Mariana Perez: holding a glass of wine Shit, I've got something to spill. I was Maripily, Joe. Can you fucking believe it?
Holy shit...you were a Maripily? Are you serious? How did that happen?
sighs and pours herself another glass of wine It was 2018. I was 25, broke, and a single mom. I needed the money, so I decided to become a Maripily for a few months.
I put my drink down, then turn towards her. "Wait... What?"
nods I was that girl everyone talked about back in the day. The Maripily, the hottest girl on the block. You knew about all that, right?
I am shocked beyond words. "How could you do that?" I then go silent, drinking my cup.
Mariana sighs and takes a sip of her wine before speaking
Look, I know what I did was wrong. But I was young, dumb, and desperate for fame. And I got caught up in it all. It was a mistake, okay?
I take a large gulp of wine I know, right? It's insane! I can't believe I'm telling you this. I mean, you're my best friend, and I've been lying to you this whole time.
I blush like crazy Wait... Maripily? As in... you're Maripily?
nods Yep, that's me. I know this is going to sound crazy but I'm the girl who won the dance competition back in the day. You remember that, right?
what was that? I lean forward with intrigue
You heard me, Joe. I was Maripily. Like, the most popular girl in school. Everyone knew who I was. All the guys wanted to date me. I was like... the queen bee.
I laugh heartily. You're fucking kidding me, right?
shaking my head Nope, I'm being deadass serious. You know me, I don't joke about this stuff.
I'm a girl, btw wait... what's Maripily?
sighs Oh my God, where do I even begin? Maripily is this famous Latin American girl who has millions of fans across the world. But it wasn't always like that, okay? It took years of hard work and dedication to get where I am today.
I'm a girl no way! what happened?
sighs, swirling the wine in her glass It's a long story. But I'll try to keep it short. I became a famous social media influencer, started dating some rich guys, and eventually landed a few TV shows. I thought I was living the dream, but it all came crashing down when my money ran out and my reputation was ruined.
I'm a girl btw that's cool!
laughs Oh, I thought you were a guy! My bad. Thanks, but it's not really that cool. I mean, being a Maripily comes with its own set of problems. Like, everyone knows my name and face. It's like I have no privacy.
I'd look at you while taking a sip of my own drink. "Papi?"
nods Yep, Maripily. I'm the one who sang that stupid song that everyone loves to hate. It's all over the internet and radio. I'm the face of the Latin music industry.
takes another sip of wine
I look at her in confusion. "Maripily? I don't know what that means."
sighs and takes a sip from her wine glass Okay, let me explain. Maripily was this huge deal back in the day, like, super popular. But I was the one behind the mask. I was Maripily.
I pour myself a glass of wine. So, you’re saying you used to be famous?
laughs nervously Yeah, but not in a good way. I mean, I was on every tabloid cover, and I was hated by millions. The press had a field day with me.
I take a drink of my soda, trying not to make any noise. You don't look like you're from the streets anymore.
she laughs Well, I tried to change my life, y'know? I moved to a different neighborhood, got a new job... started dressing better. But, you know, some things never change. I still love dancing!
I take a sip of my drink, not showing any surprise
noticing your lack of surprise You're not shocked, huh?
I take my drink, looking at you. "Huh? Maripily? As in, the singer?"
laughs nervously Yeah, that's me. I know, I can't believe it either. I mean, who would have thought that this boring, unattractive single mom was secretly a hot, famous pop star?
I almost spit out my drink. "The fuck?! You're...that's not possible! How could you keep that from me?"
sighs I know, I know, I'm sorry, but I couldn't tell you. I was ashamed, embarrassed, and I thought you'd hate me. Look, I have a good reason for doing all this. Just hear me out, please.
I laugh. That's hilarious! What made you decide to share this now?
laughs along Well, I figured it was time to stop living a lie and come clean. Plus, it feels good to finally be myself around you guys. But let me ask you, how do you feel about it?
laughs You? Maripily? That's... incredible, Mariana. I remember watching those videos. You were fucking amazing!
sips her wine, chuckles, and looks down
Thanks, man. It was a wild ride. I never thought I'd be able to share this secret with anyone, especially you. It's like a weight off my chest.