“Levi! Wash out your mouth!” their mother’s voice came from the lounge.
Tiana turned back to the toilet. “No, I fell outta bed.”
His gaze moved to her neck. “Doesn’t look like it to me with that giant hickey. Did your scum boyfriend do that?
“No.”
“I’m gonna get Isaia and Brett, and go smash that bastard up.”
Tiana scrambled to her feet. “No, it wasn’t Ash.”
“Then who the hell beat you up? And don’t tell me it was a chick, cos that hickey says sumpthin’ different.”
“I got smacked by a girl and got the hickey elsewhere.”
“You’re lying. Your voice always goes high when you lie.”
Tiana tried to calm herself down. Her stomach still hurt, like she’d eaten the eye of newt, and her lip stung like crazy from the vomiting, and she JUST WANTED TO BE LEFT ALONE!
“Ash has nuthin’ to do with this,” she said.
“Then who gave you that disgusting hickey? Cos from where I’m standing it looks like that boyfriend I told you to drop is in for a pummelling.” He sneered. “Yeah, since Isaia owes me, he can do all the work, while I’ll just stand back and enjoy the show.”
“I can’t believe you’ve already forgiven that bastard.”
He shrugged. “I punched him in the nuts, so it’s even.”
Tiana glowered at him. “He almost killed you.”
“I’m alive.”
“And obviously brain-damaged!”
Levi held up his hands. “What the hell? Calm down.”
“No, I will not, and if Isaia hurts Ash or even goes near him, I’m calling the cops.”
“You wouldn’t dare.”
“Hell, I wouldn’t. I hate that violent sonofabitch!”
Levi stared at her in shock. Her mother’s face appeared from around the corner, her expression just as startled. Tiana was past caring about what other people thought. Not only was her stomach making her lose patience, but she couldn’t put up with Levi’s blind and dumb loyalty to Isaia anymore … and he seemed to have forgotten about what she’d said at the hospital—about Isaia harassing her. Oh, he remembered about Ash, but when it came to his mate all was forgiven. What was wrong with him?
But if she told Levi about the attack, Isaia would hurt Ash…
But if she didn’t tell, Ash would still get hurt by Isaia…
It made her want to scream, to swear and to throw things.
“Tiana, girl, what’s gotten into you?” her mother said. “And what on earth has happened to your neck?”
“It’s a hickey, Mum,” Levi snapped. “Her boyfriend beat her up.”
“He did not!”
“I told you he was a criminal. I’m calling the police.” Their mother disappeared around the corner.
Tiana ran after her. “It wasn’t Ash, it was Isaia.”
Her mother stopped in front of the phone, her expression shocked. Levi shouted, “What?” behind them.
“Please don’t call the police, Mum,” Tiana pleaded. “Isaia threatened to hurt Ash if I said anything.”
“When did this happen?” her mother asked.
“He showed up yesterday after you dropped me and Monika off at home. Monika saw him attack me. I made her promise not to tell anyone, I was so scared for Ash.”
“What did Isaia do?”
“Slapped me really hard, and sucked…” Tiana grimaced. He hurt my neck and covered my mouth so I couldn’t scream.”
“Oh my Lord, did he rape you?”
“No.”
Her mother exhaled. “Regardless, I’m still calling the police.”
“No!” Tiana grabbed her mother’s hand
“Let go, Tiana.”
The door slammed behind them. Tiana turned to see Levi gone. She ran for the door and opened it, then jumped down the stairs in her nightie and headed across the grass as Levi disappeared around the corner. Her mother screamed out for her to come back. She stopped on the footpath, knowing she had no chance of catching her brother as he sprinted down the road, without a doubt heading for Isaia’s house. Terrified for Levi’s safety, she ran back up the front lawn, screaming at her mother to phone the police.
22
Levi
Levi’s mind reeled. When he’d met Isaia on the first day of primary they’d been steadfast friends, their sense of humour, likes and dislikes all similar. Yeah, he knew Isaia was a violent bastard at times, but he usually let that slide because he wasn’t exactly a saint either. But to assault a female and someone he loved was unforgiveable.
A piece of scripture ran through his mind as he pounded the pavement, the one that Father Jenkins used to brainwash his congregation with, and something Levi could never live by:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
Tiana had turned her cheek, now he was going to turn Isaia’s, and he was going to hit it so hard that Isaia would see his own arse.
As he rounded the corner, he realised he was still wearing his pyjama pants and singlet, but there was no way he was going back to get changed. He continued onto Isaia’s street. It looked pretty much like his own: powerlines with shoes hanging from them, basic boxes called homes, a pink one there, a blue one over there, and Isaia’s tiny white house in the middle. Isaia’s father’s blue van was parked in the driveway, but Isaia’s car was absent. Levi stopped at the gate, realising where Isaia was: at rugby. Breathing heavily, he shoved open the gate, ignoring the yapping poodle bouncing around his feet. “Bloody mongrel,” he muttered, his words referring to his mate not the dog.
He took the three steps to the landing and pressed the buzzer, the cold making him shake. The smell of rain hovered over him along with a shroud of clouds. The door pulled open and Isaia’s father looked down at Levi with a surprised expression. A big brute of a man, Mr. Longi was an older image of his son.
“You and Isaia are banned from seeing each other. I’m sick of you two always coming to blows.”
Levi’s anger silenced him. He pushed inside and sat down on the couch, determined to wait for Isaia to get home. Isaia lived alone with his father. His mother had died from cancer two years prior and his oldest brother had moved to Australia to play rugby professionally. Levi looked at the trophies lining the shelf next to the fireplace. Player of the Year, Player of the Day, all awards proclaiming that Isaia was going to follow in his brother’s footsteps. Talented, but violent. Levi didn’t understand why Isaia was so short-fused, because although the guy looked like his old man, their personalities couldn’t be further apart.
Mr. Longi closed the door and walked over to Levi, his expression puzzled. “What happened, Levi? Usually you two forgive and forget as soon as the last punch is thrown.”
“He hurt Tiana.”
“What?”
“He assaulted Tiana!”
“When did this happen?”
Trying to keep his temper in check, Levi looked up at Isaia’s father. “Yesterday. Tiana has a split and swollen lip, and a large bruise on her neck.”
Mr. Longi ploughed a hand through his coarse hair, his expression almost panicked. “You go home; I’ll take care of this, and I’ll make sure he goes nowhere near you and your family again. He’s been expelled from Claydon, so you won’t see him at school. He won’t bother you anymore.”
Levi stood. “Where is he then?”
“At rugby.”
“If he’s expelled, then why are they letting him play?”
“The coach is hiding it, because they need Isaia to beat Wera.” A car engine stopped in the driveway, capturing Mr. Longi’s attention. He headed for the front door and opened it. A few seconds later Levi’s mother and sister entered the house, their faces panicked.
His mother grabbed his face. “You scared the living daylights out of me, boy. Are you alright?”
“Ye
s, Isaia’s not here.”
She turned to Isaia’s father. “Your son attacked my daughter! Look at her face and neck.”
Mr. Longi looked horrified. “I’ll make sure that Isaia goes nowhere near her again.”
Their mother moved to the window as a cop car turned into the driveway. “I called the police.”
“No!” Isaia’s father yelled. “You can’t do this; he’s all I have left. Please … tell them to leave.”
“He attacked my son, then my daughter. He’s out of control.”
“Please, Grace, please, Isaia’s everything to me.”
The buzzer sounded then two police officers appeared in the open doorway, a tall man with a prominent scar under his chin and a woman with short black hair. “We were called to a disturbance,” the male said.
Levi’s mother rushed up to the policeman. “Yes, my children were attacked by this man’s son. Look at their faces.”
Mr. Longi followed her. “The fight between the boys was at school. The principal has already dealt with it. I’ve only just heard about the incident with Tiana. Please, this is a family matter, allow me to handle it.”
“We are not family!” Levi’s mother yelled, “And no longer friends. There is no excuse for what Isaia has done. How do you think she got that bruise on her neck? He sexually assaulted her.”
Mr. Longi appeared stunned. “I … I … Please…” He looked at the officers. “I’m sure there’s an explanation to how he acted.”
Levi’s mother started yelling in Tongan at Isaia’s father.
“Ma’am!” the male officer said. “You need to calm down so we can understand what has happened. Please take a seat with your son and daughter. Sir,” he looked at Isaia’s dad, “You too. Only one person may talk at a time so my colleague can take down your statements.”
With a scowl, Levi’s mother directed Tiana to sit between her and Levi. Isaia’s father took the armchair. After about twenty minutes of discussion, the police finished with their questions.
“Do you wish to press charges?” the male officer directed his gaze between Tiana and Levi.
They both shook their heads, causing their mother to jump up. “They most certainly will.” She turned to Levi, then Tiana. “He needs to be punished.”
“You know why I can’t, Mum,” Tiana said.
“The police are here, they’re willing to arrest him. Your boyfriend has nothing to do with this.”
“Ma’am,” the policeman interrupted. “We will not arrest him right now. What we need to do is to talk with the boy about what has happened with your daughter. The other issue with your son appears to have been dealt with.” He held up a hand. “Don’t get me wrong, we will be taking what has happened to your daughter very seriously. We just need to get both sides of the story. Your niece should also come in to give a statement.”
“He assaulted my daughter; he needs to be locked up.”
“I understand you’re upset, but we have to follow the correct procedures.”
“Procedures will not protect my family.”
The policeman stood, along with his partner. “I assure you we will do our best. As long as Mr. Longi brings his son to the station, which he has agreed to do, things will be taken care of.”
Levi’s mother went to say something, then closed her mouth, her expression barely containing the explosion Levi was sure would happen if she uttered another word.
“Thank you, Ma’am,” the officer said. He turned to Isaia’s father. “Either myself or one of my colleagues will see you and your son later.”
Isaia’s father nodded, his face sombre. After the police left, Levi’s mother grabbed his arm and yanked him up. “What were you thinking of coming here? You could’ve been killed with another blow to your head.”
“But I wasn’t.”
“Don’t answer back. You have no sense sometimes. Now, get in the car.”
Levi headed for the door. He still intended on dealing with things his way, but since Isaia wasn’t home it wasn’t worth arguing with his mother, plus his sore ear was driving him crazy, his head ready to explode like his mother’s temper.
23
Ash
Ash spotted the big Polynesian bruiser from Wednesday warming up with the Claydon High rugby team. The guy’s gaze followed Ash as he ran onto the rugby field. Ash took up his position on the wing, knowing he needed to stay well clear of him, because the prop’s expression promised a world of pain.
A shout came from the side of the field. Ash’s attention moved to his coach. Mr. Daniels was looking annoyed as his eight-year-old son and Sledge pushed each other. Nike jumped on Sledge and started punching him. The coach yanked his son off Sledge, who screamed at Nike then run off towards the bleachers, yelling at their mother that Nike had hurt him. She climbed down from her seat and held out her arms for Sledge, babying his brother like she always did when he got hurt.
Although she said Ash could stay in Auckland with Chaz, she still wanted to see his game. Having played in a touch rugby team at high school, she loved everything to do with rugby. Plus, she was his biggest fan, always yelling out support, which unfortunately at times was embarrassing.
The referee shouted something, catching Ash’s attention. The whistle blew and Marko kicked the ball from the centre line. Both teams ran for it, one of the blue-clad Claydon players taking it down. The ball got rolled back to another player who passed it to one of Claydon’s best kickers, Soloman Tua, who booted it from the 22-metre line. The ball bounced into touch on Wera’s side of the halfway mark.
Everyone got into position and the throw-in was taken. Lifted by two players, Ant caught the ball then went to ground, shoving it into Danny O’Hagan’s hands. The half-back passed it to Marko, who in turn flipped it to Ash. Ash caught it and sidestepped a couple of players, then was knocked down by a bulky forward. After rolling the ball back, he stood up, his eyes going wide as the Polynesian bruiser bashed into him, taking him down hard. Ash let out a holler as the guy kneed him in the nuts. Yelling started up, and the prop was knocked off him. Ash rolled to his side in pain as a fight broke out around him.
A hand touched his arm. “Can you stand?” his coach asked.
Ash shook his head. A minute later something was placed next to him, and he was rolled onto what he assumed was a stretcher. He opened his eyes as it was lifted and saw fathers trying to break up the fight. He was carried off, his mother and stepdad running down to meet him at the side-line.
“Ash wasn’t even holding the ball,” his mother said loudly. “That boy should be banned from playing.”
“He will definitely be punished,” the coach said.
Ash was laid on the ground, his mother’s face appearing above his. Her long black hair hung over him, tickling Ash’s cheek. “Where does it hurt, love?”
“My crotch.” A cold-pack was passed to him. “He did that on purpose, he hates me.”
He felt his hair get patted from behind. “Are you able to stand?” his stepdad asked.
“No.”
Large arms hooked under him and he was lifted. At that point Ash didn’t care, the pain more of a concern than his stepdad holding him.
The coach pointed to the gym. “Take him inside so he can be checked over.”
“Nope, I’m taking him home,” Chaz said.
The coach blocked Chaz. “He should be checked first, just in case he needs a doctor.”
“You’re not looking at his nuts, so move outta my way, he’s bloody heavy.”
“I wouldn’t have done that,” the coach said, moving aside, his tone insulted.
Chaz ignored him, and carried Ash through the stands and across the car park, grunting and huffing. Behind them his mother yelled out to the twins, asking where Dante was. The twins ran past shouting, “Don’t know!” in unison.
Chaz stopped by his white van. “Open the bloody door already, he’s killing my arms.”
His mother opened up and Ash was laid down on the first row of backseats. The
twins climbed in behind him, while his mother called out Dante’s name. “Where is that bloody kid?” she said. “He’s always running off.”
“He can walk home,” Chaz replied.
“But, it looks like rain.”
“Let the li’l bugger get wet then. It’ll serve him right for taking off.”
His mother called out Dante’s name again.
“Look,” Chaz said, “Ash is hurt, we should get him home now instead of waiting around until the end of the game, which is when Dante will come waltzing up. If you’re so concerned, drop us off and return for him. And take those two brats with you.” Chaz pointed at the twins, who were hitting each other.
Grumbling, Ash’s mother climbed into the driver’s seat. She started the engine and waited for Chaz to get in, then backed out.
Before Ash knew it they were home. His stepdad carried him inside while his mother ushered the way. Once Ash was settled in bed, his mother took off to get Dante.
“You want me to put you in the bath?” Chaz asked.
“No.”
“Then I’ll get some wet towels to clean off the mud.”
“No, I’ll have a wash later.”
His stepdad sighed. “How’s it feeling below?”
“A bit better, but it still hurts.”
“Hope that shit didn’t do any damage. I can check.”
“No way!”
“I just wanna make sure he didn’t do any real damage.”
“I’ll be fine.”
“Okay, but we’ll see if you’re still up to going to the pub later.”
“I said, I’ll be fine.”
“We can always do it another night.”
“No, I wanna go tonight.”
“As long as you can walk without pain.”
“I will.”
Chaz got up and left the room, returning a minute later with towels.
“I told ja, I’ll have a clean later,” Ash said, annoyed.
“I’m only gonna clean the dirt off your legs, so pipe down, you reek.”
Ash grumbled as Chaz pulled off his socks, wiped down his legs with wet towels then dried them off. Once done, his stepdad laid the duvet over him. “Catch some sleep, I’ll bring you lunch later.”
Graffiti Heaven (Graffiti Heaven #1) Page 12
