STORM - (Intersex)

CHAPTER 5

CLARA

It's Sunday, and Lee's over giving me both a headache and some much-needed company. I missed seeing Tyler yesterday; she only dropped off my food at the door, skipping our usual hangout.

"YOU WOULD NEVER GUESS WHO JUST MESSAGED YOU?!" Lee's voice bellows from the living room. I'm in the kitchen, blending a smoothie for myself and pouring wine for Lee.

I groan, "Just tell me."

"Mark!" she announces, popping into the kitchen and startling me.

"Jesus... wait, Mark?" I recoil slightly, taken aback.

She nods, her expression stern. "If you dare meet him, I swear I'll beat the crap out of you after you've had that baby," she warns, then thrusts my phone into my hand.

The screen lights up with a new message:

Mark: Hey, I'm in town! Would you like to meet up?!

Clara: I haven't heard from you in a year and NOW you want to meet? Don't tell me you haven't been here since.

Mark: Feisty! I like it...let's meet and I'll explain.

Clara: I'm busy, Mark. I haven't got time for your shit.

Mark: So, I'll see you Monday? In your office?

Clara: Whatever :/

Lee watches me type out my reluctant agreement, her brow furrowed in disapproval. "He's bad news, Clara. Remember that," she cautions, taking her wine and settling into a couch cushion with a huff.

As I take a sip of my smoothie, the tartness mirrors the bitterness I feel about the upcoming encounter, and I can't shake the feeling that agreeing to see Mark might be a mistake.

TYLER

"Ayo, baby daddy! You're forgetting something," Fran calls out, handing me my bag. My car chose today of all days to break down, and without time to fix it myself, I had to rely on Fran for a ride to work. I'm hoping the issue isn't too severe so I can handle it later.

"Thanks, I owe you one!" I wave goodbye and head into the building.

It's been a quiet weekend without seeing Clara. Normally, we'd spend time together, but not this time. She's met Francesca, and Fran met Lee, which in hindsight, was a big mistake. Those two together are quite the spectacle.

Once inside the office, I beeline to my desk to tackle the ever-growing pile of work.

"Ty, got any plans for lunch? I want to try that new Chinese place down the street," Terry pops his head in, disrupting my focus.

"I'll have to get back to you on that. Maybe this weekend?" I suggest, hoping to defer.

"I can't this weekend. I'm stuck babysitting my sister's dog. You believe it? That dog can't be left alone for more than three hours," he explains, his expression a mix of amusement and exasperation.

"Have you decided who you're taking to the gala?" he changes the subject.

"Probably just going with the guys like usual. You should come with us. Unless you've got a date?" He raises an eyebrow, teasing.

"I'm planning to ask someone, but if they say no, then I'm with you guys," I reply, feeling a mix of hope and nerves about the invitation I'm yet to extend.

"Good luck, dude!" He offers a supportive smile before disappearing back to his work.

It's lunchtime, and my stomach is roaring. I've prepared chicken and pasta, and despite my reservations, I've also made Clara's peculiar favourite: peanut butter and banana combo. Just assembling it makes me queasy, but I know she loves it. After organizing my files, I grab the food and head upstairs.