The seven students of the TESA rushed to look over Jackson’s shoulder at his mobile phone (which was covered in heavy metal related stickers). What had just happened to Jackson’s face at once happened to theirs. Mr. Wilson (their normal teacher, in case you had forgotten) had returned from Sydney. He had driven all the way to the SCG to watch the Sydney Swan’s victory over the Gold Coast Suns, but was now back in Jerrabomberra, DRIVING TO THE COMMUNITY HALL RIGHT THEN AND THERE!!!!!!

It was utter chaos. The entirety of the TESA was running around, hollering like headless chickens.

Jackson was the first to act. “EVERYONE!!!” he thundered; his hand raised skywards to promote silence. “FAN OUT AND FIX THIS DANG MESS ASAP! THEN, JUST ACT INNOCENT!!!”

The TESA did as Jackson ordered, as Jackson hurriedly picked up the contents of his weird and wacky brown leather bag and shoved them back into the bag. Angus kept hurrying outside to check for Mr. Wilson’s purple Tesla, biting his fingernails. Oscar kept checking the back carpark, just in case Mr. Wilson parked there. Alex, Michael, Leonardo and Thomas picked up all the sabotaged walkie-talkies and threw them into the slightly deceased hydrangea bush in old Mrs. Wren’s front yard. And, lastly, Nathan did nothing except racing around the room, still screaming like a headless chicken.

After around 5 minutes, once they had finally finished cleaning up the vast mess in the middle of the Googleberry Community Hall, the TESA at once sat down in their plastic chairs and hunched over their ‘Elite Spy Training’ textbooks. Thank goodness for that, because at that very second, their teacher, Mr. Wilson, entered the room.

He placed his hands on his hips and intently examined the room. The TESA sat there, eager to hear their teacher's response. To their surprise, Mr. Wilson smiled broadly and said cheerfully, “Very good, boys!”

The TESA looked at each other, fist pumping. Their teacher was satisfied with their quick clean-up! All's well that ends well! they thought. But then, Mr. Wilson asked a question that was rather unexpected.

“Well? How was your lesson, boys?”

The TESA looked at each other, swallowing hard. They hadn't planned this! What were they going to say? It was after only maybe 30 second's silence that Oscar spoke up, his voice rather shaky.

“We... completed all the things on your checklist, sir,” he squeaked. Oscar gestured to Jackson, and Jackson promptly handed the clipboard to Mr. Wilson.

Mr. Wilson studied the checklist carefully, his long moustache brushing on the paper. The TESA sat frozen in their seats. Had they done something wrong? Had they forgotten to tick an instruction off?

They were soon relieved by Mr. Wilson's strong British accent. “Very well done, boys!” mused their teacher. Mr. Wilson gave off a small smile and turned to Jackson.

“No problems, I trust, Jackie-Boy?”

“Nothin’ dude! It's been sick teaching these guys! If ya ever need a sub, I'd be ’appy to take the spot,” Jackson grinned.

“Cool! I'll keep ya posted!” Mr. Wilson suddenly dropped his British accent, and his voice became like Jackson's. Then, without warning, Jackson and Mr. Wilson did a supposedly secret and a very complex looking handshake, complete with wriggling rock hands.

The TESA stared at the two men, mouths hanging down as far as they could go. MR. WILSON AND JACKSON PRESLEY WERE MATES?!?!?!?!?!?!?! Everyone thought that Jackson was just some blow-in, wacko, guitar-playing substitute teacher! Apparently, everyone was dead wrong.

Suddenly glancing at his watch, Mr. Wilson announced that it was the end of this TESA session. The seven boys with their ‘Elite Spy Training’ textbooks still grasped firmly in their hands groaned loudly. They all knew what the end of the lesson meant: leaving their favourite guitarist from their favourite rock band.

Jackson seemed to realise this too, for then, he slung his guitar onto his body and started playing the melody of ‘So Long, Farewell’ from The Sound of Music.

The TESA stared at Jackson intently, for tears were welling in the heavy metal guitar player's eyes. THE BEST GUITARIST IN THE WORLD WAS CRYING!!!!!!! “See ya, dudes,” he sniffled. “Teachin’ ya was the greatest gig ever! Even better than Transit Bar!” Jackson added. Jackson waved goodbye and the TESA waved back, tears in their eyes now.

And with that, Jackson Presley walked out of the Googleberry Community Hall for the very last time and as soon as he was out the door, the remaining people in the hall heard the distinct sound of Jackson playing TOOL's ‘Sober’ on his guitar once more.

Everybody laughed, shook their heads and walked out the door in the single file with substantial grins on their faces.

THE END...

OR IS IT?

Find out in

‘Thunderstruck 2: return of the rock star!’