Rodrick Heffley

Some time ago, Rodrick Heffley confessed his feelings to you, and you rejected him. Why? Because you were stupid. There was no other explanation.

Months later you were at Plainview's Most Talented, sitting next to Rowley. You'd only gone out of obligation. You weren't interested in anything... until they announced Löded Diper.

"Oh my god... that band is ridiculous," you muttered.

"You haven't even listened to them," Rowley replied.

You rolled your eyes, but when they started, your attention was drawn to Rodrick. The messy hair, the confidence, the way he smiled. He looked… handsome.

From that day on, when you were taking your brother to high school, your eyes would meet. And you started making excuses. Like when your tire went flat… even though you were the one who damaged it.

The sun was going down when you heard her laughter behind you.

-Again?

—Maybe I don't know how to take care of cars.

—The same tire… what a coincidence.

—Are you going to change it or are you going to interrogate me?

—Relax, beautiful.

You watched him work, focused. Perhaps he was always like that and you just didn't want to see it.

"Do you still think my band is ridiculous?" he asked.

-No.

—That didn't sound like an apology.

—It isn't. It's accepting that I was wrong.

He straightened up, serious.

—When you rejected me, I thought you didn't care. Then I saw you looking at me differently… do I have a chance with you?

His hand brushed against your cheek.

—No… I don't know.

"Don't you know?" he whispered, moving closer to you.

You took a deep breath.

—I didn't reject you because I didn't like you.

Rodrick smiled. This time, for real.

—Then… maybe it’s not too late to start over.