Growing Up - Jenna Ortega x Fem Reader

50.

December 31st

It was the morning of New Year's Eve, and your phone buzzed to life with a call from Natalie. You answered, a small smile tugging at your lips as you anticipated the familiar warmth of Jenna's mom.

"Hey, sweetheart," Natalie greeted, her voice soft and inviting. "I was just wondering... You spent Christmas with us, and Jenna mentioned you two had a nice time yesterday. How about joining us for New Year's Eve? I promised your mom I'd take good care of you, and I know how much you like to keep to yourself. But it would mean a lot to us."

The gentle insistence in her voice made it hard to refuse. You knew Natalie's invitation wasn't just about keeping a promise; it was about making sure you felt included, even if you sometimes preferred your own space. With a deep breath, you agreed, feeling a mixture of excitement and apprehension about the night ahead.

---

Later that morning, your phone buzzed again, this time with Hailee's name flashing on the screen. You hesitated for a moment before answering, the weight of everything with Jenna already pressing down on you.

"Hey," Hailee's voice came through, light and teasing. "So, what's the plan for today? Spending it with your ex, or are you finally ready to move on?"

You chuckled, trying to deflect. "You know me... always somewhere in the middle. What about you?"

"Oh, nothing much," she replied with a laugh. "I'm down in San Diego with my family, but I was thinking about driving over to Coachella Valley. It's only two hours away... We could grab lunch or something. Unless, of course, you're too busy with family festivities."

You paused, knowing you needed to set boundaries. "I don't know, Hailee. I don't think it's worth a two hour drive just to grab lunch with me."

There was a brief silence on the other end before she responded, still playful but with a hint of something deeper. "I'll be the judge of that. Are you busy or not?"

You sighed, feeling the familiar tug of her persistence. "Alright, lunch it is. Just let me know when you're close, and we'll figure it out."

As you hung up, the weight of indecision pressed down even harder.

---

The lunch spot you chose was quiet, tucked away from the bustling main streets, giving you and Hailee the privacy to talk without interruptions. When you arrived, she was already waiting, her eyes lighting up as she saw you. She immediately pulled you into a hug, her arms wrapping around you with a familiarity that was both comforting and slightly unsettling.

"It's good to see you," Hailee said as she pulled back, her gaze lingering on yours. "You look great, by the way."

You offered a small smile, trying to keep things light. "Thanks. You too."

As you both sat down and ordered your meals, the conversation flowed easily at first, with Hailee talking about her family and how she was trying to make the most of her time off. But there was a tension underneath it all, an unspoken awareness of the complicated feelings between you.

"So," Hailee started, her tone casual but her eyes sharp, "what's the plan for the rest of the day? Some family time? Or... spending it with someone special?"

You sighed softly, running a hand through your hair. "Actually, I spent yesterday with my ex."

Hailee's eyebrows lifted in mild surprise, though her smile remained teasing. "Oh really? How'd that go?"

"Nothing happened," you clarified quickly, feeling the need to set the record straight. "It was just... friend's stuff. She came over and spent the day. It's been complicated...."