Caught In Between (B5 Story)

Situation

--- Andria's POV

Time seemed to slow as the girls emerged from the spa, their chatter carrying an undercurrent that set my nerves on edge. Their eyes flicked in my direction too often, and their whispers felt too pointed. I didn't need confirmation to know they were talking about me. Avoiding confrontation, I slipped into the limo's back seat and tucked in my headphones. The last thing I needed was their lectures or pity disguised as advice.

As the girls climbed into the limo one by one, the tension in the air thickened. I could feel their eyes on me even as I turned my attention to the passing scenery through the window. I turned the volume on my phone up, drowning out the murmurs around me. Let them be mad—I couldn't bring myself to care.

I wasn't just angry at them. I was angry with myself. And Kennica. Sure, her intentions might've been good, but she didn't understand my problems enough to have a say. Yes, we might've had similar struggles, but the reasons behind them were worlds apart. I appreciated her effort, but I needed to handle my own mess.

The ride stretched on, the limo winding up a narrow hill toward our destination. Butterflies fluttered in my stomach as we drew closer. I couldn't shake the anxiety about how Dustin would react to my new hairstyle. I'd done it for him—or so I told myself. But deep down, I wasn't sure if I was hoping for his approval or trying to rediscover my own spark.

The limo finally came to a halt in front of the house, and we spilled out onto the driveway. Aja called us into a circle before anyone could scatter.

"Alright, everyone," she started, her voice firm. "We have reservations tonight at a restaurant 

Raven worked hard to secure for us."

Raven cut in sharply, "Yes, and I expect everyone downstairs and ready by 5 PM. If you're late, you're finding your own ride. Clear?"

Mumbles of discontent rippled through the group.

"I said, is that clear?" Raven snapped, her eyes narrowing.

A collective, reluctant "Yeah, yeah" followed.

"Good," she continued.

Kacey folded her arms, smirking. "Why do we have to be on Raven's schedule? Why is it always her way?"

Aja's tone turned icy. "Because she's the wedding planner, and I want her to. Any other questions?"

Kacey opened her mouth to argue, but Aja cut her off with a sharp look. "No drama tonight. None. Got it?"

We all nodded, some more reluctantly than others, before Aja dismissed us. I made my way into the house, taking the stairs slowly. Each step felt heavier as the butterflies morphed into full-blown dread.

I paused outside the bedroom door, swallowing hard. Turning the knob, I peeked inside. Dustin was in the bathroom, giving me a few moments to collect myself. I hurried to the mirror, fixing my hair to look as polished as possible.

The bathroom door rattled, then opened, and Dustin emerged.

"Hey, babe," I ventured softly, trying to gauge his mood.

"Mmm, hey," he mumbled, barely glancing at me as he headed for the mirror to brush his hair.

"So...how was the gym?" I asked, forcing a light tone. "Did you guys have fun?"

"It was straight," he replied, a smirk creeping onto his face. "Pat tried to fight me, though."

"What? Why would you two fight?"