Growing Up - Jenna Ortega x Fem Reader

48.

December 25th

Christmas Day dawned with a quiet solitude at your Coachella Valley home. The sun filtered gently through the curtains as you sipped on your black coffee, contemplating the day ahead. Just as the morning settled into a routine of introspection, your phone buzzed, startling you slightly. It was a text from Jenna.

Jen's message: "Heyy y/n/n, Merry Christmas! DJ and Cash are already asking about you— come join us for some festive chaos and laughter. It's not the same without you here!"

Your heart skipped a beat at her message. The invitation stirred a mix of longing and apprehension. Being alone on Christmas Day wasn't appealing, and the thought of spending time with Jenna and the kids tugged at your heart.

After a brief internal struggle, you decided to make the drive over to the Ortega house. Comfortable in a hoodie and sweatpants, you headed over to the front door, mentally preparing yourself for a day of playful chaos with Cash and DJ.

When you arrived, the atmosphere was light-hearted and festive. Aliyah greeted you with a warm smile, and you found Jenna and her wearing matching shirts from the night before, engaged in recording a TikTok video. The laughter was infectious as they tried to nail the timing of a transitional clip.

"You'd think I'd have this down after all those takes," Jenna joked, her eyes crinkling with amusement as she adjusted her position for the umpteenth time.

"You're an actress, Jen. You should ace this," you teased gently, a flicker of your old banter surfacing effortlessly.

Jenna flashed you a playful smile, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Maybe my acting skills are all used up on set, and I'm out of practice here."

Aliyah joined in with a playful jab. "Maybe you should stick to acting and leave TikTok to the pros."

The kids soon appeared, dragging you away to join their antics. Laughter filled the air as you immersed yourself in their world, momentarily forgetting the complexities of adult life.

- - -

Later on, DJ's voice rang out in the yard, loud and clear as he began counting down, his eyes squeezed shut, hands covering his face. A sense of nostalgia washing over you as you watched everyone scatter, searching for the perfect hiding spot.

Your heart raced from the playful adrenaline. You darted across the yard, the cool breeze brushing against your face as you made a beeline for the treehouse. It was the first place that came to mind, a secluded spot that would offer both cover and a moment of solitude.

As you approached the treehouse, you glanced over your shoulder, ensuring no one was watching. The sounds of laughter and hurried footsteps echoed around you, a reminder that you weren't alone, but it felt like the world had narrowed to just you and the task of finding a place to hide.

You climbed up the wooden ladder quickly, the familiar creaks under your weight bringing back memories of childhood games. Once inside, you settled into a corner, your breathing slightly labored from the rush.

You leaned back against the wooden wall, closing your eyes for a moment to steady your breath. The silence inside contrasted sharply with the playful chaos outside, the muffled sounds of DJ's counting reaching you from below.

Just as you began to relax, the treehouse's floor creaked, and you tensed, your eyes snapping open. Jenna's familiar silhouette filled the entrance, her presence both unexpected and yet somehow inevitable. She hesitated for a split second, clearly surprised to see you there.

A surprised chuckle escaped your lips before you could stop it, the sound breaking the stillness between you. Her lips curved into a small smile, her eyes locking with yours in the dim light.