“Oh, come on, Mum, we’ve had fights before, it ain’t a big deal.”
“It is! He almost killed you, and after what he said about your sister—”
“I put him in his place, and I’m alive.” He held out his hands. “So, all’s good.”
“All is not good. You risked your life defending your sister’s honour.”
“Defending her honour? God, is this the eighteenth century or sumpthin’?”
“Don’t be cheeky, boy. Your sister has disgraced this family.”
“Hey, hold up, Isaia was lying.”
“But, you wouldn’t have had to defend her if she didn’t throw herself at criminals.”
He pushed himself further up. He was sick of his mother always coming down hard on his sister. Nothing Tiana ever did was good enough for her:
‘Her grades were disgraceful.’ (A few Bs in his book were nothing to complain about. Hell, he’d be grateful for them).
‘She’s not training hard enough for netball.’ (She got approached by a freaking national coach!).
‘Lately, she’s never home on time.’ (She was always there before him, and if she was late, so what, she deserved a life).
“This isn’t Tiana’s fault,” he said.
“It is where I’m sitting from. She’s out of control, doing horrible things with boys.”
Levi’s gaze shifted to his sister, her upset expression making him feel worse. He pushed the blankets aside and swung his feet out of bed.
His mother stood up. “Levi, stay put.”
“No, I wanna give her a hug. Family should be supportive, not make each other feel like crap for sumpthin’ they have no control over.”
“Don’t get smart with me, boy. Just because you’re hurt doesn’t mean you can get away with everything.”
He lowered himself to his feet. His cousin gasped on the other side of the bed. He glanced over at Monika, wondering what her problem was. She was looking everywhere but at him, her cheeks like a beetroot. He felt a cool breeze on his own cheeks, though further south. He looked at his butt; the mattress had pushed aside his hospital gown. Shit, he was mooning his cousin. He pulled the gown around to cover it, his face heating.
“Get back into bed, Levi,” his mother said, placing her hands on his shoulders.
“Not until I give Tiana a hug.” He tried to brush her hands off, wincing as she dug her nails in. “Mum, that hurts.”
She turned him towards the bed. “Get back in. Now.”
“No, lemme go,” he said, frustrated. “What’s so wrong with wanting to hug my own sister?”
“If you don’t get in that bed, I’ll slap you black and blue.”
“Grace!” His father appeared in the doorway with a nurse.
The room went silent, including the other patients and their visitors. His mother let go of Levi, her face horrified. “I didn’t mean I would do it. It was an empty threat.”
His father moved around the bed and took his mother’s arm, directing her out of the room with Aunty Finia following close behind. The nurse went to Levi, her young face sympathetic. She held out a cup and some pills. “Take this; it’ll help your sore head.”
He did as instructed, swallowing it all down.
The nurse took the empty cup. “If you want to discuss anything at all, please feel free to buzz me.” She patted his arm, then left, leaving him with Tiana and Monika. Levi wondered whether she thought his mother had hurt his head, the thought embarrassing him.
Tiana went up and hugged him. “I’m really sorry.”
“Not your fault.” He returned the hug, then pulled back to wipe under her eyes. “Don’t do that blubbery stuff, and don’t listen to Mum either, cos you’re a much better person than I am.”
She shook her head. “This is my fault; I should’ve told ja ‘bout Isaia harassing me.”
“He harasses you?”
She nodded. “He comes round when no one else is home and tries to talk me into letting him in. Once he got so mad he tried to force the door open. He only stopped when I threatened to call the police.”
Levi stared at her in shock. He knew his mate was a prick with females, but not to this degree.
“You’re a liar!” Monika shouted.
Levi turned to her. “Why would she lie?”
“Cos she’s tryna get outta trouble, saying anything to stop from being sent to Tonga.”
“She’s not goin’ to Tonga.”
“Yes, she is. Your mother said so.”
“My dad wouldn’t allow it, so shut it,” Levi snapped. He placed a hand to his head. Man, it hurt. He glanced over as a different nurse walked in, her gaze going between Monika and Tiana. “We’ve had complaints about shouting, so you will have to leave.”
Monika’s cheeks flared up again, her expression mortified as she rushed out of the room.
Levi put an arm around Tiana’s shoulders. “My sister’s not causing trouble, Miss. All the troublemakers are gone now.”
“Just keep it down,” the nurse said, and with a nod she left the room.
Levi squeezed Tiana’s arm. “As I said, ignore Mum. Dad will sort things.”
“No, I did sumpthin’ horrible. No, not horrible, but sumpthin’ parents think is.”
“Is this ‘bout Ashley Rata?”
She went stiff. “How’d you know ‘bout him?”
“I’ve got my sources. Just stay clear of that kid and things will blow over.” He winced at his poor choice of words. “Sorry, I didn’t mean blow as in blow, shit, I should just shut up.”
Tiana looked as horrified as Monika had. The females seemed to be doing that a lot today. “You know what I did?” she asked.
“Yeah, and as I said, just stay clear of the guy. He’s not a good sort.”
“There’s nuthin’ wrong with him, he’s nice. And he didn’t ask me, I asked him.”
“I really don’t wanna hear that.”
She looked down.
He sighed. “I don’t like it, but I’d be a hypocrite if I said what you did was wrong, and the only reason I’m uptight ‘bout this is you’re special to me.” He squeezed her arm again. “Don’t tell Mum and Dad, but you’re my favourite.”
She wiped her eyes and gave him a small smile.
“Yeah, that’s better. But, I am serious ‘bout you staying away from Ashley Rata. This guy is not the sort of person you should get involved with. He’s got a relative that’s in jail for a violent crime, and his cousin sells drugs. His family are full of crims. I really don’t want ya gettin’ caught up in that stuff.”
She shook her head. “You’re wrong, I’ve been to his place and his family is lovely.”
“Tiana, I mean it. Stay away from him.”
“But, I love him.”
“Love? Come on... How long have you known this guy for?”
“It’s not about time; it’s about how I feel.”
“Does he love you back?”
She dropped her gaze. “He hasn’t said so.”
“Then don’t waste your time on him. He’s just in it for a fun ride.” Levi grimaced again. “Sorry, I really need to use better words.”
“I know you didn’t mean it.”
“But, I do mean this. Both this Ashley kid and Isaia are not allowed to touch you, and you better listen, cos if they do there will be a lot more people gettin’ hurt.”
“You can’t do that to Ash.”
“Oh, yes I can, and I will. Or I’ll be the one packing your bags to Tonga. I’d rather you be safe and away from me, than dead cos of a drugged out Maori crim.”
Her face hardened. “That’s racist.”
“Then I’m a racist prick, but at least you’ll be safe.”
“Wrapped up in Tonga. I’d rather die.”
“You sound like one of those stupid characters in those plays you like. Life isn’t a play, so cut out the melodramatic crap and grow up.”
“That’s unfair.”
“Get used to it, cos life’s unfair. And if
you think things are bad now just wait until I make things a whole lot worse. So, if you want pretty boy to stay pretty, break up with him or I’m gonna bust him up and this time it’ll all be on your shoulders—unfair or not.”
“Levi, no.”
“You’ve got two days to do it, and if it’s not done, I’m goin’ round to his crib and doin’ what I hafta.”
14
Ash
Movement startled Ash awake. He opened his eyes and saw his stepdad sitting on his bed. Chaz was staring at him, his face partially shaded by the semi-darkness, the curtains and the door closed.
Ash sat up fast. “What’re ya doin’?”
His stepdad placed a hand on Ash’s forehead. “Are you sick?”
Ash smacked it away. “No, I’m tired, and I told ja to stop coming in here while I’m sleeping.”
“It’s dinnertime, and you wouldn’t answer when I knocked.”
Ash felt like snapping that his stepdad never knocked. It didn’t matter whether he was in his bedroom or the bathroom, Chaz would barge in without warning.
“You’re not taking drugs are ya?” Chaz said. “I swear, if Hunter’s giving ya that shit again I’m gonna smash that smarmy bastard’s face in.”
Ash’s eyes widened. “No, I’m just tired.”
“If you’re lying to me—”
“I’m not.” He’d gotten caught a few weeks back with weed that Hunter had given him, something that had led to a falling out between his mother and cousin. Ash had felt bad over it, considering he’d pestered Hunter for it. He’d told his mother that, but it had made no difference. She hated drugs, blamed them for what had happened to his father. It didn’t matter that it was weed and not meth, she saw them as all the same, something that had hurt their family.
His stepdad continued, “You know it’ll be my fault if anything happens to you. I’m the reason you’re still allowed to see Hunter.”
“How?”
Chaz placed a hand on the duvet covering Ash’s leg. “I was the one who calmed your mother down. She was gonna report Hunter to the cops.”
“She wouldn’t have done that, she loves Hunter.”
“She loves you more, so stop taking bloody drugs; they’ll ruin you like they did your old man.”
“I swear I’m not using.”
“Then why’re you sleeping in the middle of the day?”
“I couldn’t sleep last night.”
Chaz exhaled loudly, looking like he didn’t believe a word. “Is it weed again or something else?”
“I told ja, I’m not doin’ drugs.”
“I know what Hunter does for a living. I should’ve listened to your mum and reported him, but I didn’t cos you love that guy like a father.”
“This has nuthin’ to do with Hunter, I’m just tired,” Ash said, frustrated. “I had a crap day yesterday, cos some Claydon High bastards forced me into a car. I had to run for it when they let me out.”
Chaz sat up straight. “What?”
Ash went still, not believing he’d let slip.
“Why the hell didn’t cha tell me this yesterday?”
“Cos it wuzn’t a big deal.”
“Not a big deal? That’s kidnapping.”
“It wuzn’t like that, it wuz a misunderstanding.”
“Who are these boys?”
“They’re not important.”
“Ash, tell me now.”
Ash scrubbed a hand down his face, knowing he was digging himself into deeper shit with every word, but he couldn’t tell Chaz about Tiana’s brother, especially since it also involved Hunter.
His stepdad touched Ash’s cheek, his expression still concerned. “They didn’t hurt ya, did they?”
Not like he was going to mention getting smacked in the head with a gun. “Nah, I hit one of them, not the other way round,” Ash forced a smiled, “Real hard in the face before taking off.”
“This isn’t funny. You should report them to the coppers.”
“They were just mucking around. I won’t go near them again.”
“You weren’t after drugs were you?”
“No! How many times do I hafta tell—”
Chaz grabbed Ash’s cheeks, squeezing them together. “Don’t bullshit me, boy.”
Ash went stiff. His father used to squeeze his cheeks when he thought Ash was lying, and if he didn’t confess, a punch would’ve come next, usually to the stomach so his mother didn’t find out. Although, once his father had lost total control, hitting him in the head, and only stopping when his mother had threatened his father with a knife, that incident resulting in their divorce.
Ash closed his eyes, not wanting to see the punch before it struck.
“Oh, shit.” Chaz pulled Ash’s head to his chest. “I’m sorry, Ash, I didn’t think. I wouldn’t hurt you, I would never hurt you.”
Ash remained still as Chaz ran a hand up and down his bare back as though soothing a small child. Chaz was right, he didn’t know how to react when a guy hugged him, didn’t like it either because it made him feel uncomfortable, but right now it was better than getting beaten up.
“You okay?” Chaz asked.
“Yeah.”
His stepdad let go and placed his hands on either side of Ash’s face. “I care about you, and would never hurt you like your father did. Please, just stop taking drugs.”
Not wanting to argue, Ash nodded. He hadn’t touched weed since his mother had caught him.
Chaz stood up. “Good boy. At least I can talk some sense into you unlike your shite of a brother. Dante pisses me off chronic. I don’t know how your mother can think he’s adorable. You’re the adorable one, not him.” His stepdad left the room, closing the door behind him.
What the fuck? Ash pushed the covers off, wondering where the hell that word came from. A little kid was adorable, not him. How could someone call him that? He switched on the light and peered into the mirror. He reckoned he looked older than he was, and could possibly pass off as an eighteen-year-old. He ran a hand over his jawline. And unlike Joel, he had to shave. There was no way he was adorable.
“Ash, hurry up before dinner gets cold!” Chaz yelled from the other end of the house.
Ash snatched up his pants and a sweatshirt, threw them on, then lumbered out of his room, thinking Chaz was nice, but bloody weird. The smell of fish and chips and cooking oil wafted down the passage. He entered the dining-room, disappointed that his mother wasn’t home. Dante’s chair was also empty. The twins were seated next to each other, ploughing through their food, making grunting noises and the occasional yelp. He could see them kicking each other under the table.
Ash slipped into his chair and grabbed the tomato sauce. “Where’s Mum?” he asked, already knowing the answer, but hoping for something else.
“Working late,” Chaz said from the head of the table.
“She’s always working,” Ash grumbled under his breath. Lately she’d been doing loads of overtime at her art gallery job, to the point that he only got to see her briefly in the morning or on weekends.
Chaz stabbed his fish. “And God knows where Dante is.”
“Don’t know and don’t care.” Ash squirted sauce over his food. Ever since his younger brother had returned from the boys’ home, Dante had been a right pain, causing arguments and swiping his stuff.
Ash jumped in his seat as Juliet screamed out, “Sledge is kicking me!”
“Sledge!” Chaz snapped.
Ash’s eight-year-old brother hunched over his food, mumbling he did nothing. Juliet yelled out again, no doubt Sledge giving her another kick for squealing on him.
“Sledge, go to your room!” Chaz bellowed.
Sledge’s pudgy face screwed up. “But, I did nuthin’!”
Chaz stood up and grabbed Sledge under his arms, yanking him out of his seat. “Do as you’re told,” he said, pushing Sledge towards the door.
Sledge ran out, yelling it wasn’t his fault. Chaz slumped back down in his seat, his pale complexion redde
ning as he glared at Juliet. “Stop crying!”
Juliet wailed louder. Even after three years of not being with their father she still cried when people yelled.
“She thinks you’re gonna hit her,” Ash said.
Chaz glanced at him. “I’ve never hit her, never hit any of you, even when Sledge and Dante deserve it. I’m nuthin’ like your father.”
“I know, you’re better than him, but she’s only li’l, she doesn’t understand.”
The anger left Chaz’s face. “You think I’m better than your father?”
Ash nodded. It went without saying. Yeah, his stepdad lost his cool on the odd occasion, but who didn’t? And it didn’t help that the twins drove everyone nuts with their fighting.
Ash watched as Chaz started eating again, his stepdad now looking happy. Ash focused on his own plate, his mind returning to his father’s get out of jail card. In two days his old man would be free. Would the prick come after his mother again or had he changed? Either way, Ash knew he wasn’t going to get any sleep tonight, his worry intensifying as Saturday drew closer.
A bang came from one of the back rooms, probably Sledge throwing a tantrum. “That li’l shite better not have broken anything again.” Chaz pushed out of his chair and left the room.
Ash looked up at a sniffling Juliet. “It’s okay, he won’t hurt Sledge.”
Juliet wiped her eyes. “He shouted at me.”
“He didn’t mean to.”
“I want Mum. I miss Mum!”
“Me too.” Ash picked up a couple of chips and held them out for her. “Want extra?”
A grin replaced her pout. She grabbed a handful of Sledge’s chips and stuck them on her plate.
“He’ll punch you for that,” Ash said.
Her grin widened. “Then I’ll tell him you stole them.”
Ash laughed. “Li’l liar.”
She grabbed more of Sledge’s chips and stuffed them into her mouth, some falling out as she giggled.
The front door banged open. Probably Dante, he thought. “Watch me turn into a vampire.” Ash stuck the two chips into his nose. “A snot sucking vampire.”
“Oooh yuck!” Juliet squealed.
Laughing, he pulled the chips out and threw them at her, making her duck and squeal louder.
Graffiti Heaven (Graffiti Heaven #1) Page 8
