Obsession

12. Whip

Gerard's phone rang again, this time with Frank's persistent call. With a deep breath, Gerard answered. "Hello?" Gerard said. "Gerard, my love, it's been too long," Frank's smooth voice came through the line, sounding surprisingly calm. "Yeah, I'm sorry about that," Gerard replied, his words rushed. "I've been... busy." There was a moment of silence on the other end before Frank spoke again. "I understand, darling. But you know I worry when I don't hear from you." Gerard felt a pang of guilt at Frank's concern. "I know, I'm sorry. I'll try to be better about staying in touch." "That's all I ask," Frank said. "I miss you, Gerard. More than you know." "I miss you too," Gerard admitted and there was a soft sigh from Frank's end. "Let's not dwell on the past, my love. What matters is that we're talking now. How about we meet tomorrow?" Gerard hesitated, but ultimately, he knew he couldn't keep avoiding Frank forever. "Okay," he finally agreed, his voice barely above a whisper. "Perfect," Frank said. "I can't wait to see you," Gerard replied and he ended the call.

XXX

Gerard stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his tie with practiced hands. Hayley sat on the edge of the bed, watching him quietly. "Going somewhere special?" she asked and Gerard nodded. "Yeah, meeting up with Bert," Gerard replied, trying to sound nonchalant and Hayley raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Bert, huh? Haven't seen much of him lately." Gerard avoided her gaze, focusing on the tie in his hands. "Yeah, well, been busy with work and stuff." Hayley nodded, but there was a hint of skepticism in her eyes. "Sure, busy," she said. "Well, have fun. Don't stay out too late." Gerard forced a smile. "Thanks, I won't." With a final adjustment to his tie, Gerard turned away from the mirror and he noticed Hayley fidgeting nervously with her hands. "I'm pregnant," Hayley blurted out and Gerard's jaw dropped, his mind racing as he processed the news. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. He wasn't sure how to react—neither hate nor happiness filled his heart. "Proof," he finally managed to say, his voice barely above a whisper. "I need proof."

Hayley nodded, her eyes welling up with tears. "I understand," she replied, her voice shaky. "I missed my period, and I've already used a pregnancy kit. It's positive, Gerard." His heart sank as her words confirmed the reality of the situation. "But how...?" Gerard trailed off, unable to form a coherent question and Hayley's shoulders slumped as she struggled to find the right words. "I don't know, Gerard," she admitted. "It just happened." Silence hung heavily in the room as Gerard tried to wrap his head around the unexpected turn of events. He had never imagined himself in this situation, let alone with someone he didn't love. "What are we going to do?" he asked and Hayley's gaze fell to the floor. "I don't know," she admitted softly. "But we need to figure it out together." Gerard nodded slowly, his mind racing with a million different thoughts and fears. "Yeah," he agreed quietly. "Together." As they sat in silence, Gerard couldn't shake the feeling of dread that washed over him. It wasn't Hayley he was worried about—it was Frank. How would his lover react when he found out that Gerard had made another woman pregnant?

The thought gnawed at Gerard's insides, filling him with guilt and shame. He knew he had to tell Frank the truth, but the mere idea of confessing made his stomach churn. He had to face the truth, no matter how painful it might be. Frank deserved to know, even if it meant risking everything they had together. "Gerard?" Hayley's voice broke through his thoughts, pulling him back to the present and he looked up, meeting her gaze. "Let's not tell our parents until we're ready," he suggested and Hayley nodded solemnly. "Okay," she replied softly and Gerard sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "I don't know if I'll ever be ready," he confessed. "I should go," he said quietly, avoiding Hayley's gaze and she nodded. "Take care of yourself, Gerard," she murmured and Gerard bid Hayley goodbye and made his way out of the house. Each step felt heavier than the last as he walked to his car. As he slid into the driver's seat, Gerard's hands trembled as he fumbled with the keys. He took a deep breath, trying to calm the rising tide of panic. Turning the key in the ignition, the engine roared to life, but Gerard couldn't shake the feeling of dread. He was beyond terrified—terrified of how Frank would react, terrified of what this revelation would mean for their relationship.