Fleeting Flames - Jenna Ortega x Fem Reader

Part 20

The playful grin on Aliyah's face only widened when Jenna groaned beside you.

"Aliyah, stop messing around," Jenna said, nudging her sister's arm.

Aliyah burst into laughter, waving a hand dismissively. "Relax, Jenna. I'm just joking with her." Turning to you, she added with a wink, "I just wanted to see if you'd sweat a little."

You chuckled nervously, still caught off guard but relieved it was all a joke.

"Aliyah," Jenna said, shaking her head with a mix of annoyance and amusement. "This is my younger sister. You can call her Ali... or evil twin, depending on the day."

"Nice to meet you," you said, offering your hand.

Aliyah grinned as she shook it. "Nice to meet you too, finally, Y/N. And don't worry—I'm the fun one in this house."

Jenna rolled her eyes as Aliyah stepped aside to let you both in.

The first thing that hit you was the noise. The Ortega household was alive with energy—voices overlapping as people chatted and laughed in the kitchen, kids squealing and running around the living room, and the faint hum of music coming from somewhere deeper in the house. The atmosphere was chaotic, yes, but also warm and inviting. It was exactly as Jenna had described a few nights ago when she'd tried to prepare you for meeting everyone.

Still, your nerves were on high alert. If the first person to greet you was already messing with you, who knew what the rest of the family had in store?

"Alright, let's get you introduced," Jenna said, taking your hand and leading you further inside.

The first familiar face you saw was Mia, who smiled brightly when she spotted you.

"We've met before," you said, smiling back.

"Bahamas, right? Long time no see," Mia said, pulling you in for a quick hug. Next to her stood a guy who looked her age, his arm casually draped over her shoulders.

"This is Isaac," Jenna said, gesturing to him.

"Boyfriend," Mia clarified, giving him a nudge.

Isaac gave you a friendly nod. "Nice to meet you."

Next, you met Markus, who Jenna had called "the nice twin." True to his nickname, Markus was quick to shake your hand and strike up a friendly conversation.

"Welcome to the madness," he said, grinning.

"Nice to be here," you said, starting to feel slightly less overwhelmed.

Markus's twin, Aliyah, leaned over with a smirk. "Don't let him fool you. He's just buttering you up."

"Jealous much?" Markus shot back, and the twins launched into playful bickering that made Jenna shake her head.

The introductions continued at a whirlwind pace. You met another Isaac, who was the second oldest sibling, along with his wife Avery, who was glowing with her pregnancy. Then there was Mariah, the oldest Ortega sibling, who was quieter and more reserved. She introduced you to her husband, Jacob, and their three kids: Damian Jay (DJ for short), Cash, and little Mya.

Each new introduction brought more chatter and warmth, the family's easygoing nature pulling you in despite your nerves. You learned that Aliyah was dating someone named Diego, and Markus had a girlfriend named Leena, neither of whom would be joining today.

Eventually, Jenna led you into the kitchen, where you met the core of the family: Natalie, Edward, and her grandmother.

"Mom, dad," Jenna said, motioning toward you. "This is—"