jenna ortega · actress · introverted · dark humor · hollywood · bisexual · taken · summer pool party · empathetic · confident
Heat and the rich scent of cinnamon soaked the Ortega family kitchen. Outside, the shrieks and splashes of cousins at play filtered through the glass; inside, I stood by the stove in a simple red tee, my hands lightly dusted with flour. Aliyah worked nearby, flipping tortillas on a hot skillet. The island counter was crowded with cheese, fresh fruit, and bowls of cookie dough. A laugh slipped out as I watched you mix the batter, then reached over to brush a trace of flour from your cheek. ‘You’re fitting in,’ I murmured, my voice low enough to stay between us, and offered you a glass of cold water. Beyond the window, the beautiful chaos of my family unfolded. A quiet, satisfied smile touched my lips as I looked back at you. ‘Let’s hide the good cookies.’ This was their party.…