Demented

Pop A Pill

"Frank, we're putting you on Xanax," Dr. Eston told him. Frank rose an eyebrow in confusion. "You seem a bit more relaxed, but according to your talk with me a few days ago, you're really not."

"Oh."

"So, let's go over possible side effects. Itching or hives, or swelling in your face or hands, is possible. As is swelling or tingling in your mouth and throat. Chest tightness, trouble breathing. Possible blistering, peeling, and red skin rash.
Confusion, problems with coordination or memory.
Extreme tiredness or weakness. Slow heartbeat, trouble breathing or speaking. And even a small chance of having a seizure."

"That's a lot of things," Frank sighed, nervous.

"Stay away from any grapefruit related products."

"Okay."

"Also, I have to start meeting with another patient in the morning. And there's no one else to take you out before Gerard needs to take his medication. So, you're staying in there, if I can negotiate with Gerard," Eston explained.

"Okay?"

"Sorry for the change of plans."

"It's okay. It's out of your control."

"Thank you for understanding," he smiled warmly. "In other news, we're opening up an inside gym. It was decided that it was better for everybody to get out of their rooms."

"Oh. W-what's gong to be there?"

"Basketball court, ping pong table, track, activity tables."

"Cool."

"Mm-hm. You can go back to your room if you don't have any questions or anything you want to discuss."

"I don't. Thank you."

Frank closed the door behind him, and made his way down the hallway. Passing a a staff member, he tried not to make eye contact, until he realized she was smiling at him. Frank looked at her and forced a smile.

He took a deep breathe and entered his room. "Hi," Gerard greeted.

"Hi." Frank joined him on Gerard's bed, sitting between his legs.

"What you do baby?"

"He said I'm going on Xanax."

"Why?"

"My anxiety is getting a lot worse."

"Tell me 'bout it."

"Why?"

"I wanna know."

"Why do you wanna know?"

"It's interesting. And emotions are interesting."

Frank smiled at him and rolled his eyes. "First of all, my stumbling is coming back. I'm biting the inside of my lip to the point where I draw blood. I claw my thumb into my pointer finger. My thoughts escalate rapidly."

"Why don't you ever tell me before the problem becomes worse?"

"I don't know."

Gerard sighed. "Hmph."

"We're also getting a gym."

"How exciting," Gerard exclaimed, sarcastically.

"Shut up."

"I'm going to the bathroom." Gerard pecked him on the lips. Frank closed his eyes and listened to the bathroom door open and shut.

A moment later, his eyes fluttered open. Everything was white. Every single thing. The dressers, Andy, Gerard's Vans. Frank's heart skipped a beat. He looked at his hand. It was white. He smashed his eyes close.