Graffiti Heaven (Graffiti Heaven #1) Read online

  Her mother looked shocked.

  “I didn’t mean for it to happen, but she said horrible things and threw her bag at me.”

  Her mother’s face hardened. “So you disabled her! I told you to stop attacking people, Jenna, I told you!”

  “I know.” Jenna started crying. “I didn’t mean to, it was an accident.”

  “It wasn’t an accident! You caused this; you’ve ruined this girl’s life. You, Jenna, you! I can’t believe you could be so horrible!”

  Sobbing, Jenna jumped up and ran for her room for the last time.

  ***

  Jenna jumped out her bedroom window then scaled the fence with her backpack. Nervous about being out at night, she sprinted down the road, feeling safer as she neared the local dairy. She stopped under the shop’s light and placed her hands on her knees for a rest. A buzzer went off as someone exited the liquor store next to the dairy.

  “Jenna?”

  She turned to see Ant holding a six-pack of beer.

  He pulled off his hood. “Where ya goin’ at this time of night?”

  “For a walk.”

  “What’s with the bag? You running away or sumpthin’?”

  “What’s it to you?”

  “So, you are. Where are ya gonna stay?”

  “None of your business.”

  “You can stay at my house if ya want. My mum won’t mind.”

  “Why should I? You were a prick to Cassidy.”

  He shrugged. “I call everyone a lesbo or a fag, she didn’t hafta take it personally.”

  “Cos it’s an insult, and I’d rather try Ash’s.”

  “What’s the point? He won’t let ya stay. He ain’t interested in you anymore. That bloke will bone anything and when he’s done, sayonara baby.”

  “Ash isn’t like that.”

  “Then go to his place and see what he says. You know he’ll think you’re tryna jump his cock.”

  “You’re disgusting.”

  “But he would, so ya might as well come to my place, cos I won’t turn ya away.”

  “Cos you’ll try to get into my pants.”

  He shook his head. “Nope, you’re not my type.”

  “Kelley’s your type.” Jenna said, her breath coming out cold. She wondered what Ant would do if he found out she’d been responsible for hurting his ex.

  “No, she’s not, she just lemme do what I wanted. You’d be surprised at my type. So, it’s up to you if ya wanna stay at my place, no skin off my nose.”

  Jenna glanced at a car driving towards them, the sound system pumping out rap to the neighbourhood. A guy stuck his head out the window and hollered something disgusting at her as the car passed by. “Your mother really home?” she asked.

  “Yup, and if you’re all scared and shit, I’ll get her to show her face so you don’t think I’m after sex. Again, you’re not my type.”

  Jenna breathed out. “Okay, I’ll come with you.”

  Ant laughed. “You said cum.”

  “What’re ya, an imbecile?”

  He grinned. “My mum thinks so. Do ya like PlayStation? Mum’s scored loads of new games. She sells them…” He continued talking about the type of games he had, asking if she’d played any of them, then continuing on without giving her a chance to answer, telling her about his favourite ones.

  Jenna tried to keep up with what he was saying. She’d always thought Ant was a foul git, his language even worse than Joel’s, but right now he looked more like an oversized kid as he babbled about his games.

  He pulled out a can of beer from the carton. “Want one?”

  She shook her head. “How’d ja get them?”

  “The shopkeeper thinks I’m twenty. Fake ID. Plus, I’m tall enough.”

  Yeah, she could believe that.

  “It’s gettin’ cold,” he said. “Let’s head back to my place.”

  They walked around the corner and entered the second property, a small wooden house on a scrap of land. Wondering if she should take off, Jenna nervously waited at the bottom of the steps while Ant unlocked the front door.

  He glanced back at her. “Wait here, I’ll get my mum.”

  Relieved that he hadn’t lied, Jenna nodded. Several seconds later a woman appeared. Dressed in a tatty denim skirt and a tight black singlet too cold for the night, she appeared way too young to be Ant’s mother, but she did look like him, just harsher.

  The woman removed the cigarette from her mouth. “My son says you’re a school friend of his, that you need a place to stay.”

  Jenna nodded, trying not to stare at the barbed wire tattoo around the woman’s neck.

  “What’s wrong with your own home, girlie?”

  “Nuthin’, just need a break.”

  “Didja upset your mummy and daddy?”

  Jenna remained quiet, not liking the woman’s patronising tone.

  “Yeah, betcha did. Well, as long as you stick to my rules I don’t care what you’ve done.” She took a puff on her cigarette and blew out smoke. “Don’t touch my booze, ciggies and anything in the boxes in the lounge. Also, if anyone comes to the door don’t talk to them, get me, and also don’t go into my room. If ya break any of those rules, girlie, I’ll kick ya out myself, then smack Anthony for bein’ a soft twat, cos obviously you’re a pity case. Understand?”

  Jenna nodded. The woman disappeared back into the house.

  Ant reappeared in the doorway with a big grin on his face. “You coming in or has my mum scared you off?”

  “She didn’t scare me.”

  “I don’t believe that with the way your eyes are bugging out.”

  “No one scares me.” Jenna pushed past him and into the lounge. The place looked like a storage room with boxes lining the walls, while the telly, PlayStation and couch were dumped in the middle.

  Ant closed the door behind her. “Welcome to the Carlton, may I take your bag to your room, Ma’am?”

  Jenna handed it over, smiling at the posh tosh voice he’d put on.

  “This way please, Ma’am.”

  She followed him down a bite-sized passage, stopping in the doorway of the end bedroom, nervous that he’d taken her to his room.

  “You can have my bed,” he said, “I’ll sleep on the couch.”

  “Thanks,” she said, surprised he was willing to give up his room.

  “No probs, I know what it’s like to run away, and sleeping under a bridge sucks, which is where you would’ve ended up. You hungry? There’s some mashed potatoes left. I can put some in a sandwich with tomato sauce if ya want. It’s not half bad.”

  She was hungry. “Yeah, that sounds good.”

  He nodded and disappeared down the passage.

  Still in shock that he was being so nice, she looked around the room. It was tidy, not something she would expect of Ant. Rugby trophies lined a rickety cabinet and a tall plastic CD rack was jammed full. She checked out his music collection, surprised by his tastes. Classical and old eighties music made up the majority, bands she’s never heard of called “Dead or Alive” and “Culture Club.”

  “You shouldn’t be lookin’ through my stuff,” Ant said, making her jump.

  She turned around. “Sorry, but classical music?”

  “My nana got me into it.” Holding a plate and glass, he nodded towards a large case. “She also taught me how to play the cello. Joel saw it once and the dumbarse thought it was a giant guitar.”

  Jenna smiled. “Yeah, he is a dumbarse.”

  “But I still like him, he makes me laugh.”

  “He just makes me wanna punch him.”

  “That sometimes too.” He passed her the plate of food and put the glass on the cabinet, then sat on the bed. “I think it’s shit what Ash did to ya, dumping you like that right after sex. Kelley did sumpthin’ similar, but that wuz more my fault.”

  She sat down next to him. “It wasn’t Ash’s fault; I humiliated him in front of everyone.”

  Ant shrugged. “It’s better that you’re not with him a
nyway, that guy attracts trouble. I’m only friends with him cos of Marko, plus his younger brother Dante wuz fun to be around. That kid wuz hilarious.”

  “Dante isn’t funny. Well, maybe when he flirted with me, but most of the time he was bad tempered.” Jenna took a bite out of the sandwich, surprised that it tasted really good, a hint of herbs coming through.

  “Yeah, that kid’s a badass, said and did the craziest shit. I saw him after a rugby game a few weeks back kissing Lavinia behind the stands.”

  Jenna’s eyes widened, then she smiled and shook her head. “Hardy-har-har, nice one, you almost had me there.”

  “I ain’t lying, it wuz definitely Lavinia. My eyes almost popped out when I saw them.”

  “Bull, Lavinia wouldn’t go with Dante; he’s only thirteen.”

  “There’s no reason for me to lie, and you’re the only one I’ve told, cos Joel would go ballistic if he ever found out. Anyway, Dante’s taller than Lavinia, so they don’t look that bad together. If I didn’t know them I’d think they were the same age.”

  Jenna stared at him for a moment, then shook her head. “Lavinia’s goin’ out with some university guy.”

  “Yeah, Joel told me that, but he’s never seen this mysterious Ivan bloke. I reckon Lavinia’s making him up to cover for taking off to see Dante.”

  “But he’s three years younger.”

  “I still saw them kissing. It wuz the morning before Ash’s mum wuz killed.” Ant looked down. “I really liked her; she wuz one of the few people who didn’t patronise me.”

  Jenna frowned, her mind ticking over. “Lavinia did ask Ash’s grandpa ‘bout Dante when we visited a few weeks back.”

  “Cos she has a thing for him, and that kid has talent with chicks. I saw him hook into an eighteen-year-old once. He walked right up to her at a party and started chatting her up. The next thing I know, they disappeared into a bedroom together. I told Ash, but the prick didn’t believe me, he never believes anything I say.”

  “That’s gross; you should’ve told his mother.”

  “Dante wuz the one doin’ the moves, not the chick.”

  “It doesn’t matter, he’s a kid, and I’m gonna tell Ash ‘bout Lavinia, cos that’s just not right. And to think that self-righteous cow gets on my case when she’s doin’ a… Oooh, I can’t even say it.”

  Ant shrugged. “I can’t judge, I’ve done bad shit too.”

  “Don’t tell me you’ve been with a kid or I’ll punch you.”

  “Hell no, nuthin’ that warped. More like what you do.”

  “What’d I do?”

  “Bullying.”

  “Yeah, I certainly do that,” she said, feeling guilty. “Though, I don’t understand why you’re so mean to Ginger, cos he barely says boo to anyone.”

  Ant stiffened. “Says the person who humiliated and punched Tiana in front of the whole class.”

  “At least I have a better reason for bullying her, whereas Ginger did nuthin’ to you.”

  “His name’s not Ginger, it’s Llewellyn, and I bully him for the same reason you bully Tiana.”

  “I only did it cos she had Ash, so it’s not the same.”

  “It is. I want someone I can’t have, that’s the same.”

  “Just cos Ash doesn’t want me now doesn’t mean he won’t change his mind.”

  “Then you’re luckier than I am, cos I won’t ever get who I want, and if I did, I couldn’t go out with them anyway, people will think I’m a joke.”

  “No one will think you’re a joke if you go out with Kelley, they didn’t before.”

  “I already told ja I’m not interested in her. I only asked her out cos of her hair.”

  “You’re kidding me?”

  “Nope, her hair reminded me of someone I want.” Looking sad, Ant stood up. “I’ve gotta clean up the kitchen, but afterwards come out and play some games with me.”

  “Sure.”

  He left the room, closing the door behind him.

  Once she’d finished her sandwich and drink, she gave the room another squiz. Pictures of rugby players graced the walls, something that didn’t surprise her. She focused on a couple that she thought were hot, then went back to Ant’s CD rack. She pulled out a CD of a fat guy with an Italian name. If she ever told anyone that Ant liked opera she was sure they wouldn’t believe her.

  She slipped the CD back into its slot, but it got stuck. She pushed harder, then cursed as the rack toppled towards her, a few CDs and an envelope falling onto the carpet. After steadying the rack, she slipped the CDs back in, then swiped up the envelope, swearing as photos fell out. She squatted down then froze. Shocked, she stared at one of the photos showing a naked shot of an auburn haired boy under a shower. She picked up the next image, her eyes widening even more. It was Ginger. Jenna flicked through the rest: Ginger eating his lunch, performing as Othello, walking down a road, coming out of a house … but none with him looking at the camera. She focused on another picture, this one showing Ginger naked and running across school grounds, his face panicked. A noise came from down the passage. Jenna quickly jammed the photos back into the envelope and slipped it into the CD holder. When no one entered the room she exhaled, relieved that Ant hadn’t caught her with them.

  Her gaze moved to the pictures of the hot rugby players. Ant’s words came back to her, ‘I want someone I can’t have...’

  Jenna had bullied Kelley because she wanted Ash, Ant bullied Ginger because… She knew it was true, but she still couldn’t believe it. Ant was big, rough looking, liked rugby and had gone with girls. She glanced back at the CD holder. ‘You’re not my type,’ he’d said. “But Ginger is,” she finished his sentence, and a redhead like Kelley.

  She sat on Ant’s bed, not understanding anything. Kelley was different from what she’d thought, Lavinia had been secretly dating Dante, and Ant was gay. She breathed out, wondering if she could do something totally unexpected too, but something that her parents would be proud of. Yeah, she could graffiti something new on her life’s wall, and somehow make up for all the bad shit she’d done, then maybe she could make this damn place a little bit closer to heaven than hell.

  45

  Tiana

  Tuesday, September 19.

  Levi sat down at the table with his breakfast; the fried onions on his plate making Tiana feel ill. He had a plaster over his nose and a black-eye. He looked across the table at her and scowled. Tiana dropped her gaze. He’d taken off from the hospital yesterday, then shown up later without an explanation why. Since then he’d barely uttered a word to her. She guessed he must be mad because of Ash, someone she had absolutely no control over.

  God, she had no idea how to handle Ash. She loved him, wanted to be with him, but he was so volatile lately. Understandably so, but it didn’t help that he’d attacked Levi when her brother hadn’t done anything wrong. Yeah, he’d told her and Joel about Ash’s rape, but Joel had left him with no choice.

  Her stomach tightened, cutting her thoughts short and reminding her AGAIN about being pregnant. She glanced at her mother. She’d found out why Levi had had a hard time finding their mum yesterday, she’d been at their father’s new flat trying to talk him into returning home—albeit unsuccessfully.

  Terrified with what she had to say, she breathed in then blurted out, “I’m pregnant,” before she could change her mind.

  Her mother dropped her spoon, and Levi appeared just as shocked.

  “I’m pregnant,” Tiana repeated.

  “But how?” her mother asked.

  “I thought that was pretty obvious,” Levi said loudly.

  “But,” their mother said. “Why would you do this?”

  “I didn’t mean to, I even took the morning-after pill, but it made me sick and I vomited. I didn’t know it wouldn’t work if I did that.”

  “But, you’re too smart to get pregnant,” her mother said, her face disbelieving.

  “Obviously not that smart, otherwise she wouldn’t have done it with Ash,” Levi said.<
br />
  Tiana glared at him. “This isn’t Ash’s fault, I told him not to use a condom, but I didn’t think we’d do it.”

  “He stuck it in, so he damn well knew what would happen.”

  “Levi, stop it,” their mother said.

  “Why should I? It’s true. Now, are ya gonna send her to Tonga or not? Personally, I think you should let her stay, cos her and Ash are perfect for each other, they both attract trouble.”

  “What happened to Ash wasn’t his fault!” Tiana yelled.

  “I didn’t say it was, but like you, bullies are drawn to him.”

  “You’re just bein’ nasty cos of what Ash did to you yesterday.”

  “I don’t give a shit ‘bout that! I deserved it. But I’m sick of all the melodrama that comes with you, Tiana. I’ve tried to protect you, but I can’t anymore, cos there’s always someone that will hurt you when I’m not around. So, I figure you needa learn how to look after yourself, especially now you’re having Ash’s baby, cos that guy won’t be able to protect you, he’s the one who needs protecting.”

  “Levi, stop it now!” Their mother pointed at Tiana. “And you, I can’t believe you could be so selfish to do this to your family. What is your father going to think, what is everyone at church going to say? Pregnant at sixteen, unmarried, I didn’t raise you to be like this, Tiana.”

  “I didn’t mean for it to happen,” Tiana said.

  “You had sex with this horrible boy, what else could’ve happened?”

  “He’s not horrible.”

  “He got you pregnant.”

  “He’s not horrible! I love him.”

  “You’re sixteen, you don’t know what love means.”

  “And you do? Is that why Dad doesn’t wanna live with you?”

  Her mother’s jaw clenched. “I can’t put up with your behaviour anymore, and since your father isn’t around to stop me, you’re going to Tonga as soon as the school year’s over. You can come back after you’ve had the baby.”

  “I’m sixteen, you can’t make me!”

  “I certainly can, because you aren’t the one who puts food on the table and keeps a roof over your head.”