STORM - (Intersex)

CHAPTER 4

CLARA

For the past two weeks, I've been dodging Tyler as much as possible. But today, evasion is impossible. As head of her department, she's scheduled for a meeting in my office. My nerves are frayed, not just from the impending encounter, but also because I've been feeling sick all week. Initially, I thought it was a hangover from a night out with Lee, but the nausea has persisted every morning since. Thankfully, I haven't touched a drink since that night.

I'm at my desk, shuffling through some files, anxiously awaiting Tyler's arrival. Nat, ever so helpful, has been bringing me smoothies that work wonders for my stomach. Unfortunately, she's at a hospital appointment today, so I missed my soothing morning ritual.

A knock at the door pulls me from my thoughts. "Come in," I call out, my voice steadier than I feel.

Tyler steps in, dressed impeccably in a navy suit that accentuates her professional demeanour. An unexpected warmth spreads through me as I take in her poised appearance—it's undeniably attractive. She sits and adjusts her trousers, and my mind wanders dangerously back to that night. I mentally scold myself. Focus, I urge.

"I brought a paper copy of the work we've completed downstairs," Tyler begins, placing a folder on my desk. "I've also emailed you everything. With the upcoming events, the financial allocations for the business—"

Oh no. My stomach churns ominously, a wave of nausea threatening to overwhelm me at the worst possible moment. I grip the edge of my desk, hoping the sensation passes quickly and praying I can maintain my composure in front of Tyler.

TYLER

I'm frozen as she suddenly turns and vomits into her bin. Jumping up, I rush to her side, gently holding her hair back as she continues to be sick. Once the worst seems over, I quickly fetch a glass of water from her mini-bar, then gently lift her and lay her on the sofa.

Crouching beside her, I check in with concern, "Are you okay?"

"Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine. I just need one of Nat's smoothies; they tend to help," she replies weakly.

"How often has this happened?" I ask, trying to mask my growing worry.

She avoids my gaze, her voice barely above a whisper, "Just every morning this week."

Wait.

"Have you... um, have you taken a test?" I ask, meeting her eyes, which flicker with unspoken fears.

She shakes her head slightly. "Lee bought me one. It's in my cupboard."

I retrieve the test, and as I hand it to her, I notice how tired she looks. "Come on, let's go do it. Don't worry, I'll be right there with you," I assure her.

She nods and stands up with a little effort. "Follow me. I have a room upstairs that's like an apartment."

"That's cool," I remark as we ascend to the second floor. The room we enter is almost like a suite, complete with a bathroom and bed but minus a kitchen.

"My younger cousin has one like this in her company and suggested I get the same setup here," she explains.

I nod in understanding as she heads into the bathroom to brush her teeth and rid herself of the lingering taste of vomit. Then, with a slight sigh and trembling hands, she opens the pregnancy test package. I reach out, steadying her hands with mine and pressing a reassuring kiss to her knuckles.

"Don't worry, let's just do this and see where it goes," I encourage.

"I have a feeling I'm not pregnant, but sure," she replies with a tentative smile.