Growing Up - Jenna Ortega x Fem Reader

46.

December 20th

You found yourself pacing around your living room, phone in hand, debating whether or not to make the call. It had been a few days since your conversation with Jenna, and things between you two were still delicate. You wanted to try and maintain a friendship, but the idea of inviting her over for a casual movie night felt more daunting than it should.

In the days that followed your talk, Jenna had made efforts to keep the connection alive—sending you videos on Instagram, random memes, and the occasional text just to check-in. Each message from her was a reminder that she was trying, really trying, to mend what had been broken. Yet, despite her efforts, you couldn't shake the aching blockage that had settled in your chest, a barrier that kept you from fully letting her back in.

The idea of calling her felt like stepping onto a tightrope, where one wrong move could send you both plummeting. But as much as you wanted to retreat, there was a part of you that couldn't resist the urge to see her again, to test the waters of this fragile new normal you were trying to establish.

Taking a deep breath, you finally dialed her number, your heart pounding in your chest. After a few rings, Jenna's familiar voice came through, soft and slightly hesitant. "Hey, Y/n/n."

"Hey, Jen," you replied, trying to keep your tone light. "I, uh... I was thinking of having a movie night tonight. You know, with some friends, Christmas movies and all that. And I thought, maybe... since we are trying, hum... I thought maybe you'd want to join?"

How awkward could you be?

There was a brief pause on the other end, and you could almost hear the gears turning in her mind. "Yeah, I'd like that," she finally said, her voice sounding more confident. "What time?"

"Around 7," you said, trying to hide the relief in your voice. "It's just a casual thing. You can bring snacks if you want."

"Alright, I'll see you then," she responded the warmth in her tone making you smile despite your nerves.

You hung up the phone, feeling a mix of anticipation and anxiety. This was supposed to be a simple, friendly gesture, a start.

---

By the time 7:00 PM rolled around, your living room was already buzzing with the energy of your friends. Ana had taken charge of organizing snacks, while the others chatted and laughed as they settled into the couches and chairs you'd arranged. The Christmas tree in the corner added a cozy glow to the room, and the smell of popcorn filled the air.

Jenna arrived a few minutes later, dressed in a comfy sweater and jeans, a warm smile on her face as she greeted everyone. You couldn't help but notice how effortlessly she slipped into the group, her laughter mingling with the others as though nothing had ever changed between you.

Ana, ever the instigator, caught the subtle tension between you two almost immediately. As Jenna settled on the couch next to you, Ana shot you a knowing look before plopping down on your other side. "Well, well, look who decided to join us," she teased, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Are you here for the movies, or just to steal the popcorn?"

Jenna chuckled, glancing at you with a smirk. "Definitely here for the movies," she replied, though her gaze lingered on you just a fraction too long.

———

The first movie started, and you tried to focus on the screen, but it was impossible to ignore the way your shoulder brushed against Jenna's every time one of you shifted. The warmth of her body next to yours was both comforting and unsettling, stirring up emotions you weren't quite ready to deal with.