STORM - (Intersex)

CHAPTER 10

TYLER

Since returning to my apartment, I haven't heard a word from Clara. It's probably best to give her some space, though I can't shake the guilt of missing the heartbeat. As I settled into my couch, a message from Fran popped up—a video. It showed Clara lying in the hospital bed, with our baby's image flickering on the screen and its heartbeat echoing in the background. My heart clenched.

I must have replayed the video countless times before I finally dragged myself into the shower, then mechanically ate some dinner while half-watching TV. When it was time to sleep, I just lay in bed, allowing the darkness to envelop me.

My phone vibrated on the nightstand. It took all the energy I had to reach for it. My vision blurred as I struggled to see who was calling, but I managed to answer.

"Hello?" My voice was raspy from sleep.

"Tyler... I'm bleeding," Clara's voice shook on the other line.

Instantly alert, I sat up.

"I'm on my way." I hung up quickly, my heart pounding as I raced downstairs, jumped into my car, and sped toward our home. I burst through the door and sprinted upstairs, my breath catching as I opened the bedroom door to see Clara in bed, blood seeping down her leg. Without hesitating, I scooped her up and dashed back down to the car, her sobs cutting through the thick tension.

We reached the hospital in record time. I carried her inside, explaining the situation to the nurse at a breathless pace. They ushered her into a room while I was left in the waiting area, the seconds stretching into eternity as I paced, the clock ticking in tune with my racing heart.

Finally, a nurse, much shorter than me, approached with a reassuring smile. "You can see her now, sir. Your wife is being cared for," she said, guiding me into the room. Clara lay there, a drip in her arm, looking pale and fragile under the dim lights. The doctor stood nearby, clipboard in hand, reviewing her notes.

"I didn't want him to say anything without you here," Clara murmured, managing a weak smile as I approached and took her hand. I nodded to the doctor, signalling him to proceed.

"Everything is fine," the doctor reassured us. "I've checked thoroughly, and the baby is very healthy. Your mother experienced similar episodes during her pregnancies with you and your sister. It's all quite normal," he explained.

Clara and I both exhaled deeply, a weightlifting from our shoulders.

"Would you like to hear the heartbeat? I know you missed it last time," I said, smiling broadly.

Clara squeezed my hand tighter, her smile widening. The room dimmed as the doctor applied gel to her stomach and positioned the ultrasound probe. The monitor flickered to life, showing a black and white image of our tiny baby. Then, he adjusted the settings, and suddenly, the rhythmic thumping of our baby's heart filled the room. It was the most beautiful sound, stirring a profound joy within me.

"Very strong heartbeat," the doctor commented, chuckling softly.

"I'm sorry for overreacting," Clara whispered.

"You have nothing to apologize for," I reassured her, my emotions swelling. "I should have been here. I love you." The words slipped out effortlessly, though they caught me by surprise. She seemed so captivated by the ultrasound; I wasn't even sure she heard me.

Wait...did I just say that? We need to plan a second date!

CLARA

"SHE SAID SHE LOVES ME! AND I DIDN'T SAY IT BACK!"

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU DIDN'T SAY IT BACK?!" Amber shouts.