Caught In Between (B5 Story)

Lil Road trip

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*Next Morning*

**Andria's POV:** The sun had barely risen, but I was already dragging myself out of bed. The trip to Atlanta was coming up, and I couldn't afford to show any weakness. I felt the sharp sting of soreness in my body, but I fought it down, forcing myself to push through. Dustin was already outside, getting the car ready. I could hear the sound of the fuel pump from the driveway, and it made me feel even more exhausted. Mayyah had texted that she was on her way, so I moved to the bathroom.

I went through my routine, trying to ignore the bruises and cuts that marked my skin. Every inch of me was a reminder of the pain I'd been enduring, but no one could know. No one could see the evidence. With practiced precision, I caked on enough makeup to hide the scars, the marks that would tell anyone who looked too closely that something was wrong. I stared at myself in the mirror, feeling disgusted. I wasn't even sure who I was anymore.

As I looked at my reflection, I knew I had to put on a mask, a perfect image for the day ahead. My fingers traced the bruises on my neck, the remnants of his latest rage. My mind screamed to do something, anything, but I pushed the thought away. I couldn't afford to make a scene, not now. 

I couldn't let Dustin or anyone else know just how much this was breaking me. I needed to get dressed, and the decision was made for me. I dug out my long-sleeved denim shirt—something that would hide the worst of the damage. Paired it with black leggings, then my black heeled boots to complete the look. I needed to feel like I could hold it together, like I could survive this.

Once I was ready, I didn't bother with breakfast. A couple of teas and a cereal bar was all I could stomach. As I grabbed my things, I felt a pang of relief when I noticed Mayyah pulling up. At least she would be here to distract me from the mess I was about to face.

Dustin was already on my case the moment I stepped outside, eyes sharp, like he was looking for anything to accuse me of. My stomach churned, but I pushed through, ignoring the way his voice tightened with each word.

"You got your stuff?" he asked, loading the last of the bags into the car.

"Yeah," I said, trying to sound calm.

His eyes narrowed. "You better have covered up every scar. If not, some shit's gonna go down.""I did," I said, though I could feel the anxiety bubbling under my skin. I was scared—of him, of the trip, of what this weekend would bring.

Dustin grabbed my wrist, pulling me close. His grip was tight, too tight. "You told me to chill?" His voice was low, threatening, a reminder that he could snap at any second.

I froze, my breath catching in my throat, but then I saw Mayyah. She was here. I was saved. Just as Dustin raised his hand, ready to strike, Mayyah arrived, and the moment passed.

"Good thing your assistant showed up," Dustin muttered under his breath, pushing me away.

I didn't respond. I didn't have to. Mayyah had my back, even if her methods were extreme.We loaded her bags into the car, the tension still hanging between us. Mayyah was always good for a laugh, but I could see her concern behind her sarcasm. She wasn't blind to what was happening. She knew.

"You shouldn't be so sarcastic, girl," I said, trying to keep my tone light, but I knew I wasn't fooling anyone.

"Whatever," she shrugged. "Where's that bitch at?"

"Don't start, Mayyah," I warned. "I just want this trip to be smooth. No drama."

She gave me a hard look, one that said she wouldn't stand by if Dustin crossed the line. "If he touches you or disrespects you, we're having a conversation. And it's not gonna be pretty."