Ava
I hummed as I drew more designs for my adorable nephew or niece. I couldn't wait for the little one to grow and hatch from its egg.
As far as the eye could see, my sketchpad was filled with colorful drawings of baby clothes, toys, and even a nursery. Ever since Ziv laid the egg, my excitement knew no bounds.
I was an aunt-to-be, and the thought filled me with pure joy. The baby was going to be the first of our next generation, and I wanted everything to be perfect for its arrival.
I was in the middle of sketching a soft blanket adorned with tiny stars when the door creaked open. It was my brother, his eyes lighting up at the sight of my sketches.
"Wow, Ava, these are amazing!" he exclaimed, picking up one of the drawings. "You're really going all out, huh?"
I blushed, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "Thanks, Big Bro."
"Say, have you done your future assessment yet?"
I looked at the sketchpad. "Not yet. I'm trying to think of what to go into. Most of the fashion schools in the country are private schools. I'm not sure if I'll be able to get into one. The competition is steep."
Ziv sat down next to me, his gaze thoughtful. "You're talented, Ava," he said, picking up one of the sketches. "Your designs are unique and full of charm. Don't let the competition scare you."
"But what if I'm not good enough?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper. My hand absentmindedly traced the lines of the sketch, my mind filled with doubts. I liked projecting confidence outward most of the time. Ziv was one of the few who I managed to open up to, even if just a bit.
Ziv looked at me, his expression serious. "Ava, you're more than good enough. You're hardworking, passionate, and you have a unique vision. That's more than what most people have. And remember, it's the effort and drive that matters more than natural talent."
I nodded, his words sinking in. I knew he was right, but the fear of failure was still there, gnawing at the edge of my mind.
"Besides," Ziv continued, a mischievous glint in his eyes, "once the baby hatches, you'll have a perfect model for your designs. That would add a real charm to your portfolio, don't you think?"
I chuckled, the tension easing a bit. "You're right. That would be really cute."
We spent the rest of the morning discussing my future plans. Ziv shared his own experiences, giving me valuable advice. Despite his playful nature, my older brother was wise beyond his years.
By the time we ate lunch, I felt a renewed sense of determination. I was going to work hard, improve my skills, and get into one of the country's top fashion schools. And with the support of my family, I was confident that I could turn my dreams into reality.
After all, I wasn't just doing this for me. I was doing this for my future niece or nephew too. I wanted to show them that they could achieve anything they set their mind to, just like their Aunt Ava.
I got up. "Alright, I've decided!" I said, standing up from my chair.
"On what?" my younger brother asked, tilting his head.
Ma hummed. "Is it about the future assessment they have you seniors do?"
"Related to it. I'm gonna find myself a job," I said, putting a hand on my chest.
"Eh? Need to be so dramatic about it?" my younger brother asked, chuckling.
I glared at him.
"So, what did you come up with, dear?" Ma asked.
"I plan to get a job!"
My younger brother blinked. "All that fanfare for that? What are you, a princess?"
I crossed my arms and huffed, "Don't be a jerk, Evan. I'm serious."
Ma laughed, patting Evan's head. "Now, now, don't tease your sister, Evan. She's making an important decision."
Evan rolled his eyes, but his lips were twitching in a smile. "Okay, okay. I'm sorry."
Ziv, who had been quietly eating, finally chimed in. "So, what kind of job are you thinking of, Ava?"
I tapped my finger on my chin, thinking. "I'm not sure yet. I want something that can help me build my portfolio for the fashion schools. Maybe something related to art or design."
Evan snorted. "You're gonna end up working at a clothing store, aren't you?"
I glared at him. "And what's wrong with that? It's a start, isn't it?"
Evan raised his hands in surrender, a teasing smile on his lips. "I'm just saying. Don't get your hopes too high."
"I believe in you, Ava," Ziv said, giving me a reassuring smile. "Whatever job you choose, I know you're going to excel at it."
Ma nodded in agreement. "Your older brother's right, Ava. We're proud of you, no matter what."
I smiled. "That said, my main goal is to make money."
"So, clothing store?" Evan said, chuckling.
I nodded. "It would at least give me a look at how retail works at a low level. I can also listen in on what people like and don't like about the clothes offered."
Ziv nodded, his eyes filled with admiration. "That's a smart move, Ava. Understanding your customers is key in any business, especially in fashion."
Evan, still smirking, added, "And you might get some sweet employee discounts, too."
I rolled my eyes at him, but couldn't help the small smile that tugged at my lips. "That's not the point, Evan."
"But it's a nice perk, right?" he retorted, grinning.
I smiled. He wasn't wrong.
Ma chuckled, shaking her head. "You two never change."
"Good luck, Sis!" Haviva said, smiling.
I smiled at my sister. "Thanks, little one. Well, I'm off!"
"Take care, Ava," Pa said.
I nodded. "Don't I always?"
Once outside, my enthusiasm dropped like a rock. Right, I lived in the countryside. We only had one store that came close to being a retail store. Maybe I needed to go to the city to find a job...
I took a deep breath, the cool, fresh air of the countryside filling my lungs. I lived in a small, rural town, surrounded by fields and forests. It was beautiful, serene, and I loved it. But it was not the best place to start a career in fashion.
I walked down the familiar path, the sound of my shoes crunching on the gravel the only noise breaking the serenity of the early evening. The local store, a quaint little place run by Mrs. O'Brien, came into view. I had worked there part-time during the summers, helping to arrange the goods and handle the cash register. But it was far from the bustling fashion retail stores I had in mind.
My mind wandered to the city, teeming with opportunities and possibilities. I had only visited a few times, but the energy and vibrancy of the place had left a deep impression on me. It was a stark contrast to the calm and tranquility of my hometown.
But moving to the city meant leaving my family, my friends, and everything I had ever known. The thought was daunting. Yet, I knew that if I wanted to pursue my dreams, I had to step out of my comfort zone. I would have to leave this place eventually, given I was gonna go to university in a little over half a year. Sadly, I was still in highschool, so I couldn't just leave.
Guess Mrs. O'Brien's place was my only option. Taking a deep breath, I walked over to the shop.
"Hey, Ava!" she said, smiling.
I smiled back. "Hey, Mrs. O! Uh, I was wondering if—"
"I finished fixing the merchandise," Sayuri said, stepping outside of the store.
Sayuri...
My ex girlfriend frowned and narrowed her eyes at me. "Oh, it's you."
I looked down. "Listen, Sayu, I'm sorry for what I did."
She turned away. "Now's not the time. I got work to do."
Mrs. O sighed. "Did something happen between you girls? I thought you were the best of friends."
I smiled weakly. "We were more than that..."
Mrs. O's eyes widened in surprise, and then her expression softened. "Oh, I see," she said, her voice gentle. "I'm sorry, dear. I didn't know."
I shrugged, trying to brush it off. "It's fine, Mrs. O."
"Well, if you're here to make amends, I'm sure Sayuri will come around eventually," she said, giving me a comforting smile. "She's a good girl, just a little stubborn."
"I hope so," I murmured, my eyes trailing after Sayuri as she disappeared into the back of the store.
"But you didn't come here to talk about this, did you?" Mrs. O said, bringing me back to the present. "What can I do for you, dear?"
I took a deep breath, putting my personal feelings aside. "Actually, Mrs. O, I came here to ask if you're hiring. I want to work part-time after school and on weekends."
Mrs. O looked surprised, but then her face broke into a broad smile. "Well, isn't that wonderful! I could certainly use the help. I'll have to talk to Sayuri about it, but I don't see any reason why not."
I felt a wave of relief wash over me. "Thank you, Mrs. O. I really appreciate it."
Mrs. O waved her hand dismissively. "No need to thank me, dear. It'll be nice to have you around the shop again."
As I left the store, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. It was a small step, but it was a step nonetheless. Although, working with Sayuri might be awkward... Hopefully, we could push our issues aside for the sake of work.