“I didn’t,” Tiana said, looking like she was about to cry.
“Liar. Everyone knows why you and Ash took off at lunchtime. The good Catholic girl. Spiff. What a load of crock, cos the C doesn’t stand for Catholic with you it stands for cock-sucker.”
Tiana’s face dropped, her expression mortified.
Jenna sneered. “Oh, don’t cha like that word? Please forgive me for you have sinned, I’ll just use slut instead.”
“But, I didn’t do anything.” Tiana’s eyes flicked around the room as though she was talking to everyone, begging them to believe her, “I swear, ask Ash.”
Stepping to the side, Jenna waved a hand at the now rapt class, their eyes all focused on the scene as though they were watching their favourite soap opera. The only ones who didn’t look like they were enjoying the show were Tiana’s mates, but the wimps stayed where they were even with better numbers. Four against three—do the maths. What kind of friends were they? Lousy ones who could only complain without any follow through. Now, if any of her mates were being picked on she’d be right in regardless.
“Do ya see Ash here?” Jenna said. “Nope, which means he did what he does best: Fuck ‘em and leave ‘em. Now he’s got what he wanted, he won’t be interested in you anymore.”
Tiana’s face crumbled.
Jenna grimaced, now even angrier. “Yeah, you lying cow, I knew you did him.”
“I didn’t.”
“Liar! The whole classroom knows it, pro’bly the school too. Well, they will in nine months when you’re popping out a sproglet, cos I betcha you’re one of those stupid religious nutters who think you can only get preggers while married. Condoms? What are those?”
Cassidy laughed by the door.
Jenna put her face right up to Tiana. “So, tell everyone in the class you’re a slut like Kelley O’Brian.”
Tiana shook her head.
Jenna punched her in the stomach, sending Tiana back into the desk. “Now!”
“I’m a slut,” Tiana coughed.
“Louder.”
Tiana covered her face. “I’m a slut.”
“Thought as much.” Jenna stalked back to her desk, shoving past her friend Rhoda, the tall, slim girl moaning in response. Jenna ignored her, furious with herself for calling Tiana a slut, because in all honesty the girl wasn’t, but when Jenna lost it, everything she believed in went out the window. Like when she tried to humiliate Ash at school in front of his mates after their far from orgasmic joining, her intention to hurt him as much as he’d hurt her. Not one of her brightest ideas, but unfortunately she was the type to cut off her nose to spite her face, a cliché, but one that fitted her better than a condom on Ash.
Jenna slipped in behind her desk as two of Tiana’s so called friends crowded around the girl a little too late. She wondered for a second why Tiana’s cousin wasn’t one of them before a raised voice snapped her attention away from the Catholic congregation. Her gaze shifted to Kelley O’Brian, who was complaining to her mates and giving Jenna dirty glances.
Jenna smiled at her. “I’ll deal with you after school.”
Kelley flinched and snapped her mouth shut. She turned to face the front of the class along with her mates.
A minute later the teacher walked in with his hair ruffled and looking out of breath. Mr. Kennan’s youthful face instantly zeroed in on the sniffling girl. “What’s wrong, Tiana?” he asked.
Tiana shot up and ran out the door. Mr. Kennan glanced around the classroom, browsing the hotheads—the trouble makers 101. Jenna smiled at him as his gaze settled on her. Mr. Kennan frowned, but didn’t say a word, instead turning around to write on the whiteboard. Not like he had anything on her, but she still needed to be careful as the principal had warned her that if she got caught punching again she would get suspended. But she was pretty sure she was safe with Tiana, because the girl had never told on her before, plus she was willing to risk a suspension to get Ash back. Not like it was an expulsion, just a three day break from school. And anyway, she had to fight for what she wanted, and if it meant hurting Tiana then so be it. All’s fair in love and high school.
4
Tiana
Of all the toilets she could’ve chosen, she had to pick this one. She felt liked pasting her eyelids shut and gluing up her ears, because wherever she went all she heard and saw was Cocksucker, the word both graffitied across the toilet door and her mind.
Tiana looked up from her porcelain throne at the word with Kelley O’Brian’s name scrawled next to it. But would someone cross out Kelley O’Brian and replace it with Tiana Lilu?
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will hurt ten times more—when the truth is spoken.
And Jenna’s taunting had hurt way more than her punch, because now the whole class knew what Tiana had done. Cocksucker, cocksucker, cocksucker, cocksucker, cocksucker… That horrible word kept playing over and over again. How could she go out there and face them again? She didn’t like being noticed even if she did well, but instead of going up to receive an award for netball she’d get a big trophy for blowing things good and proper.
But, how did Jenna know what I’d done?
An image of Ash’s smirking mates came to mind. Had Ash told them what they were going to do, even boasting about it? She’d heard boys talk about girls in that way before, but never thought Ash would ... until now. Jenna’s words came to mind:
‘Now he’s got what he wanted, he won’t be interested in you anymore.’
Maybe Jenna was right about Ash, because it didn’t take that long to get to school, the English lesson giving him enough time. Tiana kicked the door, then stood up and gave it a harder thump and another and another... She stopped and breathed out, trying to calm herself down. “No, Ash wouldn’t do that to me, he wouldn’t. He likes me...” But he doesn’t love me; his “thanks” in reply to her declaration of love was proof of that.
The sound of a door opening snapped her from her thoughts. She went still, listening as footsteps clomped across the linoleum flooring. She didn’t want to see anyone, to face being humiliated again, but what was she to do, hide out in the toilets for the rest of the day like some coward? Yeah, she was a coward, but hitting Jenna back would’ve made things worse, a lesson she’d learnt from her mother. She’d been nine at the time when she’d retaliated over being slapped, and in payment her mother had whacked the back of her legs with the closest thing at hand: her brother’s wooden sword. The toy had snapped, along with Tiana’s father who’d taken Tiana and Levi to her aunties for a week until he’d finally given in to her mother’s pleas to come home.
“Tiana, are you here?”
Relieved it was Lavinia, Tiana opened the toilet door. Her friend appeared upset as though she’d been crying. Tiana glanced at one of the mirrors lining the wall, noticing her reflection was even worse.
“I’m sorry,” Lavinia said. “I should’ve done sumpthin’.”
“You did more than anyone else. And Monika?” The memory of her cousin smirking made Tiana even angrier. “She smiled while I was pushed about. Smiled!”
“Monika’s always been a selfish cow.”
Tiana silently cursed, feeling like an idiot. Maybe it wasn’t Ash who had blabbed after all. “Do ya think it was Monika who told Jenna that I blew Ash?”
“I wouldn’t put it past her after your fight.”
Tiana turned on the tap and rinsed her hands and face. Family was supposed to support each other, like Levi always did, not make things worse. The thought of her cousin’s betrayal made her want to hurt and humiliate Monika. She could do it so easily by telling her aunty about Isaia, even embellishing a few things. But what was the point when Monika would just retaliate again?
“I stuffed up telling her about what a two-faced bastard Isaia is, but she didn’t hafta do that to me.”
Lavinia patted her back. “It’s not really your fault, you were defending Ash. And Monika has a rod stuck up her self-righteous arse.”
“Li’l good that makes me feel. How am I gonna face anyone now?”
“Ignore them, like Kelley O’Brian does. She doesn’t let the talk get to her.”
“That’s cos it’s true.”
“And it’s true with you too.”
Tiana stiffened. “So, you think I’m a slut then?”
Lavinia pulled a face. “I didn’t say that, and why you slagging Kelley off for? She’s nice, unlike Jenna and Monika. And she doesn’t pretend like everyone else. Deal with it and if Jenna pushes you, push back.”
“You know I can’t do that, and anyway, you didn’t push her friend back.”
Lavinia shrugged. “That human giraffe is twice my height, but Jenna is shorter than you.”
“Have ya seen her fight? She’s nuts. I saw her take down a guy last week after he grabbed her breasts. That’s why she got hauled into the principal’s office.”
“You still hafta go back to class.”
“I can’t face anyone after what she did.”
“IG. NORE. THEEEEM. Then when Ash finally shows his face get him to back you up.”
“Yeah, if he shows, wherever the hell he is.”
5
Ash
He was dead.
For the past couple of hours he’d been in a flat a few doors down from Tiana’s house, staring at a telly while the three bruisers talked, ate and drank, like he wasn’t even there. But when he’d tried to make a run for it, the gun came out and he was told to sit right back down. After they’d finished watching a film, they’d pushed him outside and shoved him into the backseat of a beat-up Ford parked under a carport.
Tiana’s brother slid in next to Ash. “Don’t look so scared, bro, I ain’t gonna hurt ya. All I want is to do some business with your mate.”
Ash didn’t believe him about not getting hurt. For a second he wondered if he should mention that he was Tiana’s boyfriend, but shelved that idea, remembering what she’d said about her overprotective brother.
The guy put an arm around his shoulders. “Maybe you’d feel more comfortable if I tell ya my name? It’s Levi, but my mates have started calling me Spike.”
“We also call you bastard,” the driver said, his toothy grin visible in the rear vision mirror.
Like Levi, the driver looked familiar, but not from the drug deal gone wrong. Although the guy also had Tongan features, he was much taller and bulkier than Levi, his neck so thick that he would be perfect as a prop… Yeah, that’s where he’d seen the driver, at a rugby match between Wera and Claydon.
The white guy on the other side of Ash started laughing, his pasty features almost comical. “We also call Levi cunt.”
Levi shoved a hand into the guy’s face. “Only if ya put lucky in front of it, pālangi arsehole.” He dropped his hand on Ash’s shoulder. “Now, where does your mate live?”
“He’s my cuz.”
“You still hafta tell me,” Levi said, placing the gun against Ash’s cheek.
Ash moved his face away, but got a hand clamped around the back of his neck.
“Isaia,” Levi said. “Start the engine, cos Wera boy is taking us to get some coke-a-not-cola.”
The car spluttered to life, then backed onto the road. Ash stared straight ahead, barely able to breathe from both the gun and heat. Sweat trickled down the side of his cheek and kissed the butt of the gun. The car stopped at the give way sign by the dairy.
“Left or right?” Levi asked. When Ash didn’t answer, Levi smacked the side of his head with the gun. “Left or right?”
“Right,” Ash grunted in pain. Not hurt me, yeah right.
After several houses, the car stopped at the next junction. “Left or straight ahead?” Levi asked.
Ash felt like telling him to fuck off or giving him the directions to the police station, but instead he croaked out, “Straight ahead.” On the opposite side of the road a police car drove towards them. Ash held his breath, willing it to pull them over. It continued on its way oblivious to his situation.
“Isaia, pull over,” Levi said.
The driver did as instructed.
Levi gripped Ash’s neck again. “Listen up, Wera boy, cos I’m not gonna make Isaia stop at every bloody road, so you better start directing us properly or we’re gonna go for a tiki tour out to Alfriston and find a nice li’l barn to work you over. Understand?”
“It’s the next left.”
Levi let go of Ash’s neck and patted his head. “Good boy.”
The car turned onto Pleasant Parade then before Ash knew it they were parked in Hunter’s driveway. He was relieved that his cousin’s green Chevy was nowhere in sight. Levi stuffed the gun into his jacket and got out, indicating for Ash to follow. As soon as he stepped out of the stifling car, Levi slung an arm around his shoulder and started walking him up the driveway, the white dude following close behind. Ash glanced behind him as the car backed out.
“Don’t worry, he’s returning,” Levi said. “We just can’t have your cuz see our car, cos it’ll ruin our li’l surprise party.”
Several paces away the garage was closed, its windows so crammed with junk that Ash couldn’t see inside. Levi steered him around the corner of the weatherboard house. The backyard was empty, the uncut grass climbing up the clothesline. Some sheets hung from pegs along with a pair of extra large jeans.
Levi unsuccessfully tried to open the backdoor. “Brett, unlock it.”
Grinning, Brett pulled out his knife and waved the blade in front of Ash’s face, then jimmied the lock. He slid open the glass door and disappeared inside the house for several seconds, before returning. “All clear.”
Levi shoved Ash inside, almost making him trip. Ash righted himself, then was pushed through the dining-room and into the lounge. Levi indicated with the gun to the black leather couch. “Sit.” Ash did as instructed, moving over as Levi sat next to him.
“Brett, put sumpthin’ on the telly and go check the fridge for beer,” Levi said.
Brett slotted A Nightmare on Elm Street into the video player. A minute later a six-pack of beer was placed on the coffee table in front of Ash, then Brett disappeared down the passage.
“What’s he doin’?” Ash asked, worried the guy was looking for drugs.
“One of three things: Pissing, stealing or wanking. My money’s on wanking.” Sniggering, Levi ripped open the cardboard container, passed a beer to Ash, then grabbed a can for himself. “What’s ya name, cos Wera boy is gettin’ old?”
“Ash.”
“Ashley or Ashton?”
“Ashley.”
Levi started laughing. “That’s so gay.”
Ash gripped his can, feeling like knocking Levi’s teeth out with it.
“Didn’t your mum like you or sumpthin’?” Levi continued. “Or is your weeny so tiny she thought she had a girl?”
Ash squeezed the can harder. “It’s a guy’s name too.”
“Yeah, keep telling yourself that, Ashley,” Levi said, imitating a girl’s voice.
“Shut up!” Ash rammed his can into Levi’s face, then jumped up and bolted out the back door. He turned left and ran down the driveway, the slope allowing him to pick up speed. Behind him he could hear Levi yelling, but no gunfire. He turned right at the fence and instantly regretted it as he spotted the driver walking towards him. Ash’s chest tightened, but he continued forward, choosing to face the big guy rather than Levi’s gun.
Isaia opened his arms wide and ran at him. Pretending to move to his right, Ash quickly ducked to his left when Isaia fell for the trick. Ash sprinted hard and fast for a good fifty metres, then glanced back. Isaia had his hands on his knees while Levi was jumping into the prop’s beat-up car, the third guy nowhere in sight.
Coming to the end of Pleasant Parade, Ash shot across Banks Street and through the gates of Claydon School. He took a left, heading around the side of a block of classrooms, then through an empty playground and across a sports field. Primary kids stopped their game of soccer to stare at him, a few whoop
ing in excitement.
A male teacher hollered, “You’re not allowed in here!”
Ash exited through the gate onto Finley Park. Another playground with swings and slides filled the space to his right, while a patchwork of playing fields lay stretched out before him. He ran across a field, down a small slope, onto another field then headed towards the footpath. On the other side of the road and beyond a row of houses, Manukau harbour sparkled, its watery expanse reflecting the bright afternoon sun.
Ash headed past the Marae—where the Maori meeting house stood. A seagull’s loud squawk startled him. He glanced up as two birds flew over the triangular-shaped building. Red stained carvings framed the meeting house, while a naked, wooden warrior stood at the apex overlooking his domain.
Ash glanced back, his eyes widening as the beat-up car speed down Parson’s Road, gunning for him. Panicking, he took a sharp right onto a property, headed up the driveway, under its carport and over the back fence. He shot through the next property and out onto another road. He repeated the same thing, almost getting bitten by a Pitt Bull Terrier.
He continued running, not stopping until he reached his place, a four bedroom weatherboard house next to the Wera soccer fields. As usual his stepfather’s white van was parked in the driveway, while his mother’s car was nowhere in sight. He didn’t know what time it was, since Levi had swiped his watch, but guessed it must be late afternoon since his mother wasn’t back from work.
Coughing and wheezing, and feeling like puking, he staggered through the doorway, ignoring his stepfather as Chaz asked what was wrong. The sound of cartoons filled the house accompanied by children’s voices. Without looking who was there, Ash headed straight for his bedroom, closing the door behind him. He flopped onto his bed face first, his body aching from the run. The door opened and closed, the intruder sitting down on his bed.
A hand touched his head. “You’re drenched in sweat, what happened?”
Ash swatted his stepfather’s hand away and turned over. “Nuthin’.”
“Doesn’t look like it to me. What have ya done now?”
“I didn’t do anything. I ran too fast and made myself sick.”
Graffiti Heaven Page 3
