Des O’Leary - Under the Radar

Firstly, my special thanks to Mary McCallum, who saw enough thread of value in the first manuscript of Slice of Heaven to carry that story to publication and is now giving Sione and his friends another outing.

This second novel grew from that narrative and continues the lives of those characters.

As in the first story, Manawahe East High School, its people, environment and the things that happen are fiction. I did draw on my experience of living and working in South Auckland for over a decade and from reading newspapers.

Again, real thanks to editor Anna Golden, for her advice, suggestions and comments. Going through the editing process is rewarding, humbling, challenging all at once. The result is a better book and brought to reality with the help of Mary, Sarah and Paul at The Cuba Press.

This time I was grateful for the technical advice I received from Tania Lewis-Rickards and Tim OLeary, as I had the confidence and sense to tap into their knowledge and expertise. I hope I got those details correct. If not, its my fault.

As always, my deepest gratitude to my wife, Hazel, who has been part of this journey from the start. Your unflagging support, advice and enthusiasm have allowed the journey to continue. Its not over yet.

Des OLeary started life in Greymouth and has taught at high schools in Fiji, Whakatne and Kerikeri, and at Aorere College in South Auckland, which inspired A Slice of Heaven and the sequel, Under the Radar. Des lives in Tauranga with his wife, Hazel.

Des O'Leary 2021

Des O'Leary asserts his moral right to be identified as the author of this book.

This book is copyright apart from any fair dealing as permitted under the Copyright Act, and no part may be reproduced without permission from the publisher.

Edited by Anna Golden and Mary McCallum.
Book design by Paul Stewart; eBook conversion by Sarah Bolland.
Cover design by Sarah Bolland. Photograph by Adam Stewart.

A catalogue record for this book is available from the National Library of New Zealand. Kei te ptengi raraunga o Te Puna Mtauranga o Aotearoa te whakarrangi o tnei pukapuka.

ISBN: 978-0-9951233-9-7 (paperback); 978-1-99-115081-3 (epub)

Ahoy!
an imprint of The Cuba Press
Box 9321 Wellington 6141, Aotearoa New Zealand

for all the students who attended
Aorere College 20032015

Des O'Leary

I dont want to go, Teresa said. Standing at the end of the table, she folded her arms across her chest and hunched her shoulders.

You have to go to school, bub, said her mother. The teacup in her hand looked fragile.

No, I dont, Ma. I could stay home. I could stay and help you.

Her mothers chair creaked as she leaned back. She pressed a strand of loose hair back in place without moving the white and yellow plastic frangipani flower behind her ear. You got to face up to the world, bub. You go to school. Youll meet new friends and youll be fine.

I dont want any new friends. Theyll just be mean to me. They always are.

You have to make it work, bub. You can do it. I know you can make friends.

Someone will make me angry. Ill start a fight and get in trouble again.

No, bub, Ma said. You give it a chance. Its a new school, a fresh start. She sipped her tea, little finger extended.

Thomas never finished school.

That was different.

And he doesnt have a proper job.

A shape filled the doorway, blocking the sunlight. Teresas older brother came in, his yellow T-shirt stretched over his chest and belly, his loose-fitting shirt hung open. Im working today and so are you, bub. First day of school, eh? Thats good.

No, its not. I dont want to go. School started over a week ago. Theyll have all their seats sorted out.

Thats why you should have started then, like I told you, her mother said. Theres fresh tea in the pot, son. Ive just made it.

Thanks, Ma, just what I need. Thomas hoisted up his pants. He selected a teacup that matched his mothers and flicked his fingers so the cup spun in the air, before catching it in the same hand.

Dont do that. Youll drop it. I like this set.

Its nice. He poured tea into the cup. Ouch, hot. The pot clattered back on the stove.

Careful, son. Dont spill on my clean stove.

Thomas sniffed, laced his fingers together and stretched his arms. His knuckles cracked.

Thatll give you arthritis, Ma said.

His large shoulders shook with a laugh. He turned to Teresa. Whats the problem, bub? He dragged a chair back and sat.

Im not going to this school.

Weve had this conversation, Ma said. You cant go back to your old school. Look what happened there.

That wasnt my fault. It was yours, Teresa said to her brother. The teachers remember you and other kids know who you are.

Dont blame me for what you do, Thomas said. He smacked his lips. Mmm. Nice tea.

Get your bag, bub, said Ma. You need to get to the bus stop. Have you got all you need?

Do you want me to come with you since its your first day? said Thomas.

No! I dont need you there to watch out for me. I dont want you at my school. I can handle myself with those punks.

Probably just ordinary kids, said Thomas. Youll make some friends. Do your work. The first few days will be the worst, then youll be fine.

Dont you come there! I dont want you scaring people.

Aw, bub, you think thats what I do?

That is what you do.

Thomas shrugged.

You two. I love you both, but youre too much hard work for me sometimes, their mother said. You make this work, bub. I want at least one of my kids to finish school.

Do you want me to walk you to the bus? asked Thomas.

No. I dont want you hanging around me. I can take care of myself.

Im there if you need me, bub, said Thomas. I have work today anyway.

What work? Teresa said.

Doing some building for a mate.

You be a good girl today, bub, said Ma. Listen to what people say, be on your best behaviour. If anyone is mean, just ignore them. Youll soon make friends.

If I get in trouble, its not my fault. Teresa swung her school bag on her shoulder.

Her brother chuckled. The legs of the table squeaked.

Whos this mate youre working for, son? Ma said.

Its all right, said Thomas. A couple of guys from the gym are setting up a shop. Im just helping out. Putting up shelves and stuff. He reached across the table and patted her arm. Thanks for the tea, Ma. Ill see you later.

The kitchen door closed after them.

Their mother looked at the framed photo hanging on the wall. Lets hope this fresh start works. She sighed and closed her eyes.

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