It was so much fun participating in this blogfest. I got a lot of guesses for Mari's appearance -- some close, some way off and only one that was absolutely dead on. It was definitely interesting to see how others imagined Mari with so little to go on.
Before I reveal Mari's picture, I want to post the original snippet, unedited, from yesterday:
“Mama, Daddy, I have something to tell you. You remember Tom, right? What am I saying? Of course you do.” Maribel Madigan straightened her shoulders and took a deep breath, staring straight ahead with narrowed, determined eyes. She could do this. “Well, the thing is…we’re not getting married after all. And…I’m pregnant.”
The last words echoed dully in the empty bathroom, sending shivers through Mari’s entire body. Could mirrors lie? she wondered, staring at the stark, scared girl reflected back at her. It wasn’t her. In fact, she didn’t even recognize this girl. The hair hadn’t changed. It was still sleek and black, falling smoothly to her elbows. Her skin was the same pale caramel, too. But the eyes…those eyes belonged to a stranger, cold and black with fear. Not her usual confident, bubbly self. That girl was long gone.
Who was she kidding? She couldn’t do this. With a frustrated sigh, she pushed away from the sink. Thirty years old and she was terrified to tell her family she was going to be a mom. How pathetic!
With a growl, Mari tore open the bathroom door and marched into the bustling diner outside. Like it or not, today was the day.
Black hair, caramel skin, brown eyes. Her mother is from Mexico, which is why she calls her "Mama." Elizabeth Mueller was the closest with her guess: "I imagined her short, olive complected and long, thick black hair with brown eyes. ;)"
This is the lovely Mari:
She has a sweet face, a smart mouth and a good head on her shoulders. She usually doesn't do anything wild or crazy, but after breaking up with her fiance of five years, she decided she wanted a baby. Only now, she's afraid to tell her Mama that she's going to be a single mother. But she's tough and she'll do it...eventually.
Thanks to everyone who guessed. I had a blast reading all your responses and guessing on your characters, too!
