Caught In Between (B5 Story)

Catching up

**Andria's POV**

The moment I walked into the room, it was like a warm wave of nostalgia hit me. The laughter, the voices—these were my people. I hadn't realized just how much I'd missed them until now. My throat tightened with emotion as my eyes welled up.

Bree caught sight of me first. "OMG, Andria, stop crying before you make me cry!" she squealed, rushing over to pull me into a tight hug.

I sniffled, trying to keep it together. "I can't help it! I'm just so happy to be here with you guys again."

Aja chimed in, her grin as wide as ever. "We're just as happy to see you! It's been forever."

"Way too long," Kacey added, nodding.

"Beyond too long," Akira echoed with a teasing roll of her eyes.

"I know, I know!" I held up my hands in mock surrender. "I promise I won't let this much time pass again."

"You better not," Aja warned, wagging a finger. "We told you on the phone we'd get on your case if you did."

Bree and Kacey immediately chimed in with a dramatic, synchronized, "Exactly!"

I laughed, shaking my head. "Okay, weirdos, I promise!"

Aja turned to the woman standing beside me. "And this must be Mayyah."

I beamed, gesturing toward her. "Yes, my amazing assistant and close friend."

Mayyah stepped forward, offering a warm smile. "Nice to finally meet you all! I've heard so many stories."

Bree arched a brow. "I hope they were good ones!"

"Come on, Bree," I interjected, shooting her a look.

"What?" Bree shrugged innocently. "I'm just saying, we've done some wild stuff growing up. You never know what stories she's heard."

Akira laughed. "You mean *you,* Aja, and Kacey have done wild stuff. Andria and I were the innocent ones."

"Right!" I agreed, raising my hand in solidarity with Akira.

"Please," Bree scoffed, narrowing her eyes. "You were both there when we slashed that girl's tires."

I gasped in mock indignation. "We were there, but we didn't help!"

Kacey smirked. "Oh, you helped all right."

"Uh, no," Akira countered. "We were in the car waiting and had no idea what you two were up to!"

"Exactly!" I nodded. "Bree said you just needed to 'grab something real quick.'"

"And we did," Kacey replied with a wicked grin.

Mayyah burst out laughing. "This is hilarious. You guys are wild!"

"Revenge, darling," Bree said with a dramatic flair. "It's a dish best served... with a tire iron."

Mayyah clapped her hands. "I think I'm going to like you!"

"Trust me," Akira muttered, "there are plenty more stories where that came from."

Before we could dive into another tale, Mama Adrian's familiar voice rang out from the doorway. "Oh my gosh, there she is—my other daughter!"

I turned just in time to see her barreling toward me, arms outstretched. "Mama A!" I exclaimed, meeting her embrace.

She held me tight, then pulled back to look me over. "You look amazing, sweetheart! I swear, none of you girls age."