Caught In Between (B5 Story)

Memories prt 2

*FlashBack*

Andria P.O.V

The air was sticky with summer heat, and the basketball court seemed to vibrate with energy as Andria and Patrick played their usual one-on-one. It wasn't just a game; it was a ritual, one of those small traditions that tethered their lives together like invisible threads. Andria moved with calculated precision, her sneakers scuffing against the asphalt as she feinted left and drove past 

Patrick with ease, the ball slipping through the hoop.

Patrick groaned dramatically, leaning forward with his hands on his knees. "Again?" he said, panting. "You must be cheating."  

"Cheating?" Andria laughed, her voice ringing out like a melody. "You're just mad I'm better than you. As always."

Patrick straightened, wiping sweat from his brow with the back of his hand. "I'm letting you win. Obviously."

"Uh-huh, sure. Whatever helps you sleep at night," Andria teased, tossing the ball back at him.

Their playful banter echoed across the empty court, each taunt carrying an undertone of familiarity that made the moments feel timeless.

After a few more rounds, Andria threw her hands up triumphantly. "And that's game! Again."

Patrick sighed, shaking his head as he collapsed onto a nearby bench. "I wasn't even trying."

"Right," Andria said, sitting beside him. Her grin softened into something tender. "You did try a little harder that last round, though. Admit it."

Patrick smirked. "Maybe. Just don't get used to it. Next time, I'm coming at you with no mercy."

"Can't wait, Mr. No Mercy."

For a moment, they sat in companionable silence, catching their breaths. Patrick leaned back, stretching his arms out along the bench, his fingers drumming lightly against the wood.

"So," he said after a pause, his voice low and hesitant, "how are things with you and Dustin?"

The question caught Andria off guard. She turned to look at him, narrowing her eyes playfully. 

"Why do you ask?"

Patrick shrugged, staring straight ahead. "Just curious. You seem... happy." Andria studied his profile, his jaw tight and his gaze distant. "We're good. Like any relationship, I guess. Why?"

"No reason," he said quickly, though his voice betrayed him.

She nudged him with her elbow. "Come on, Pat. What's on your mind?"

He hesitated, his fingers fidgeting with the hem of his shirt. "I just... I don't know. Sometimes, I feel like you and Dustin are... different. Like, he's loud and cocky, and you're... not. You're calm, classy, fun. Just... better."

The words hung in the air, heavy and charged. Andria's heart skipped a beat, though she kept her tone light. "Opposites attract, right? I mean, if we were too alike, it'd be boring."

Patrick chuckled softly, but there was no humor in it. "Yeah. Maybe."

She tilted her head, watching him carefully. "And who do you think I'd be right for, Patrick?"

His eyes finally met hers, and for a moment, the world seemed to hold its breath. "Someone who sees you for who you are," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Someone who doesn't make you wait, who makes you laugh, and who's there for you. Always."