The Not So Girl Next Door

Chapter 10: Along Came Chase Henman

I observed him to see if he’s bluffing or something, but he seems genuine. I suddenly felt guilty for my rude behavior and tried to act nicely.

“Thanks. I like your works, too. They’re really good,” I said, truly this time.

“So you’ll do it?”

“Uh, sure! I’d love to help my fellow artist out!” Okay those words came out all wrong. I might as well have said, Sure I’d love to! And while you’re at it, you can get some of my awards too!

“Thanks! That’s so amazing of you!” he said with a bright smile, then he went back to his seat and I was finally relieved.

I mean, it’s not like I have anything against that guy, it’s just that I feel very nervous to know that I have competition now. I never used to have competition. I’ve always been the best at what I do here. I sighed. That just means I have to work harder to make my works better than his. Easy.

“Okay class! Put away all your portfolios and let’s get started on our next project,” Mrs. Macready said. I put my award-winning sketch aside and watched as she dug under the demonstration table until she finally found the things she needed. When she came up, she was holding something I would never have thought of. Clay. And not just ordinary molding clay but the ones that you use in pottery. I suddenly began to feel extremely nervous. I mean, it’s not like I suck at pottery it’s just that I’m just afraid of having to screw up and get the clay splattered all over the place. Besides, I’m wearing my favorite top today and I cannot let any drop of clay fall into my shirt. Or else, I’d die. Seriously.

“Get your materials here on the table, people!” Mrs. Macready said to us as she begins to hand pieces of clay to each and every one of us.

“Here you go, Kelsie,” she said, handing me a big, fat piece of clay. They felt like grenade bombs in my hands ready to explode.

“Thanks,” I said quickly.

“Is there something wrong?” she asked me, the creases in her forehead beginning to show.

“Nothing Mrs. Macready, it’s just that I’m really nervous about taking pottery again. I kind of had a very bad experience when I was still in middle school,” I admitted.

My mind went back to the time when I first took pottery way back in middle school, back when my mom and dad were still together. I was twelve and my teacher asked me to make a clay pot for the plant that we were going to grow in our home economics class. It went good—at first. Then everything went wrong. The clay splattered all around the room, and I could still recall all the whines and complains my classmates gave me when the clay stuck to their clothes. I never took pottery since then. Well, until now. And that scares me.

“Oh don’t worry, Ms. Lewis. I’ve seen you paint, sketch, and do almost anything related to art. I’m sure you’ll do fine!” she gave me one last reassuring smile and attended to the other students.

My stomach churned as I returned to my working area where the electric wheel was set up and ready to use. I try not to think about messing up again as I tied my hair up into a ponytail and put on the smock that I scavenged from my dad a few years ago.

I kept repeating to myself over and over again. Do not mess up. Do not mess up. Do NOT mess up!

I cut the big slab of clay with a piece of wire. After doing so, I slapped it around until it looked firm, bubble-free and ready for action. Then, I slapped it on the wheel and it hit dead center—always a good place to start.

Then I just sat there. Just looking at the big slab of clay, taunting me. Finally, I just decided to get things over with and turn on the electric wheel. Next thing I knew, I’m off to the races! I could feel the clay moving fast between my fingers as I try to shape it to a less depressing shape. This project won’t be featured in the art fair anyway so I just decided to make a pot for the hyacinths my mom just planted. The clay began to take form as I carefully shape into a more slender and thinner figure. I think I’m getting the hang of this! After I’ve shaped the clay to my desired figure, I used the tip of my fingers to make little imprints on the side to make at a little more decorative. So far so good, I told myself.