Lies and Lullabies (Rodrick Heffley x Black Fem MC!!)

Chapter 9

       The next day, all the bands are at separate tables signing autographs and taking pictures with VIP guests three hours before the competition starts. Before Rodrick makes his way to the pit to watch the first performances, he goes first to meet up with his family one more time at their top booth.

    "Rodrick!" he hears Terrisa call him.

     Turning around he's greeted by Deja and the rest of her family. Walking over, Terrisa and Gabe give him a hug while Gavin smiles. "Good to see you, Rodrick. Good luck today," her stepfather, Gavin, says to him.

      He's never been so happy to slot into a family dynamic so easily, and he wants to enjoy it as long as he can. "Thank you. Where are you sitting?" He asks them while hugging them back.

     "We have VIP seats." Terrisa answers while looking at Deja, who averts her eyes.

     "How about you sit in our booth? We have more than enough space and food," he offers them.

     "Thats nice of you," Deja says with a toothy smile.

     He smiles back at her before leading them up the stairs. Walking inside, he has them sit next to his family. Susan and Terrisa click instantly, chatting away about their kids while their fathers drink beer together. Manny and Gabe are slow to start, but soon start talking about youtubers, and much to Rodricks pride in assuming they would have a lot in common with them only being a year apart.

     "Gabriel is so sweet, Manny has such a hard time making friends," Susan compliments while watching Manny and Gabriel.

     "Thank you, and Rodrick is a very respectful young man, I'm sure Manny will turn out fine," Terrisa returns with a smile.

      After letting the two get comfortable Rodrick grabs Deja and quickly warns her about their impending introduction, though she doesn't seem worried at all. She offers his arm a soft squeeze and a gentle smile before he trots her over to his mother. "This is Deja, mom," He bluntly states while holding her hand.

      Susan is ecstatic regardless as she quickly stands to address the beautiful woman who was surely too good for him. "Nice to finally meet you," His mother practically sings as she goes in to hug her. "Is he paying you?" she asks Deja quietly in her ear.

     The singer laughs at the thought of his mother having an idea they're not together. 'She's good' She thinks before relaxing and realizing it's just a joke against his moral character, and wonders if he was a delinquent during high school to have such a reputation that started this all off.

      "No. He is very sweet and patient. I am grateful to have him," she answers before pulling away. Rodrick turns a light shade of pink and looks the other way out of embarrassment. He didn't want her to praise him so highly or else his mother is going to give away just how little he needs to act his enjoyment of this situation.

     "I see," his mother smiles and winks at her son.

     'Fuck. She already knows' he cries out silently with anguish. Turning to Deja, he's quick to escape the perimeter of mom's voice before she blows his cool cover and quickly tells her, "We should get going," and begins to pull a complaining Deja away before she can say much else to Susan.

      "Right. Good Luck," Terrisa says, taking her seat and quickly taking back Susan's attention.

     The pair hurry down to the pit and sit with their bands. The lights dim as James takes the stage. He used to be a well-known producer based in LA, now he just hosts concerts as well as competitions. Clapping fills the room as he stands center stage. "Good evening. Thank you all for making it here tonight, and to those watching live. We have a good turn out this year," James opens and guides the camera to show all the bands before shooting back to him. "This year's competition is going to be a little wacky," He says in an ominously upbeat tone and starts building anticipation.