Unveiling Self

Chapter 5: Challenges and Beginnings

Rizzy's first day as a cashier proved to be more challenging than she had anticipated. Dealing with customers was one thing, but her bossy manager, a literal Karen, made things far more complicated.

Manager Karen leaned over the counter, scrutinizing Rizzy's work. "You see, dear, it's essential to maintain a consistent pace. Efficiency is key."

Rizzy, trying to remain composed, nodded. "Of course, I'll do my best to keep up."

Her first day went reasonably well, but she knew it was just the beginning, and things were unlikely to stay the same. During her lunch break, she made an important call to the real estate agent, confirming her decision to take the run-down restaurant as her pottery studio. However, the legalities and paperwork were handled by her parents, as Rizzy was still unfamiliar with such matters and wouldn't be able to pay the rent for some time.

When she finally visited the space, she was met with a sight that left her disheartened. Spiderwebs hung like veils, paint peeled from the walls, and rust coated various fixtures. The real estate agent informed her that she was welcome to use the furniture, though it was in a state of disrepair. Rizzy took everything out, examining the items one by one. Most of it was unusable, destined for the trash. Only a few chairs showed promise. With some foam, fabric, and a fresh coat of paint, they could be transformed into functional pieces. 

Rizzy knew she couldn't handle the heavy lifting alone, so she reached out to her Instagram followers, sharing her work-in-progress.

Rizzy (on Instagram): "In need of some help turning this place into a pottery studio! Anyone willing to lend a hand?"

To her delight, a local artist named Arson responded, offering his help.

Arson: "I'd be happy to help. Let me know when you're ready."

Arson, a musician and painter, arrived with his friends, and they joined forces with Rizzy's dad to clear out the place.

Rizzy's Dad: "This is going to be a lot of work."

Arson: "Don't worry, we're here to help."

It was a long and exhausting day of labor, and Rizzy's social anxiety began to surface. She had communicated with Arson through text, but face-to-face interactions were a different challenge altogether.

Rizzy hesitated, her words escaping her. The silence grew awkward, and she struggled to engage in conversation.

Arson: "So, how did you come up with the idea for a pottery studio?"

After an awkward silence, Rizzy's dad returned, having witnessed his daughter's social discomfort. He decided to take everyone out for a dinner treat, where Rizzy's mom awaited.

Rizzy's Dad: "Let's celebrate a day of hard work with a good meal."

Rizzy managed to muster a heartfelt "thanks," but her social anxiety continued to hold her captive. Despite Arson's attempts to engage in conversation, all she could manage were nods and awkward smiles.

Arson: "I heard you're planning to open a pottery studio. That's pretty cool."

Rizzy: "Yeah, I'm excited about it."

Throughout the dinner, Rizzy silently hoped that her discomfort wouldn't overshadow the help she so desperately needed. As the evening unfolded, she couldn't help but appreciate the support she had received from her parents, Arson, and his friends. Despite her social challenges, she knew she was one step closer to realizing her dreams.

That night, as Rizzy's exhaustion from the long day of hard work weighed heavily on her, her thoughts were consumed by the daunting task of transforming the run-down restaurant into her dream pottery studio. She had barely managed to scrape away the initial layer of dirt and disrepair, and the prospect of the work ahead seemed overwhelming.

Amidst the clatter of plates and cutlery at the dinner table, Rizzy's mind was far from the present moment. Her family chatted amiably, her parents discussing their day and Arson sharing stories about his artwork. Rizzy, however, was in a world of her own, her thoughts racing with plans and ideas for the studio.

On the other side of town, Mona anxiously checked her phone, waiting for a response from Rizzy. She had sent a text earlier, eager to hear how Rizzy's day had gone and to share her own excitement about her college experiences. But the minutes ticked by, and there was no reply.

Mona's excitement began to wane as worry crept in. She knew that Rizzy could get engrossed in her work, but this silence felt different. She tapped her fingers impatiently on the screen, staring at the message thread, hoping for a sign that Rizzy was okay.

As the evening wore on, Mona's concern deepened. She couldn't help but feel a twinge of loneliness, missing the connection she and Rizzy had always shared. She knew that Rizzy was pursuing her dreams, but she longed for the reassurance that their bond remained strong, even as they ventured into new and unfamiliar territories.