Growing Up - Jenna Ortega x Fem Reader

26.

December, 24th 2022

It had been eight days since the argument, and the tension between you and Jenna was still present. The days had passed in a haze of quiet moments and unspoken words when you two were together. Christmas Eve arrived, and with it, an invitation from Natalie to spend the evening with Jenna's family in Coachella Valley. You hesitated at first, but Natalie's warm insistence made it hard to refuse.

The drive to Coachella Valley was silent, the hum of the car engine the only sound as you and Jenna sat side by side. Jenna glanced over at you a few times, her eyes full of concern, but neither of you knew how to bridge the gap that had formed.

You hated confrontation and Jenna was too proud to work things out, so neither of you really knew how to fix things. You knew Jenna had no other choice, it was her work on the line but still you wanted her to realize how hurt you were. Apart from everything you said that day, you didn't know what else to do to prove your point, so you just remained quiet.

As you arrived at the Ortega family home, the festive decorations and warm lights greeted you. Natalie's embrace was genuine and welcoming, and for the first time in a week you felt yourself relax into an embrace.

"Come on in, everyone is excited to see you both," Natalie said, ushering you inside.

The house was alive with the sounds of Christmas cheer. Everybody was already in, all the Jenna's siblings and their significant others. Her nephews were running around, their excitement infectious. The smell of delicious food wafted through the air, and the living room was adorned with twinkling lights and a beautifully decorated tree.

"Y/N!" one of Jenna's younger nephews, Cash, called out, running up to you with a big grin. "We're going to do karaoke! You have to watch!"

You smiled, kneeling down to ruffle his hair. "I wouldn't miss it for the world, buddy."

As the evening went on, you found yourself slowly relaxing. The warmth and joy of Jenna's family started to seep into your heart, melting some of the ice that had built up over the past week. Aaliyah and Markus teased you nonstop through the evening, only cause they knew it made you blush hard, but you also teased them back after a couple of wine glasses.

You just appreciated the Ortega family so much. They were the closest thing you had to a family since your parents traveled the world so much. You were completely and utterly 100% yourself around them, and dating Jenna was only a plus.

The highlight of the evening was when Jenna's nephews took the makeshift stage in the living room, belting out Justin Bieber songs with all the enthusiasm of true fans. You couldn't help but laugh, your spirits lifting as you watched them perform. Your cheeks were red from the wine, and you could feel them burning up.

The brunette you loved was sitting beside you on the couch, and for the first time in days, you saw a genuine smile on her face. She leaned in closer, her shoulder brushing against yours.

"They're pretty good, huh?" she whispered, her voice soft and filled with affection for her nephews.

You nodded, feeling a warmth spread through you. "Yeah, they really are."

There was a pause, and then Jenna took a deep breath, you focused to hear her through all the noise. "I know things have been tough between us, but I want you to know that I'm really sorry. I hate that we've been so distant this past week."

You looked deep inside her beautiful brown eyes, seeing the sincerity in them. "I'm sorry too, Jen. It's just been hard... it feels like we're letting other people into our relationship."

Jenna reached out, taking your hand in hers. "I know and I'm really sorry. I need you, Y/N/n. Can we try to figure it out together?"

You squeezed her hand, feeling a glimmer of hope. "Yeah, Jen. We can figure it out."

The moment was interrupted by Jenna's oldest nephew, DJ, who ran up to you both, tugging at your hands. "Come on! You have to sing with us!"

Jenna laughed, the sound like music to your ears. "Alright, alright. Let's do it."

As you joined the family for a spirited round of karaoke, you felt some of the weight lift from your shoulders. The night was filled with laughter, music, and the kind of joy that only family can bring.

By the end of the evening, as you and Jenna lay in bed back at your house, the closeness that had been missing for the past week began to return. The tiny brunette turned to face you, her eyes soft and vulnerable.

"I love you, babe. And I'm going to do everything I can to make things right between us."

You brushed a strand of hair from her face, leaning in to kiss her gently. "I love you too, princess. We'll get through this. Together."

As you both fell asleep, your bodies entwined, you felt a renewed sense of hope and determination to work through the challenges ahead. Christmas with Jenna's family had brought a much-needed reminder of the love and connection that existed between you.

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A/N: brace yourselves for drama ahead. Hope you liked, it was cute and sweet, just a taste before the real drama that you all have been waiting for. Double update for you guys, cause I know I've been lacking :)