ADD IT UP ✰ RODRICK HEFFLEY x MALE! OC

CHAPTER 5

         Rodrick piled us all into the van, allowing me to sit up front with Manny in my lap. Greg and Bonnie sat in the back, the former frustrated that his seat had been taken by a newcomer.

      "Why didn't I get shotgun this time?" Greg whined, attempting to make himself comfortable in the trunk of the van. "You haven't made me sit back here since the beginning of seventh grade!"

         "Because," Rodrick responded smoothly, "I wanna make Miles my passenger prince." He smirked his dorky grin at me, and I felt a blush creep across my face.

           "That," I brushed him off. "And we can't let Manny sit in the trunk without support." I turned around to face Greg and Bonnie, who seemed to get along better than they did at Westmore, whispering and giggling among each other.

             The van skidded to a halt in front of Old-Timey Ice Cream. I noticed that the sidewalk on the street corner had formed an indentured where I usually busk, but, just like the day before, I passed over it.

           Rodrick opened the door to the ice cream parlor, which looked much more appealing in full daylight. To my horror, in front of us in line, was the Hills family on their way to get ice cream.

           "What are you doing here, Heffley? Off to ruin another person's birthday party?" Heather grinned, a teasing look on her face.

            "Employee discounts," Rodrick responded coolly. "I doubt you see much of those volunteering as a lifeguard at a place full of a bunch of spoiled brats, do you, Heather?"

                Heather's face reddened. "Well, Heffley-"

             She made eye contact with me. Her furious expression faltered and shifted to one of hurt. "That's it. We're leaving," Heather said, softly. She ushered her family out of the ice cream shop, Holly looking at Greg apologetically before exiting the parlor.

             "I'm really sorry about my sister, Greg, I-"

         But before Holly could say anything more, she was dragged out of the building by Heather.

          The cashier by the counter stared at our group, dazed at Heather and Rodrick's interaction. He reset himself, and plastered an artificial smile on his face. "Hey, Rodrick! Welcome back to Old Timey Ice Cream Parlor! What can I get for you today?" His smile faltered. "Who am I kidding, man. I can't fucking do this. Could you take my shift tomorrow?"

         "Wade Farrell! Watch your language if you wanna keep your job!" A gruff voice yelled from behind the counter.

         "Duty calls," Wade shrugged, taking out a pencil and paper. "Whaddya want?"

          He took our orders, an exhausted look on his face as he put five ice creams on the counter. "Will I see you tomorrow then, bubs?" Wade winked at Rodrick, and I felt a pit form in my stomach.

         "Yeah, yeah," Rodrick scoffed, looking back at Greg, Manny, Bonnie, and I. "I'll see you tomorrow." He paid for our order, and seemed eager to leave the vicinity. We strolled downtown soundlessly for a while, sticking out among the many younger children and families out and about, enjoying the fresh air.

       The comely downtown of Central Plainview seemed straight out of a Studio Ghibli movie. Everywhere I looked, there lay a darling, quaint cafe or bookstore, lined with cobblestone sidewalks that I had previously left unnoticed.

        For that one, fleeting moment, Central Plainview seemed like more than just an obligation-- I found it impossible to believe that I never realized its beauty.