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

Chapter 13

Having gone on Christmas break and just begun the first few weeks back at school, everyone involved in the talent show was beyond annoyed at the crappy timing of it.

Rodrick was the most annoyed, this being the night that reminded him of the rule put in place by his parents refusing to let him perform. The poor guy had to watch all the other acts do their thing while he could have been up on the stage, rocking out with his band and playing their original songs.

All because of his stupid little brother.

I decided to dress in a black long sleeved shirt and high waisted navy blue denim shorts with black boots and low pigtails. I wore my dark eye makeup and some dark, nude lipstick. I texted Rodrick to let him know I'd be over in a couple minutes.

I left the house and walked over to Rodrick's, knocking on the door a couple of times when I got there. Frank Heffley opened the door and looked me up and down before letting me in. "Rodrick," he called up the stairs, "your friend's here."

I gave Frank and small smile as he let me in and went back into the dining room to continue reading his newspaper. Susan walked from upstairs and smiled warmly at me. "Demi! It's lovely to see you as always."

An involuntary, genuine smile formed on my lips as I replied, "You too." I looked up and stared down the brat walking down the stairs. Greg glanced up at me and gulped nervously, before turning his attention away from me and glancing around the room.

Rodrick made his way down the stairs slowly and looked up at me, looking at me up and down before grinning at me. "You look good."

I took in his outfit and smirked. "You too, loser."

Rodrick took my hand and started dragging us towards the front door. "We'll meet you there," he yelled as we left the house and the door closed behind us. He dragged me to his van, before realising he was still holding my hand and pulling it away from mine quickly. "Sorry," he mumbled shyly before walking to the drivers side. I smirked at his shyness and got in the passenger seat. We both buckled up before Rodrick started up the van and drove off.

During the 20 minute journey, I gazed out the window and tapped my fingers along to the electronica music playing on the radio. I watched the colourful lights of the night whizz by and the stars shine brightly above us. I could feel someone watching me, and when I went to look at Rodrick, he quickly looked away from me and focussed on the road again.

When we arrived, I spotted Ben, Chris, Bill and another boy I didn't know enter the building together. I tilted my head as I got out of the van and waited for Rodrick to join me. He saw my confused face and asked, "You ok?"

I blinked a few times to shake off my thoughts and opened my mouth to tell him, but decided not to. It was probably me overthinking things and there was probably nothing going on. I shook my head and smiled up at him. "Yeah, I'm fine. Let's go." I started walking, Rodrick shrugging and walking along with me.

We gave the person our tickets and went inside the theatre. Unfortunately, since we bought our tickets separately, I was in the row behind Rodrick, in the aisle. We took our seats and waited for the Heffley's to forward in as well. Not long after they did, the lights dimmed and the show was beginning.

First up was a 7th grader named Patty Farrell who was singing Memory by Barbara Streisand. I had to admit, the girl could sing, though her puffy princess dress and long gloves looked ridiculous. As the song ended, I could hear soft sobbing in front of me. I leant forward and sure enough, it was Rodrick who was sobbing. While I usually would have made fun of him for it, I knew that he desperately wanted to go on stage and perform so I rubbed his back comfortingly and whispered to him, "It's ok, Rodrick. Everything's ok."