The first official day of summer vacation always hit the Heffley house like a wave. For Greg, it meant scheming about the “best summer ever,” which usually ended with Rowley dragging him into trouble. For Manny, it meant unlimited cartoons and ice pops. And for Susan, it meant trying to wrangle everyone into “fun family activities.”

But for Rodrick? Well, normally it would’ve meant sleeping until three in the afternoon and avoiding any form of responsibility. Except this summer was different.

This summer, he had you.

⸻

Morning at the Heffleys

The sun filtered through the blinds in Rodrick’s room, but for once, he wasn’t buried under the covers. Instead, he was already up—sitting on the floor cross-legged with his guitar in hand, messing with a riff while you sat beside him, flipping through his old band notebook.

“You know,” you said, smirking, “half of these lyrics are just about how much you hate school.”

Rodrick grinned without looking up. “Yeah, and the other half are about how awesome I am. Classic Löded Diper.”

Downstairs, Greg’s voice carried through the house. “Mom! I can’t find my swim trunks!”

Rodrick rolled his eyes. “Country club drama. Can’t believe that dork spends all summer hanging out with Rowley at that place. Lame.”

You leaned back against the wall. “And what’s your big summer plan, Mr. Rock Star?”

He put the guitar aside, scooting closer with a smirk. “You.”

⸻

A Summer Routine

While Greg and Rowley wasted their days at the country club, Rodrick made his own version of summer. Some days it was hanging out in the garage, letting you mess around on the drums while he tried (and failed) to teach you. Other days, it was the two of you biking into town to get slushies and sit on the curb people-watching until the cups were empty.

And sometimes, it was as simple as lying in the backyard on an old blanket, the sun beating down while you shared headphones plugged into his scratched-up MP3 player.

“See? Who needs a country club?” Rodrick would say, kicking at the grass. “We’ve got everything we need right here.”

⸻

The Pool Day

One particularly hot afternoon, Susan was heading out with Manny, and Greg and Rowley were off to the club again. That left you and Rodrick with the house to yourselves.

“Operation Backyard Pool Party,” Rodrick declared, hauling out an inflatable kiddie pool from the garage. He spent a good twenty minutes blowing it up—complaining the whole time—before filling it with the garden hose.

It wasn’t glamorous, but by the time you were both sitting in it with sunglasses on, sodas in hand, and the radio blasting from his window, it felt perfect.

“Best summer ever,” Rodrick said, clinking his soda can against yours.

⸻

A Quiet Moment

That night, after the sun had set and the crickets had started chirping, you sat on the porch steps with him. The air smelled like cut grass and barbecue smoke from a neighbor’s yard. Rodrick’s arm was draped lazily around you, his head tilted back to stare at the stars.

“You know, this is way better than sleeping all day,” he admitted, his voice softer than usual. “I used to think summers were for being lazy. But… I kinda like actually doing stuff. With you.”

You smiled, resting your head against his shoulder. “Guess I should feel honored. I’ve turned Rodrick Heffley into a productive human being.”

He laughed quietly. “Yeah, but don’t tell anyone. Gotta keep up my image.”

And as Greg stumbled home later that night, ranting about how the country club “wasn’t as fun as it should’ve been,” Rodrick just smirked, pulling you a little closer. He already knew his summer was miles better.