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.670Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0pTDbNnS1
Finally she turns her eyes away from the windowpane and says, “You could be lying to me.”670Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYEuCWPBa1
Mechteld shrugs and says, “I could be, but I haven’t told you a lie yet.”670Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQZqGsvOv0
Marquita silently stares as she feels a uneasiness from deep inside her. Despite all she has seen; Mechteld is still a mystery to her.670Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Jg31LUrRm
“To do this for me is a favor. I don’t forget those who help me.”670Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6LjHAkpuv
The photo of her parents catches Marquita’s eye. Marquita wants to say yes, but the fear of leaving Queens still bothers her.670Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDshRatj6p
“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.”670Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP48OjrJHlK
Mechteld shakes her head, “They can’t know what you are.”670Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsCtWEC5Lb
“Why? If they knew they would understand. I’m sure of it.” Tears once again line Marquita’s eyes as she begins to wheeze.670Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQUPWFQG6V
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?”670Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77JeMWJLOB
Marquita stands still as she continues to gasps. She knows Mechteld is right, but a burning in her chest keeps her from answering.670Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO43sFhLowi
“I need an answer Marquita. Are you coming to Las Vegas?”670Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WXdYRou3Y
Marquita keeps her eyes averted from Mechteld as she asks, “Can I see my parents?”670Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwGKs9Hz4c
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.”670Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTP3vXV0Vkx
Marquita looks up from the floor with wide surprised eyes. She watches Mechteld and holds her breath.670Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZAn0NtFO7
“But I think it’s a bad idea to see them, Marquita.”670Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlkqUraY6J
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.670Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPe8kuO5MFk
“Why?” Marquita asks, cautiously.670Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvkCN3IqRE
“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.”670Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNjspTlqQg
Mechteld hands the pictures to Marquita. She stares at her parent, wishing she could see their auras in the photograph.670Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡll9du0qRhb
“You said your family was dead. Who did you have to say good bye to?”670Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUpn22MI14
“Just take the advice Marquita and help me pack.”
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