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.876Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtUbVMZkEM
Finally she turns her eyes away from the windowpane and says, “You could be lying to me.”876Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvfRg7jcBi
Mechteld shrugs and says, “I could be, but I haven’t told you a lie yet.”876Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡks8MKCejZy
Marquita silently stares as she feels a uneasiness from deep inside her. Despite all she has seen; Mechteld is still a mystery to her.876Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Vfc0tgdHo
“To do this for me is a favor. I don’t forget those who help me.”876Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGYtaizUZH
The photo of her parents catches Marquita’s eye. Marquita wants to say yes, but the fear of leaving Queens still bothers her.876Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpZv5MMY3A
“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.”876Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJd6d9QgSl3
Mechteld shakes her head, “They can’t know what you are.”876Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pyveIJLYX
“Why? If they knew they would understand. I’m sure of it.” Tears once again line Marquita’s eyes as she begins to wheeze.876Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrqiYleIyP
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?”876Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGMdwmdZnN
Marquita stands still as she continues to gasps. She knows Mechteld is right, but a burning in her chest keeps her from answering.876Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MJKMmzcQo
“I need an answer Marquita. Are you coming to Las Vegas?”876Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhi1oUsK2wH
Marquita keeps her eyes averted from Mechteld as she asks, “Can I see my parents?”876Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4NbP9PUQW
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.”876Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqP2nTjLOf
Marquita looks up from the floor with wide surprised eyes. She watches Mechteld and holds her breath.876Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIw6LkgM3S
“But I think it’s a bad idea to see them, Marquita.”876Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZT0rWYrtWL
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.876Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uMaiiEphM
“Why?” Marquita asks, cautiously.876Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQcnv3Osa4
“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.”876Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmTQiUZEvC
Mechteld hands the pictures to Marquita. She stares at her parent, wishing she could see their auras in the photograph.876Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTNIMEDRvp
“You said your family was dead. Who did you have to say good bye to?”876Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyYPJXVPiu
“Just take the advice Marquita and help me pack.”
ns216.73.216.95da2
and then Add to home screen.