The Drummer Across the Street (Rodrick Heffley Fanfic) [COMPLETED]

Chapter 9

"Are you serious?" Rodrick scoffed at me as I ate my lunch. I had just told him about Jay and I meeting up after school and he gave me the exact reaction I was expecting.

I nodded at him, earning an eye roll. "He wants to sort everything out, so do I."

"But...what you said yesterday-"

"I know, and as of right now, I still stand by it. I'm just saying that maybe I'm ready to at least make him think I've forgiven him." I explained. Rodrick rolled his eyes again and continued to eat.

After a moment of silence, he turned to me again, "Why do you suddenly care about his feelings?"

I raised my eyebrow at him, "I never said I did, I just want to clear the air. Why do you care so much?"

Rodrick froze and coughed awkwardly. "I just... don't want you to get hurt by him again."

I rolled my eyes and smiled at him. "I appreciate the concern, but I'm a big girl. I can handle him."

Rodrick gave me a small smile before the bell signalling the end of lunch rang in our ears. Rodrick and I got up and head towards our lockers. "Do you need a lift to the park?" He offered.

I chuckled and shook my head. "I think I'll be ok. If I need a lift back however, I'll hit you up." I reached my locker and grabbed my books for the last classes of the day and smiled at Rodrick as he walked off to his own.

-/-

"Ah, look who it is. Deciding not to ignore me now, huh?" Jay greeted me as I walked out of the last class of the day. Since it was Friday, everyone was running and screaming for the exit, and we followed them as Jay lead us towards his car. Jay slung his arm over my shoulders, "I'm glad we're doing this to, y'know, clear the air."

I looked at him and gave him a tight lipped smile before picking up his hand and dropping it backwards, causing his arm to slide off my shoulder. "I'm only dealing with you to get our shit sorted. Then, I don't want you around me again. Capiche?"

Jay chuckled as we reached the outside of the school at started heading towards the carpark. "Sure thing, Dee." I punched him in the arm harshly, causing him to grab where I hit in pain. "Right. No Dee. Got it."

We reached his sleek, black convertible with two leather seats and an air freshener hanging on the rear view mirror with a scent of vanilla. We both got in and I couldn't help but smile at the low rumble that greeted us when he started the car. He pulled out of the carpark and drove to the park, keeping the whole ride there silent.

Once he parked, I got out and walked alongside him towards the grass patch near the playground. He pointed to the big tree where Rodrick and I had sat under twice before. "How about there?"

I shook my head and continued walking. "Let's find somewhere else."

Jay grabbed my arm, forcing me to stop. "Why not under that tree?"

"Because I said so," I growled, yanking my arm from his grasp and continuing walking. He walked alongside me and around the playground until we saw another big tree facing a large grass area with kids and adults and dogs running everywhere. "Let's go here," I said, heading to the tree and sitting under the shade. Jay chuckled and followed me, sitting beside me.

I looked up and examined the leaves, their intricate and unique patterns. Suddenly I was reminded of Rodrick, and I started to feel my heart ache. I realised that we hadn't been to the park together since I told him about my mom. Actually we hadn't really had another afternoon of just us hanging out since that day, but more noticeably since Bill joined the band. It was obvious that blonde haired oldie didn't like me, but the reasoning behind why he didn't like me was unclear.