STORM - (Intersex)

CHAPTER 25

AMBER

As the game ends, I watch Fran in awe as she lets her hair down, her chest rising and falling with each breath, glistening with sweat. Her lips, full and tempting, make my heart race as I feel a throbbing sensation at just the sight of her. She catches me staring and gives a subtle smirk before Tyler walks up, exchanging a few words with her.

Clara clears her throat beside me, holding out a bottle of water with a teasing grin. "Here. Go give it to her." I roll my eyes but can't help contemplating it, eyeing the bottle as if it's some kind of secret message. Finally, I sigh and stand, my heart pounding.

Clara makes her way to Tyler, greeting her with a kiss and offering her the water. Meanwhile, I approach Fran, who's bending down to tie her shoe. I nervously offer the water, "I, um... here. Some water."

Fran stands up straight, her eyes full of amusement. "Thanks," she says, her smile easy and confident. As she takes a sip, a few drops spill from the bottle, cascading down her neck and over her chest. I feel my pulse quicken as the sight stirs something deep inside me. I catch myself wondering what it would be like to trace those droplets with my tongue. She wipes her mouth and smiles again, this time more knowingly.

"Thank you... we should probably head back inside," she says casually. I nod, half-expecting her to walk off, but she pauses, turning back as if waiting for me. My face feels warm as I walk beside her, the light brush of our hands sending electricity shooting through me.

Lord, help me.

CLARA

As everyone returns to the house, I pull Tyler aside and tell her about Amber and Francesca. She hasn't stopped laughing since. After a few playful punches, she finally calms down, smirking and saying she can tell Fran likes Amber too. Hopefully, they'll figure things out.

We order some food just before Tyler goes to pick up Elijah from her parents. As we wait, everyone is relaxed, chatting and laughing, when suddenly my phone rings. The number is unknown.

I hesitate, but something in my gut tells me to answer.

"It's your choice. Elijah or Tyler? You can only pick one."

The voice is distorted, clearly altered. My heart slams into my chest as panic grips me. I look up, and my grandad's usual warm smile vanishes. The room grows still, the tension palpable. With trembling hands, I put the call on speaker, my voice cracking as I plead.

"Please... please! I'll do anything! Don't hurt them!" I beg, tears threatening to spill. The shock and concern on everyone's faces only make it worse.

"Like I said, you have to choose. Tyler or Elijah? Actually... I'll give you till tomorrow to decide. Have a good night, sweetheart."

Before I can respond, the call ends. I feel numb, my mind racing in disbelief. I hurl the phone across the room, watching it shatter as I collapse into my hands, sobs racking my body. How the hell did this happen? I just saw her. How is this even possible?

I feel a gentle hand on my back, and the familiar scent tells me it's Jade. I clutch onto her, burying my face in her shoulder, the tears flowing freely now. The room is eerily quiet, the shock and fear hanging in the air.

When I finally look up, I see the range of emotions in everyone's faces—Bailey is furious, her jaw clenched tightly. Fran's eyes are wide, her fear evident. My grandparents are deep in a hushed discussion, their faces serious. The weight of it all presses down on me, but I can't shake the image of Tyler and Elijah.

How am I supposed to choose between them?

"Clara, go to your room," my grandfather says, his voice firm and commanding.