ANGEL ⥓ r.heffley

Chapter Three

CHAPTER THREE;

"ALL THESE FEELINGS COME BACK TO YOU"

RODRICK HEFFLEY STOLE GABBY SANTELLO'S DESK, which was placed next to Jo's. She was wearing a black Linkin Park t-shirt, plaid red jeans, and combat boots. A few rings decorated her fingers, and a gold locket & chain complimented her neck. Her chocolate colored hair was pulled up into a messy ponytail, and her face held a minuscule amount of makeup.

He didn't even realize he was staring.

"Heffley, can you stop staring at me? It's fuckin' weird."

Rodrick jumped slightly, sending her an awkward laugh, "Yeah, sorry." He apologized before turning to the front of the classroom. After yesterday, making her laugh all day after lunch, reminiscing on memories from when she babysat Manny and Greg, when they would jam out together after school, and allowing her to "steal" his extra set of drumsticks, he was left with an odd feeling in his stomach. He thought that maybe it was just the cafeteria food, but when he woke up with that exact same feeling, he didn't know how to act.

"Mr. Heffley," Mr. Stroud began, "answer the question on the board."

The teen's eyes moved from the man, to the chalkboard. He furrowed his brows as he tried to decipher what the answer to 400 x 45 - 37 + 69 x 79 - 290 was. It's eight thirty AM, how the fuck did Mr. Stroud expect him to do this shit?

Subtly, a note landed itself onto his desk, and no one else noticed except for him. He glanced down, reading the all-too-familiar handwriting.

It's 23124. Try paying attention next time instead of staring at me, Heffley ;)

The boy smirked, licking his lips before turning his attention back to their teacher. "23124." He spoke, triumphantly, causing Mr. Stroud's eyes to narrow.

"That's correct. Well done, Rodrick." The man growled, before continuing with the class. When Rodrick looked back over at Jo, she sent him a wink before beginning to scribble down notes in her metallic gold binder. He felt his face and neck heat up as he smiled to himself, realizing that he and Jo were slowly drifting back to where they once were.

Even though he was afraid his old crush would re-emerge and ruin their friendship all over again.

★

"Hey, did you hear about the contest?" Jo questioned as she sat across from Ben and Rodrick, who were just discussing when they need to schedule rehearsals. The boys looked at her, smiling.

"Of course! Löded Diper is totally gonna win this thing." Ben said, his stoner-like voice invading Jo's ears and causing her to subtly roll her eyes. "I doubt anyone has the talent required to beat us."

The brunette scoffed, "We'll see about that, boys. I'm entering, as well."

"Oh, really?" Ben began, "What're you gonna do? Teach the audience math?"

Jo released a false laugh, "I'm gonna sing, you ignorant dick-chicken." She informed him, "I just haven't decided which one of my songs I'm gonna sing. I'm meeting with my brother and his band today after school."

"Wait.. seriously?" Rodrick questioned, eyes wide, "You still sing? And you're having one of the best bands in the country perform with you? That's so not fair!"

The girl teasingly stuck out her tongue, "Neither was me saving your punk ass in class earlier, what's your point?"

He smirked, jokingly scrunching his nose up in false annoyance. Ben glanced between his friends, sending Rodrick a confused look. The teen just rolled his eyes, "So, Jo, I hope that us winning this contest doesn't affect our friendship."