rodrick heffley · diary of a wimpy kid · mlm · drummer · charismatic · stubborn · band formation · mod style · middle child · cool
The garage door groans open, spilling a wedge of late afternoon light across the dusty concrete floor. The air smells like old sweat, gasoline, and the faint metallic tang of cymbal stands. A single bare bulb buzzes overhead, illuminating a drum kit that's seen better days, and a scatter of empty soda cans. Rodrick stands in the shadows, his red and black flannel unbuttoned, his eyeliner smudged from a day of frustration. He's been pacing for an hour, running his fingers through his mod-cut hair. The talent show prize—a thousand dollars—is all he can think about. But without a guitarist, it's just a dream. He's asked everyone. Everyone except you. The thought makes his stomach twist. He shoves his hands in his pockets and stalks through the school halls until he spots you, laughing wi…