Fleeting Flames - Jenna Ortega x Fem Reader

Part 29

The flight back to Miami was quiet, the low hum of the airplane doing little to distract you from the ache in your chest. You stared out the window, watching as the world below disappeared into a blanket of clouds, and tried not to think about the life you were leaving behind.

When the plane landed, the familiar heat of Miami hit you as you stepped outside, but it didn't bring the comfort it used to. Your sister was already waiting at the arrivals terminal, leaning against her car. She waved as she spotted you, her smile warm but tinged with concern.

As soon as you reached her, she pulled you into a hug that you hadn't realized you needed. "Hey," she said softly, her hand gently patting your back. "You okay?"

You shook your head, tears pricking at your eyes despite your best efforts to hold them back. "No."

"That's okay," she said, not letting go. "You don't have to be okay right now."

The drive home was mostly silent, your sister glancing at you occasionally but letting you have the space you needed. When you arrived at your parents' house, your mom was already at the door, her expression filled with worry and love.

She hugged you tightly, murmuring, "Welcome home, sweetheart," as if those words could fix everything.

Inside, your sister helped you unpack your bags while your mom made tea, her way of comforting you.

Later, as you sat on the couch, staring blankly at the mug in your hands, your phone buzzed on the coffee table.

Jenna's name lit up the screen, and your heart tightened painfully.

Jen's iMessage: "Did you make it alive and well?"

You stared at the message, your thumb hovering over the keyboard. For a moment, you considered ignoring it, but you couldn't bring yourself to do that. Instead, you typed out a quick reply.

You: "Yeah, I'm here. Thanks for asking."

Her response came almost immediately.

Jenna's iMessage: "Good. Take care of yourself, okay?"

You didn't reply again, locking your phone and setting it face-down on the coffee table.

Your sister sat beside you, watching your reaction. "She texted?"

You nodded, not trusting your voice to stay steady.

"What did she say?"

"That I should take care of myself," you mumbled, blinking rapidly to keep the tears at bay.

Your sister leaned her head against your shoulder. "You want to talk about it?"

You shook your head. "Not yet."

She nodded, resting against you. "Alright. But I'm here whenever you're ready."

Your mom joined you a few minutes later, sitting beside you with a soft sigh. "I'm happy you're back home, but I need to say this, honey: you didn't have to leave Jenna to find yourself. Sometimes the hardest thing is staying and working things out."

Her words were gentle, but they hit hard. You blinked back fresh tears, setting your tea down before you accidentally spilled it. "I couldn't do it anymore, Mom. I was exhausted, and I felt so alone. I needed to come back. I needed this."

She nodded slowly, her understanding eyes meeting yours. "I get that. But don't close the door completely, okay? Love like that doesn't come around often."

You didn't respond, instead leaning back into the couch and closing your eyes. You didn't want to think about Jenna anymore.

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