ADD IT UP ✰ RODRICK HEFFLEY x MALE! OC

CHAPTER 13

     The sound of the birds chirping in the large juniper tree in Rodrick's yard woke me up at the crack of dawn; the sunlight trickled slowly across the room, Rodrick's resting face illuminated under the sun's orange glow. I had never been so close to him before— it was as if I could count each individual freckle on his perfect nose, "imperfections" like acne scars and creases only accentuating his already-beautiful face.

      I got up, trying my hardest not to wake Rodrick as I creeped out the window, climbing down the tree and into the brightly-lit neighborhood. It felt much more comfortable walking in the morning, with the older women of Surrey Street already out on their morning strolls, greeting me as I walked past.

       Among these passersby was the Jefferson family, who recognized me as soon as I walked passed.

      "Look who decided to show up!" Mrs. Jefferson beamed from ear to ear, pulling me into a hug and examining my height. "You've gotten so tall, Mia! Wow!"

       "Actually, it's Miles," Rowley grinned at me, informing his mother about the correction, the latter profusely apologizing to me in understanding.

      "What on Earth brings you to Surrey Street this early in the morning?" Mr. Jefferson eyed me suspiciously, but I made up a quick lie, embarrassed.

      "Well...I was just out on a quick stroll, you know? I miss walking here!" I turned to leave, Rowley's father patting me on the back as I walked past.

      "Have a good day, Macey." The family turned to leave, and I practically skipped back to the Market District, as if nothing could stop my jovial mood. I headed to the bakery, where I bought freshly-baked pastries for our breakfast that morning. The scent of the bakery wafted aromatically into my nostrils, only being further accentuated by the bare-brick wall, and fake ivy crawling up and onto fairy lights lining the ceiling.

      I rode up the rickety elevator to our room, my headphones blasting Should I Stay or Should I Go by The Clash, when I felt a pair of boney hands pull the headphones off of my ears and throw them to the ground.

      "So?" my mother questioned, pulling me up by the collar and towards her face. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Bonnie peering at us from behind a corner. "You gonna tell me where you were? I got a call from Mr. Jefferson that he saw you in Susan's backyard." She spat at me, throwing me to the ground.

      "I was out buying breakfast." I stood back up and attempted to stand my ground. My mother looked at me, shocked.

      "Whatever. Just don't sneak out again. Go get ready for school." She spat at me, scoffing as she took a pastry from my bag.

      Bonnie followed me into my room after I brushed my teeth, pastry in hand as she plopped down on my bed. "Where were you really last night?" she inquired, taking a bite of her breakfast.

      I shrugged. "Rodrick's."

     "Rod— but I thought you guys weren't speaking!" Bonnie ejected, mouth agape and eyes wide.

      "Things change," I stated, nonchalantly.

      "But I thought he was with Heather," Bonnie said, doubtfully.

     "Who said we were together? Can I not sneak out to go visit a friend?!" I mocked, teasingly. "Are you ready to go?"

      Bonnie rolled her eyes at me, holding the door and slamming it in my face as I walked out. "Stop lying to yourself, you wuss. You're in love!"

      My face reddened, but Bonnie went out in a chorus of "Miles is in LOVE!" as she disappeared into the crowd of middle schoolers pouring into Westmore, later being joined by Holly Hills and Patty Farrell.