STORM - (Intersex)

CHAPTER 6

TYLER

I kept replaying my dad's words in my mind. Maybe I do have feelings for Clara, but our current dynamic works so well; I'm hesitant to risk changing it. With the gala approaching next week, I found myself being dragged along for a dress shopping expedition with Fran, Lee, and a particularly reluctant Clara.

"Clara, shut up! It won't be that bad," I try to reassure her.

She rolls her eyes dramatically. "I'd rather go naked than do this."

"The only person seeing you naked is me. So, we're getting you a dress, like it or not," I reply firmly, trying to inject a bit of humour to lighten her mood. She just grumbles, remaining silent for the rest of the ride.

Today's dress code is casual. I'm in blue jeans, a white t-shirt, and white sneakers. Clara, ever the rebel, wears black ripped jeans paired with a low-cut top and heels—because apparently, heels are casual now.

"We're here, miss," the driver announces as we pull up to our destination. In front of us is a boutique specializing in evening wear; right next door is a wedding dress shop.

As we disembark, Clara veers towards the wedding dress store instead of following Fran and Lee into the designated shop. Curious, I follow her, wondering what's going through her mind as she steps away from our planned route.

"Hey, are you okay?" I ask, placing my hand gently on her shoulder as she gazes wistfully at the wedding dress shop.

She responds nonchalantly, her eyes still fixed on the window display. "Have you ever thought about marriage?"

"Um, yeah, I have. What about you?"

"Nope. Before getting pregnant, I never really considered it. I always thought I'd just live my life without kids or a significant other. And now, suddenly, I have both," she sighs, turning away from the shop and starting back towards our original destination.

Wait.

I quickly jog to catch up with her. "So, you see me as your significant other?" I tease, a wide smirk spreading across my face.

She smiles back and lets out a small laugh, continuing her stride. "I take that as a yes!"

As we rejoin Fran and Lee at the entrance of the evening wear store, I overhear Fran making an animated case to Lee: "Franny, all I'm saying is that Batman would be the best at sex! I mean, he's human and yet sexy as hell!"

Their light-hearted banter and Clara's subtle admission leave me feeling unexpectedly buoyant as we step into the store to continue our day.

"Shut up! Harley would definitely be the best in bed. She's a total freak in the sheets, and I bet she's a massive sub too!" Fran argues passionately.

"Oi, you two! Can you shut up?" I interject, feigning disgust. "You're making me think of my mother, and it's horrifying!"

They both roll their eyes at me but continue their heated debate about comic book characters' bedroom skills.

We've been at the store for about an hour, and I'm still unable to pick a suit until Clara decides on her dress. So, I'm lounging in the waiting area of the changing room, watching Fran and Lee model their choices. Fran and Lee have paraded several dresses, but Clara hasn't appeared yet.

"Okay, how about this?" Lee suddenly emerges, radiant in an emerald, green silk dress that clings to her curves beautifully. It features a daring slit and a plunging neckline that showcases her cleavage. She twirls, her face alight with excitement.

"That has to be the best dress you've picked!" I exclaim, genuinely impressed, and she leaps into a hug, squeezing me tightly.

"Alright, my turn!" Fran announces, stepping out in a dramatic black floor-length gown. The skirt flares out from her waist, fluffy and bold, with a daring slit up the middle that reveals her legs.