Ceramics

Ceramics- 2

Next day in class

"To start us off this semester we are going to make pinch pots." He raises his pinch pot in the air. "It should look at this at the end."

Mr. Moore plays a closeup video of him building the pinch pot as he gives verbal directions, "First you're going to measure a hundred grams of clay. Then roll it into a ball and press your thumb into it. Next, you're going to use gentle pinching motions to thin out the walls as much as you desire. Try not to thin out to ⅜ of an inch because it will collapse, not too thick either because it will explode in the kiln and will ruin other people's hard work as well as your own. Make sure there are no divots in your pinch pot and smooth it all around as well as the inside. I want you to make at least make 3 pots."

"You'll start with the 100 grams, then 200 grams, and finally a 400-gram pinch pot. I'll be going around the room if you need any help, you may go ahead and get started."

"When is this due?" A guy asks from the other side of the room.

"In a week or so, everyone moves at their own pace so if you need more time, take it. This happens a lot in class, others will move on and you'll still be finishing the last assignment, that doesn't mean rush until you finish it, make it the best you can. I often find that it's like a switch, you'll be faster on one assignment and slower on the other and that's perfectly okay. Oh, I also forgot to mention, it'll usually be easier to smooth your pots out on the second day when they've dried some. Now you can get started." He plays his techno-ish music.

"Wait!" He yells capturing everyone's attention, shutting off the music. "I play if you're happy and you know it when it's time to clean up. I also forgot to tell you guys, I know the clay dries out your hands so there's lotion up here after you're done. And the last thing, I'm going to dye my hair pink because I want to and my wife isn't going to like it... that's all." He wanders off to his desk and pressed play for the music to boom throughout the class.

I love this man.

'That sounds easy enough' I think to myself.

"I'm sorry I didn't catch your name yesterday, it was pretty rude of me. I'm Lauren." A raspy voice graced my ears.

"Camila, no worries I didn't want to distract you, you seemed very into your work. Have you worked with clay before?"

"What a beautiful name." Lauren compliments.

'She said Beautiful'

"Thank you." I can't help but feel the blush rise on my face.

"I've actually never worked with clay before. I really like to draw though, that's all I do in my free time." Lauren shrugs smiling.

"You looked like an expert! I'm not so good with art, I'm not sure if you saw my pitiful circles the other day." I can't help but laugh at myself. "I'd like to see your drawings sometime if you don't mind. If you could make that owl out of clay, I'd love to see what you can do with a pencil."

'Bold Camila.'

"I don't mind at all, maybe we can grab coffee one day?" Lauren asks.

'No brainer, I'd have to be an idiot to pass this up.'

"I'd like that," I replied coolly.

"I'll grab your number after class, I'd do it now, but clay hands." She cutely wiggles her fingers.

"Sounds good."

We fall into a comfortable silence as we work with our clay.

'Sounds good, I should've said something different. What would I even say? God, I'm so awkward... Sounds good.' Instantly overthinking, I mentally slap myself.

I try to focus on this damn pinch pot, it's not so bad, but it doesn't look like the others around me. Mr. Moore came by and looked at my work and didn't say anything so I think I'm doing okay. I hope.

My back isn't used to straight posture and it's yelling at me. I slump back into my chair taking a breather and admire the creative girl's side profile.

She's wearing a black beanie, light blue skinny jeans, black converse, a white t-shirt, and her leather jacket on the back of her chair.

At a closer glance, I noticed her few tattoos on her forearm and wrist areas.

'Hot diggity damn. Alright, Camila. You really gotta stop staring and end this inner monologue.'

If you think of an L shape, I sit on its little foot and Lauren sits in-front of me and another student on her left and so on. So, technically, I had nowhere else to look, unless I wanted to turn my head completely.

I returned to my work and finished the first pinch pot, smoothing out all the sides. Being proud of my work, I gave myself a high five.

Did Lauren notice?

Of course, she did.

Did she laugh?

Of course, she did.

My embarrassment was quickly wiped away when she called me cute.

'Point Camila!'

Time seemed to move too fast, just as I finished rolling my second ball of clay, I heard, "if you're happy and you know it clap your hands."

I throw my extra clay in the pugger and take my first little pinch pot to my locker. While Lauren does the same I sponge down our table, cleaning any clay residue left behind. I make my way to the sink, relieved to finally have clean hands.

"Thanks for cleaning the table Camila, I'm going to wash my hands really fast and I'll grab your number."

"Alright." I give her a smile. I put my backpack on, fixing the straps, as Lauren reapproaches.

"May I have your number madam?" She asks feigning an British accent.

"Why absolutely," I reply with my own British accent.

She hands me her phone and I quickly type in my number.

"You'll hear from me soon! See ya Camz, I'm meeting my sister for lunch and I'm running a little late."

'Camz.'

"Bye! Have fun." I wave as she walks out the door. She catches a glimpse of my wave on her way out and walks back to the door and waves back before she disappears.

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If there are any mistakes I missed let me know. 😁