Tequila & Birdcages

Throwing problems |j.m|

« Janice McCarthy »

"Alright class, today we're just doing some freestyle structures so make whatever feels right to you in the moment"

I take my seat beside Janice as the instructor, Gayle, says this and I turn to her and smile. She looks nervous but I wink at her, mouthing that she's got this. We decided to take this little class together as a possible common hobby. It was something I was interested in and Janice thought she might like it too. I use the sponge to put some water on the wheel before taking some clay out the bag provided next to each station and slamming it down.

The sound of other people doing the same happens all around me and I turn to see Janice lightly placing hers. She feels me staring and looks up shyly, all I can do is smile which she returns. I look back to my ball of clay, adding a bit more, I then press the foot pedal to make it spin so I can make sure it won't fly off. I start molding it, pressing my fingers in the center to create the opening — pinching it to thin out the sides.

"Wine?"

I almost forgot this was an option but I nod, thanking her as she gives me a glass. It's sort of like painting with a twist, you get a bit tipsy which makes it all the more fun. I look over to see Janice accepted as well, focusing hard on her creation — whatever it is because I can't quite tell yet. A helper comes back around and fills our cups which I thank her for, taking a sip and humming at the sweet taste.

I turn my attention back to my project, I'm making a bowl with chopsticks. I'm not sure why that was my first thought but it just seems cool even if Janice doesn't use it. It's mostly for her because I know she has trouble using them so I'm making her a special set. Her main issue is that they're a bit long but the kids ones are too short, and the thinness throws her off as well for reasons she can't explain.

I know how much she loves ramen though and even just making noodles at home, hence the addition of the bowl as well. I bop my head to the music they have playing as I finish up my main shape. Afterwards I clean up the edge of the bowl making it level before grabbing my string. I carefully hover it over the middle and lower it, making equal slots on both sides that will serve to hold the chopsticks.

"Ugh"

I turn to see Janice with a pout on her face as she looks down at her still unidentifiable creation. I hold back a giggle, cleaning my hands and leaving my station for a moment to check on her. I double back for a sip of wine but then I squat beside her.

"What seems to be the problem, baby?"

She frowns and looks down at me, her eyes pleading for me to help her or at least explain what she's supposed to do.

"The stupid thing keeps sticking to my hands!"

I can't help but chuckle, despite her being upset she's rather cute. She has this exasperated expression, like a child who's passing a candy store but is told they can't have any. She glares at me and I stop, holding my lips between my teeth in hopes of pulling myself together.

"That means it's drying, you just need to put a little water on it"

I scoop up some water with my hand and ask her to press on the pedal to make it spin. I carefully saturate it, having to tell her to keep pressing her foot down or do it faster. I gesture for her to try and she sighs, attempting it on her own and succeeding.

"Good job, sweetheart"

I go to turn around but hear her call my name timidly and I turn back around with raised eyebrows.

"I can't shape it and... I saw you were done, I think, so could you maybe help me?"

I smile and nod, grabbing my chair and bringing it behind her, pushing on the lever to raise it so I can see over her shoulder. I give her step by step instructions, guiding her hands. I hear her breath hitch as I purposefully whisper just next to her ear, slowing my breath to ghost over it.

"Just like that... good girl"

I move my head further to the side just so I can see her blush with that cute little smile on her face. I make sure she's ok before scooting back to my station. Gayle gives a warning for the time and I use my string to remove my bowl and set it to the side. I repeat my previous process except I don't spin the wheel, opting to just roll out the clay like dough. I cut two roughly equal pieces, trimming them to the shape I want.

Afterwards I cut them in half, hollowing the inside then score it (making little scratches to create a rough texture so it grips). I create a slip mixture, mostly water and a little clay, and then adhere the halves back together again, smoothing the surface once more. I carefully set them on the tray that the instructor will take after we leave. I check on Janice again and see she's just finishing up as well.

"It looks beautiful, babe"

"Not as much as yours"

She sips her wine to hide her blush, she's always been a sucker for praise and I love it. Gayle announces the end of the class and since we're closest to the sinks, Janice and I wash our hands first making sure to scrub well and then grab our things. As we get into the car I ask her what she thought of the class.

"I actually really liked it, even though I kinda suck but I think I'll get better with time"

"You don't suck — well..."

I smirk and she smacks my arm as she rolls her eyes and turns away to hide her blush.

"But seriously, I've done it before so that's why I knew what to do. I was much much worse my first time, in fact that's why I always double check that my clay is stuck on; the first time I made it spin too fast and the clay flew right off and stuck to the wall"

She giggles uncontrollably as I back out the spot and head towards our apartment and I playfully side eye her.

"I don't feel so bad now"

"Wowww glad my worst nightmare was amusing to you"

She smacks her teeth and leans over to place a kiss on my cheek as we arrive at a red light. I turn to her and motion for her to come closer with my finger. She bites her lip and leans back in, capturing my lips in a passionate kiss. Her hand pulls the back of my neck and I hold her other hand as I melt into her. The sound of a horn makes us pull away abruptly and she grimaces jokingly as I chuckle and focus back on the road.