Growing Up - Jenna Ortega x Fem Reader

42.

December 10th

The days following the confrontation at the club had been a blur. Work was a distraction, but not the refuge you had hoped it would be. Memories of Jenna clung to your thoughts, making it difficult to focus. The pain of her betrayal was still raw, and no amount of busywork could dull the ache.

Hailee's presence added a layer of complexity to your life. The kiss you had shared at the club had shifted your dynamic. Flirty glances and playful banter had become more frequent, but there was an unspoken agreement between you two—not to cross that line while at work. You weren't ready for anything serious, and Hailee seemed to understand that.

She was there for you in a way that was strangely comforting. Her jokes, her light-hearted comments, the way she could read the room—it all made her easy to be around. But the guilt gnawed at you. Were you using her to forget about Jenna? The thought made you uneasy, but you couldn't deny how much you appreciated Hailee's company.

One evening, as you sat alone at home, the silence felt oppressive. You wore an old shirt of Jenna's, the fabric soft from countless washes, a comfort that now felt like a cruel reminder. The apartment was filled with reminders of her— or worse, memories of her whenever you looked.

Your phone buzzed, pulling you from your thoughts. It was a message from Hailee.

Hailee: "Hey, just checking in. How are you?"

You stared at the message for a moment before replying.

You: "Doing okay. Just trying to keep busy."

Hailee: "Want some company? We can watch a movie or something."

You hesitated, torn between the need for company and the fear of what it might lead to.

You: "Sure. Come over."

Half an hour later, Hailee arrived with a smile that made your heart flutter. The two of you settled on the couch, a horror movie playing in the background.

Hailee's presence was easy and light, making you wish to have her around more, even if it was selfish and for the main purpose of having you not think about your ex-girlfriend.

"Hey. Do you want some popcorn?" You asked and watched as her perfectly straight teeth showed in a beautiful smile.

"Hell yes."

You got up to make some popcorn, taking the time to think what the hell were you doing? Were you really moving on, or were you just using her to forget about all the mix of emotions and feelings you felt about Jenna?

You were startled by a set of hands poking your waist from behind, forcing you out of the train of thoughts.

"What's taking you so long?" Hailee asked, a smirk on her lips.

"Jeez. Do you want to scare me to death?" You placed a hand on your heart, so make it slow down its beating.

"Do I want to kill my boss? Are you freaking kidding me?"

You both laughed, grabbed the popcorn and returned to the sofa.

As the movie progressed, Hailee excused herself to the bathroom, and you teased her about being scared. You were lost in thought, contemplating your feelings for Hailee and the mess with Jenna, when a knock at the door startled you.

You opened it to find Jenna standing there, her eyes fixed on your face. She looked both furious and broken, a mix of emotions flickering across her face as she took in the sight of you.