6JM3Yijve
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.”693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ157gFZm9k7
Marquita looks up from the floor with wide surprised eyes. She watches Mechteld and holds her breath.693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69igpTmg5q
“But I think it’s a bad idea to see them, Marquita.”693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZek9LF2i9
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.693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI55QH8H9s7
“Why?” Marquita asks, cautiously.693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoTIHU6fw5
“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.”693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXyPwPUKqL
Mechteld hands the pictures to Marquita. She stares at her parent, wishing she could see their auras in the photograph.693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLSyGfOCR8
“You said your family was dead. Who did you have to say good bye to?”693Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAy8nFRQnOK
“Just take the advice Marquita and help me pack.”
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