Teaser Tuesday

It's a Character Interview Blogfest! Woot! I luuuurv blogfests. Today's is brought to you by the lovely Sangu Mandanna at Echoes of a Wayward Mind. Check out the link list to read writers' interviews with their characters. Does interviewing our characters fall in the same category as talking to ourselves? Hmm...

Oh, well. Who cares? I don't! Everyone thinks I'm weird anyway.

So, you've met Alexis (sort of) and Tristan (sort of) here and here respectively. You can get to know them a little better here, where you're also introduced to Sophia, Alexis's mom. Sophia is a hard nut to crack. She's had a tough life, but I'm not sure when and how it will all come out, so I'm not going to give any spoilers here. Just know that life has led her to become independent and pretty distrusting. On the other hand, she has an undying loyalty to her heritage, so even when she doesn't agree with the decisions, she'll follow through on them. She takes her responsibilities very seriously.

Because of this, many of my early readers don't like Sophia, especially in the beginning, but they do usually by the end. She really is a badass (get a glimpse of it here) and she behaves the way she does to meet her obligations while protecting Alexis. In her mind, these two needs often conflict with each other.

Anyway, onto the interview...

Me: Hello, Sophia. Thank you for giving me a little bit of your time.

Sophia: Thank you for having me. To be honest, I'm glad to have the opportunity to give you a different perspective, from a more mature point-of-view, if you know what I mean.

Me: Mmm...Yes, more mature. But we won't go into just how much more mature right now.

Sophia: I am not ashamed of my age.

Me: And you shouldn't be. If I looked like you, I'd want to live forever, too. You're just too gorgeous.

Sophia (waving her hand in dismissal): I certainly hope we're not here to discuss my age or my appearance. I believe we have more important topics?

Me: Yes, of course. So, let's start with your relationship with Alexis. Are you two close?

Sophia: We are very close. She calls me her best friend and we're really each other's only friends, at least while mainstreaming. I do have good friends, whom I miss very much, but my daughter needs me most right now.  So I am here for her and I know she is always there for me. She's always been well behaved and had no reason to keep secrets from me. At least, until now... But it's to be expected. She's been going through many changes and has to accept a lot at face value. It would frustrate me, too. In fact, I think she handles it quite well.

Me: So why are you so hard on her?

Sophia: Well, like any mother, I just want what's best for her. But I'm in a different position than most mothers. I have a good idea of what her future will be like. If all goes well, best case scenario, Alexis will be amazing, but she will also have a lot of pressure on her. Much more than I ever will. After all, the future of mankind will rest on her. And if it goes badly...well, let's just say it will be bad for all of us.

Me: And that's why you're so protective?

Sophia: It's a hard place to be in, being her mother. I know all of the dangers that lurk out there, wanting to take her life. I also know that she is well protected. But I can't stop being her mother. I can't stop worrying that we're all missing something that will end everything. And I also can't keep her from trying to live a somewhat normal life. I know she has dreams and aspirations, and I want to do what I can to help her achieve those...but not at the sacrifice of her life or the world's future. It's a fine line I must walk every waking minute.

Me: You're right. You are in a difficult position. But enough about Alexis. Let's talk more about you. What do you do when you're not working or ensuring your daughter's safety?

Sophia: I love to read. I love books and stories. You can experience so much in the safety of your own home. That's why I always wanted to open a bookstore. I wanted to share all these stories and experiences with others, especially children. I enjoy watching movies, too, especially spy movies from the 50s and 60s. I always love a good romance, whether a book or a movie. I suppose because it's been so long since I've had one myself.

Me: Do you ever plan to remarry, after Alexis leaves the house?

Sophia (with a laugh): If we can ever get to that point! Seriously, though, I don't know. It takes a special, er, man to be able to handle our love. It would have to be when I don't mainstream anymore, when I can be with someone closer to us...someone who can endure the physical aspects... (she winks)

Me: Okay, then. I think we'll leave it at that. Thank you, again, for joining us. You certainly did give us a different perspective on things.

Sophia: You're very welcome. (in a whisper) Now, since we're on the subject of men and me...do you have any plans? I mean, I don't mind, for Alexis's sake, but will there ever be a time...?

Me (with a sly smile): Now, Sophia, you know that's up to you. If you meet someone that grabs your attention, I'm sure you'll let me know.

So, there she is, laying it all out. Well, most of it. Okay...not much. But at least we know her side of things a little better. I think it makes it easier to at least empathize with her actions. Stay tuned to the Soul Savers series to learn more...and to find out if Sophia ever does get a mate.