Demented

Gaslighting in Gerardville

January had been an emotionally draining month for Frank. Gerard pointed out everything wrong with him and called him names. Frank knew this was wrong and so desperately wanted to fix it. Frank was believing he was going crazy because Gerard denied responsibility for everything he did. Two-thousand-sixteen was off to a bad start. Frank was back to a healthy weight at least.

He thought it would be a good idea to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bitch. Frank told her a little bit about what Gerard was doing. She looked incredibly concerned. Plans were already made, so Gerard couldn't back out, could he? Frank fumbled with his hands and looked at his boyfriend. They were lying on Frank's bed, not doing much. Gerard was reading something while Frank stared at the white wall in silence. ''Da- Gerard?'' Frank mumbled.

''Yes?'' Gerard's gaze slowly turned to Frank.

''I have something to tell you.'' Frank voice was barely above a whisper. He spoke so softly. He was in fear that if he said something wrong, he would be yelled at.

''What is it?''

''I got an appointment with Dr. Bitch. For us.''

''For us?''

''Ye-yeah. 'C-cause you're always mad at me and I can't make you happy. ''

Gerard's book landed on the floor with a thump. ''Why did you do that?'' he asked with gritted teeth.

''Be-because I don't want you to yell at me and call me names, anymore,'' he said, gripping the sheets.

''You're such a cunt! I don't do anything to you! You're always lying!''

''N-no, I'm not.'' Frank looked down.

''Look at me!''

Frank obeyed. ''I j-just wanted to m- m-make things better.''

Gerard got in his face, causing Frank to grab his pillow and cuddle it. ''How dare you make me look bad? You like making it seem as if I don't take care of you? You like turning the other cheek to everything nice I do for your pathetic ass? You're a piece of shit.''

''See? Th-this is what I 'm t-talking about,'' Frank cried. ''You're scaring me. Please stop scaring me, Daddy,'' he begged. He closed his eyes, sobbing, just waiting for Gerard to give him space.

Gerard stopped, but he still had the same cold look in his eyes. He reached out to caress Frank's cheek, but Frank inched away scared. He did it again, saying, ''It's okay. I'm not going to hurt you.'' He pulled Frank onto his lap. ''Shh. It's alright. Don't cry, little one.'' Gerard wiped his tears away with his thumb. ''We'll go, Baby. We'll get help.'' Gerard kissed Frank's cheek. ''I love you, Frankie. Don't cry.''

''I'm sorry for making you mad,'' he whimpered.

''It's okay. You're forgiven.'' Gerard held him against his chest and kissed across his forehead. ''When do we go?''

Frank looked at Gerard's clock. ''Fuck. In about five minutes.'' Frank sat up and rubbed his eyes. He crawled out of Gerard's lap and hopped to the floor. He examined himself in the mirror before brushing his hair off of his forehead with his fingers. He looked at Gerard, then looked back. ''I don't think I'm fat anymore.''

Gerard smiled at him appreciatively. ''That's great!''

The corner of Frank's mouth turned upwards. ''It is.'' He grabbed for his shoes and forced them onto his feet. Gerard slid his Vans on too. With three minutes to spare, they left their room and walked down the hallway. As soon as they arrived at Dr. Bitch's door, Frank knocked.

''Frank and Gerard?'' she asked.

''Yes,'' Frank replied.

''Come in.''