Gerard's heart raced as he sat in the car beside Frank, watching the police officers milling around the church parking lot. Anxiety gnawed at him, knowing that they could be questioned at any moment. Frank glanced at Gerard.
"Stay calm," he said quietly. "We have to act like nothing's wrong."
Gerard nodded, but his hands trembled slightly in his lap. "Remember," Frank added, "We stick to our story. Mikey got into a fight with you, and then he disappeared. That's it."
Gerard swallowed hard, trying to steady his nerves. "Got it," he replied, though his voice wavered slightly.
"Don't say anything except what we planned. Just act normal." Frank glanced at Gerard, his eyes searching for reassurance and Gerard nodded.
"Got it," he replied, trying to muster as much composure as he could.
"I'll go in first," Frank continued, "and you follow a few minutes later. We don't want to raise any suspicions."
Gerard swallowed hard. "Okay," he said and as Frank stepped out of the car and made his way towards the church, Gerard took a deep breath.
He watched Frank disappear into the crowd of worshippers, his stomach churning with anxiety. It was his turn to play his part in their carefully choreographed charade, and he prayed that he could pull it off without arousing any suspicion.
Gerard's palms clammy with sweat as he sat alone in the car and he cast anxious glances at the church entrance, where Frank had disappeared moments earlier. He wiped a shaky hand across his forehead, trying in stop his anxiety.
Gerard stepped out of the car, his legs trembling beneath him as he locked the door with shaky hands. Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, he squared his shoulders and made his way towards the church entrance
As he approached, he noticed the police officers milling about, questioning various parishioners. His heart pounded in his chest, each beat echoing in his ears as he tried to blend in with the crowd.
Avoiding eye contact, he slipped past the officers. He felt their scrutinizing gazes linger on him for a moment, but he forced himself to keep walking. Gerard kept his head down, his footsteps quickening as he made his way towards the sanctuary.
He scanned the pews, searching for Frank among the congregation. Spotting him near the front, Gerard hurried to join him, relief flooding through him as he reached his side. "Everything okay?" Frank asked in a low voice.
Gerard nodded, though his nerves still jangled with anxiety. "Yeah," he whispered back, his voice barely audible above the murmur of the crowd. "Let's just stick to the plan."
Frank's smile eased Gerard's nerves, and he felt a rush of warmth flood through him at the sight. Gerard returned the smile and in that moment, Gerard couldn't help but marvel at how much he loved Frank. It was as if every worry, every fear melted away in the presence of this man who had become his rock.
The officer called Frank's name, and he stepped forward with a confident stride. "Good morning, Officer," Frank greeted politely and the officer nodded in acknowledgment. The officer leaned forward as he asked Frank to recount his activities after church and Frank paused for a moment, collecting his thoughts before responding calmly.
"After the fight with Mr. Yan, I went home and stayed there for the rest of the evening." His voice was steady and there was a hint of sincerity in his tone that seemed to resonate with the officer. The officer nodded, jotting down notes in his pad as Frank continued to provide details of his whereabouts.
Gerard watched from the sidelines, his heart racing with anticipation. He knew that Frank's alibi needed to hold up under scrutiny, and he couldn't help but feel a surge of relief as Frank spoke with confidence.
"Did you encounter Michael at any point after church?" The officer continued and Frank shook his head. "No, I didn't see him after church. We parted ways there."
The officer studied Frank for a moment, then glanced at his notes. "And no one else saw him after that?"
Frank shrugged. "I can't speak for others, but I didn't see him."
The officer nodded, seemingly satisfied. "Thank you, Pastor. We may have further questions, so please remain available."
Frank nodded in response, maintaining his calm demeanor. "Of course, Officer. I'm here to help in any way I can."
As the officer moved on to question someone else, Frank leaned back in his chair, his expression unchanged. He had navigated the interrogation smoothly, leaving no room for suspicion.
Gerard's heart raced as the officer directed his questions towards him. "So, Mr. Way, can you tell us where you were yesterday afternoon?"
"I was at home... just relaxing." Gerard replied and the officer's gaze intensified. "Relaxing? Your parents mentioned seeing you leave with Michael. Can you explain that?"
"Uh, yes... we did go out for a bit. But we got into a fight and he left."
The officer's brow furrowed in suspicion. "And where did you part ways with Michael?"
Gerard's throat tightened as he struggled to maintain his composure. "At a nearby cafe... I think. We just went our separate ways after that."
The officer studied Gerard for a moment, his gaze assessing and scrutinizing and Gerard held his breath, willing himself to appear calm and composed under the officer's scrutiny.
"And then you called your parents later that evening, asking about Michael's whereabouts?"
Gerard's heart hammered in his chest as he scrambled for an explanation. "Yes, I did... I was just... checking in on him. I didn't know where he was, but I wanted to make sure he was okay." The officer's gaze lingered on Gerard for a moment longer.
"Can you explain why you and Michael got into a fight?"
Gerard's mind raced as he tried to recall the details of their fabricated story. "It was because I punched him at church," he replied, his voice trembling slightly and the officer raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by Gerard's explanation. "And what prompted you to punch him back for punching pastor?"
Gerard swallowed hard, hoping his response would sound plausible. "I was frustrated and upset," he answered vaguely, trying to keep his explanation as simple as possible.
The officer scribbled down Gerard's response in his notebook. "I see," he murmured, making a mental note of Gerard's explanation and with a nod of acknowledgment, the officer thanked Gerard for his cooperation and moved on to question another individual.
Relieved that the interrogation was over, Gerard let out a silent sigh and glanced around the church, searching for Frank amidst the crowd. He found Frank standing at a distance, watching the proceedings.
Gerard joined Ray, Bert, and Dan as they reminisced about Mikey. Listening to their stories, Gerard felt a pang of guilt gnawing at him and he couldn't shake the feeling that he had failed his friend.
As Ray recounted a funny memory involving Mikey, Gerard forced a smile. He wished he could turn back time and undo the events that led to their falling out. The guilt consumed him, making it difficult to engage fully in the conversation.
"Hey, you alright, man?" Bert asked and Gerard nodded, forcing himself to respond. "Yeah, just... thinking about Mikey, you know?" he replied and Dan chimed in. "We all miss him, Gee. But we'll find him. He can't be gone for good."
Despite his friends' attempts to console him, Gerard couldn't shake the feeling of guilt.
Gerard nervously fidgeted with his fingers as his friends speculated about what might have happened to Mikey and his guilt intensified.
"What if someone actually took him?" Ray pondered aloud and Bert shook his head. "Nah, that's crazy talk. Who would want to harm Mikey?"
Dan glanced at Gerard, sensing his unease. "You okay, Gee?" he asked and Gerard forced a weak smile. "Yeah, just... I miss Mikey." he replied, his voice barely above a whisper and his friends exchanged knowing glances. They offered words of reassurance, but Gerard couldn't shake the sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach.
Deep down, he knew something nobody knew -that Mikey's fate was sealed, and he was to blame.
Gerard approached his parents, tears streaming down his face and Donald and Donna enveloped him in a comforting hug.
"What's wrong, son?" Donna asked as she wiped away Gerard's tears. "I... I miss Mikey," Gerard choked out between sobs, his voice trembling. "I-I can't believe he's gone."
Donald exchanged a concerned glance with Donna, silently communicating their shared worry for their son's well-being. "It's okay, Gerard. We'll find him," Donald reassured.
Gerard shook his head, unable to contain his anguish. "What if we don't? What if... it's my fault?" he whispered and Frank observed from a distance. He couldn't help but wonder if Gerard's display of emotion was genuine or merely an act.
"I... I need some time alone," Gerard managed to say, his words choked. "I-I just need to think, to process everything." Donald and Donna exchanged a worried glance. "Of course, Gerard," Donna said gently. "Take all the time you need. We'll be here for you."
Gerard nodded weakly and Hayley enveloped Gerard in a hug. "We'll get through this together," Hayley murmured and Gerard closed his eyes, allowing himself to be enveloped by her presence.
He felt as though he had failed Mikey, failed to protect him from whatever fate had befallen him.
Hayley held him close and Gerard's facade began to crumble, his carefully constructed walls crumbling. Tears welled up in his eyes, cascading down his cheeks. He buried his face in Hayley's shoulder, seeking refuge from the pain and Hayley held him tighter.
Meanwhile, Frank's gaze bore into the scene before him. He watched as Gerard sought solace in Hayley's arms. With each whispered word of reassurance, Frank's trembling intensified, his fingers curling into fists at his sides.
He observed Gerard's tear-streaked face buried against Hayley's shoulder and a surge of darkness coursed through Frank. His pupils dilated, swallowing the hazel of his eyes and though he remained outwardly composed, inwardly, Frank seethed with a toxic brew of envy and resentment.
His fingers clenched into tight fists, nails biting into his palms as he struggled to contain the tempest raging within.
He strode out of the church and the cool breeze did little to soothe the seething tempest within him. Passersby cast curious glances in his direction, but Frank paid them no heed and with each passing moment, the urge to lash out, to vent his frustrations in a violent outburst, grew stronger.
"I need some time alone." Gerard declared and his parents exchanged worried glances. "Are you sure, Gerard?" Donna asked. "We're here for you, whatever you need."
Gerard forced a weak smile. "I just need some time to clear my head, to process everything," he replied and Hayley reached out, her hand finding his and squeezing it gently. "I understand," she murmured. "Take all the time you need, Gerard. We'll be here when you're ready."
Gerard nodded, his throat tight as he forced out a reply. "Thank you," he managed, his voice barely audible over the pounding of his own heart and with a heavy heart, Gerard turned away from his family, his footsteps heavy as he made his way out of the church.
His thoughts consumed by the one person he knew he shouldn't be thinking of but in that moment Gerard couldn't bring himself to care. All that mattered was being with Frank, consequences be damned.
Gerard approached the car and Frank was already seated behind the wheel as he watched Gerard approach. Without a word, Gerard slid into the passenger seat and neither spoke as Frank started the car and pulled out of the parking lot.
After what felt like an eternity, Frank finally broke the silence.
"I'm glad you came," he said and Gerard nodded in response, unable to find the words. Gerard sat in silence, his gaze fixed on the passing landscape outside the car window. He clenched his jaw, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to spill over and he wiped away the tears that had escaped despite his efforts to hold them back. He couldn't bear to face the truth of his actions, couldn't face the reality of the choices he had made.
Frank glanced at Gerard and he noticed Gerard's tears. "Hey, Gerard, are you okay?" he asked and Gerard shook his head, his sobs shaking his frame as he struggled to find the words.
"I-I can't believe Mikey's gone," he choked out between sobs. "And it's our fault, Frank. We're responsible for this." Frank's grip on the steering wheel tightened and he sighed.
"He deserved it." Frank replied coldly and Gerard's sobs momentarily silenced as he pulled back to look at Frank, disbelief written across his tear-streaked face.
"What do you mean, Frank?" he snapped and Frank's expression hardened as he met Gerard's gaze.
"I mean, Mikey was a threat, Gerard," he replied. "He knew too much, and he was willing to use it against us. We couldn't risk that."
Gerard's eyes widened in shock as he processed Frank's words. "But... but he was my friend," he protested, his voice trembling. "How can you say that, Frank? How can you be so cold?"
Frank's jaw tensed before he took a deep breath, his tone softening slightly. "I know it's hard to understand, Gerard," he said. "But sometimes, we have to make difficult choices to protect ourselves. Mikey was a threat to everything we've built together."
Gerard's heart sank at Frank's words. "I... I don't know if I can live with this, Frank," he admitted.
Frank reached out, taking Gerard's hand in his own. "You don't have to do this alone, Gerard," he said softly. "We're in this together, remember? Whatever happens, we'll face it together."
Tears streamed down Gerard's face and memories of that night flooded his mind. He recalled the fear that had gripped him as they buried Mikey in the coffin and he shuddered at the thought of what Frank might have done to Mikey before sealing him inside that dark tomb. The image of Mikey's lifeless body haunted him, filling him with a sense of guilt and remorse.
"Why did it have to end like this, Frank?" Gerard whispered hoarsely, his voice choked. "What did you do to him... to us?"
Frank's expression softened as he reached out to brush away Gerard's tears. "I did what needed to be done, Gerard," he said quietly. "I couldn't let him destroy everything we've built together. You have to trust me on this."
But Gerard couldn't find it in himself to trust Frank completely.
Frank parked the car in front of their house and turned to Gerard as he watched his lover sobbing beside him. Without a word, he reached out and pulled Gerard into a tight hug, holding him close as he let out all the pain he had been holding inside.
"I'm sorry, Gerard," Frank murmured softly. "I know this is hard for you, but we had no choice. Mikey left us no other option."
Gerard buried his face in Frank's chest and despite everything, he found a small measure of comfort in Frank's arms, knowing that they were in this together, for better or for worse.
"I just miss him so much, Frank," Gerard choked out between sobs. "I can't believe he's gone."
Frank tightened his grip around Gerard. "Gerard," he whispered. "We'll get through this together, I promise."
Gerard pulled back slightly from Frank's arms, his eyes searching Frank's face for answers. "Why are you so calm, Frank?" Gerard asked. "After everything that's happened, how can you just act like nothing's wrong?"
Frank took a deep breath before speaking. "Because I know what we did was necessary, Gerard," Frank replied. "For both of us. I know this is hard, but we can't let ourselves fall apart. We have to stay focused and stick to the plan."
Gerard felt a surge of frustration rising within him as he struggled to make sense of Frank's calmness in the face of such devastation and he had it enough.
"You think you can just control everything, don't you, Frank?" Gerard yelled with frustration. "You act like you have all the answers, but you're just making everything worse!"
Frank's jaw tightened, his own temper flaring as he shot back, "And what about you, Gerard? You're so quick to judge, but you don't see the bigger picture. You're just as responsible for what happened as I am!"
Gerard's hands clenched into fists, his voice trembling. "I trusted you, Frank," he spat. "But now I see you for who you really are - a manipulative, controlling monster!"
Frank's eyes narrowed and his chest heaving. "If that's how you feel, Gerard, then maybe you should leave," he said sharply. "I don't need someone who can't see the value of what I'm trying to do."
Gerard's heart pounded in his chest as Frank's words sank in. He felt a surge of anger and hurt, but beneath it all was a deep sense of fear - fear of losing the only person he had left.
"No, Frank," Gerard's voice was hoarse. "I'm not going anywhere. But we need to figure this out - together."
Frank's expression softened slightly and for a moment, it seemed as though he might relent. "Fine," he said curtly. "But don't expect me to apologize for doing what needed to be done."
With that, the car fell into a tense silence. Gerard's heart ached with the realization that their relationship may never be the same again. But deep down, he knew that he couldn't give up on Frank - not yet.
Frank stepped out of the car and Gerard followed suit, his movements sluggish and weary. Gerard's mind was clouded with thoughts of Mikey and the events of the past few days, leaving him feeling drained and emotionally spent.
Silence enveloped them as they made their way towards the front door of the house, each lost in their own thoughts. Gerard kept his gaze fixed on the ground, unable to muster the energy for conversation and Frank stood in the kitchen, his eyes fixed on Gerard, who seemed lost in thought.
The silence between them stretched on, becoming almost palpable and unable to bear it any longer, Frank finally spoke up. "What's wrong, Gerard?" he asked and Gerard remained silent, his gaze fixed on the countertop as he absently traced patterns with his finger.
Frank's patience wore thin as Gerard continued to ignore him and he took a step closer to Gerard.
"ARE YOU JUST GONNA IGNORE ME LIKE A CHILD?" he shouted, his words echoing off the walls of the kitchen and Gerard flinched at Frank's outburst.
"YOU'RE THE CHILD HERE, FRANK!," he shot back. "You can't handle anything unless it goes your way."
Frank clenched his fists at his sides, his jaw set in a tight line. "I'm tired of walking on eggshells around you, Gerard," he retorted. "You need to start acting like an adult and face reality."
And what reality is that, Frank?" Gerard shot back. "The reality where we bury my friend and pretend like nothing happened?"
Frank's voice softened slightly, a hint of frustration still lingering. "I'm trying to protect us, Gerard," he said. "But you're so blinded by your stubbornness that you can't see it."
Gerard's jaw clenched and he scoffed. "Protect us?" he echoed. "By burying my friend and lying to everyone? That's not protection, Frank. That's cowardice."
Frank's gaze hardened. "You don't understand, Gerard," he replied. "Sometimes, you have to make tough choices to survive. You have to do whatever it takes to protect the ones you love."
Gerard shook his head. "I can't believe you're defending this," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I thought you were better than this, Frank. I thought you were better than me."
"Gerard, I'm just trying to keep us safe," Frank said. "Is that really too much to ask?"
"I don't need your version of safety," Gerard replied. "I need honesty, trust... things that you seem incapable of providing." Frank's expression faltered, a flicker of hurt crossing his features.
"Gerard, I'm trying..." Frank started, but Gerard cut him off with a wave of his hand.
"No, Frank, you're not," Gerard interjected. "You're always so focused on your own agenda, your own version of what's best for us, that you never stop to consider what I might need."
Frank's frustration boiled over, his voice rising as he fought back. "I'm doing everything I can to keep us safe!" he exclaimed and Gerard shook his head.
"BUT AT WHAT COST, FRANK?" he countered. "MIKEY IS DEAD BECAUSE OF US!"
They continued to yell at each other, their words echoing off the walls of the kitchen. Accusations flew back and forth, each one cutting deeper than the last.
"I NEVER ASKED FOR THIS" Gerard shouted.
"WELL, NEITHER DID I!" Frank shot back.
But beneath the anger and frustration, there was a hint of something else - pain. Pain at the loss of their friend, pain at the strain in their relationship, and pain at the realization that they might never be able to mend what was broken between them.
Suddenly, Gerard's fist connected with Frank's chest and Frank's reflexes kicked in. He swiftly grabbed Gerard's arm and pinned him against the nearest wall.
"Stop it, Gerard!" Frank's voice was low, his eyes locking onto Gerard's and Gerard struggled against Frank's hold, his chest heaving. "Let me go, Frank," he demanded but Frank held his ground.
"Listen, Gerard." he insisted and Gerard continued to push against Frank's chest.
"Listen to what, Frank? Your excuses? Your lies?" he spat out and Frank's expression hardened, his jaw clenched.
"Dammit, Gerard, just listen to me for once!" he snapped but Gerard refused to relent.
"Why should I listen to you?" Gerard retorted. "You never listen to me!"
Frank's eyes flashed with frustration as he took a step closer to Gerard, their faces inches apart. "I do listen, Gerard," he insisted. "But sometimes you need to trust me and let me handle things."
Gerard scoffed, shaking his head in disbelief. "Trust you? After everything that's happened?" he shot back and Frank's jaw tightened as he fought to keep his temper in check.
"Yes, trust me," he said through gritted teeth. "Because whether you like it or not, I'm trying to protect us."
Gerard's fists clenched at his sides as he glared at Frank. "Well, maybe your idea of protection isn't what I need," he retorted.
"Then what do you need, Gerard?" Frank demanded. "Because I'll do whatever it takes to make things right between us."
Suddenly, Gerard slipped from Frank's grasp and his hand darted toward a nearby vase. He hurled the vase toward Frank and Frank's reflexes kicked in just in time as he ducked to avoid the projectile, his heart pounding in his chest.
The vase sailed past him, crashing against the wall with a loud shatter, sending ceramic shards scattering across the floor. Gerard's chest rose and fell rapidly as he glared at Frank, his fists clenched at his sides.
"DON'T YOU DARE TELL ME WHAT I NEED!" he spat out. "YOU'VE NEVER CARED ABOUT WHAT I NEED!"
Frank straightened up. "I care about you, Gerard," he insisted. "But sometimes you need to trust me and let me handle things."
But Gerard was beyond reasoning. "Trust you?" he scoffed. "After everything you've done? Never."
Gerard lunged for another nearby vase and gripping it tightly, he hurled it toward Frank with all his might, the vase hurtling through the air with deadly precision.
Frank's eyes widened in alarm as he saw the vase hurtling toward him, his instincts kicking in just in time as he dodged out of its path.
"GERARD, STOP!" he shouted. "THIS ISN'T SOLVING ANYTHING!"
But Gerard was beyond reason as he continued to lash out. "You don't get to tell me what solves things!" he retorted. "You're the one who caused this mess in the first place!"
Another vase shattered against the wall behind Frank, sending ceramic fragments flying in all directions.
Gerard stood panting, his chest heaving as he glared at Frank. He scoured the room for anything else he could use as a projectile, his hands grasping desperately at anything within reach.
"Stop it, Gerard!" Frank pleaded as he watched Gerard's frenzied actions with growing concern. "This won't solve anything!"
Ignoring Frank's pleas, Gerard seized whatever objects he could find - books, ornaments, anything - and hurled them with reckless abandon.
Finally, as the room lay strewn with the remnants of their shattered possessions, Gerard stood panting, his chest heaving.
"I trusted you, Frank. I trusted you with everything. And look where it got me."
Frank's expression softened as he stepped closer to Gerard. "I know, Gerard. I know I've let you down. But I'm trying to make things right."
Gerard shook his head, his fists clenched at his sides. "It's too late for that, Frank. You can't just undo what you've done."
Frank reached out tentatively, his hand hovering in the air between them. "Please, Gerard," he implored. "Don't give up on me. Don't give up on us."
Gerard's gaze softened slightly, but he remained guarded. "Frank, I don't know if I can trust you anymore," he admitted and Frank reached out, his hand trembling as he gently cupped Gerard's cheek.
"I understand," he said softly, his eyes searching Gerard's for any sign of forgiveness. "But I promise you, I'll do whatever it takes to earn back your trust. I love you, Gerard. More than anything in this world."
"I love you too, Frank," he whispered. "But we have a long way to go before things can be right between us again." Frank nodded. "I know," he said earnestly. "And I'll be here every step of the way, proving to you that my love for you is stronger than anything else."
With a heavy sigh, Gerard leaned into Frank's touch. "I want to believe you, Frank," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "But you have to show me that you're worthy of that trust."
XXX
In the darkness of the room, Gerard stirred, slipped out of bed and he moved quietly, careful not to disturb Frank's peaceful slumber. He quietly gathered his clothes and began to dress.
With each article of clothing he put on, Gerard felt a pang of guilt tugging at his heart. He knew he was leaving Frank behind, but he also knew that he needed some time alone to sort through his thoughts and feelings.
Once dressed, Gerard tiptoed across the room to where Frank lay sleeping, his features softened in the pale moonlight. Gazing down at his beloved, Gerard's heart ached with the weight of his decision.
Leaning down, he pressed a gentle kiss to Frank's lips, silently whispering his love for him. "I'll be back soon, Baby" he murmured. "I just need some time to clear my head."
With one last lingering look at Frank, Gerard turned and quietly slipped out of the room, careful to close the door behind him.
Stepping out into the cool night air, Gerard took a deep breath before entering his car and starting the engine. As Gerard drove through the quiet streets, his mind raced with thoughts of Frank. He couldn't shake the feeling of guilt that gnawed at him, knowing he had left Frank sleeping soundly in their bed.
Tears welled up in Gerard's eyes as he gripped the steering wheel tightly. He couldn't bear the thought of hurting Frank and tears streamed down Gerard's face.
Each sob that wracked his body was a reminder of the choices he had made, the words left unsaid, and the distance that had grown between him and Frank. Gerard felt utterly alone.
His mind raced with thoughts of what could have been, what should have been, if only he had been brave enough to confront his fears and speak his truth. But now, as he drove further away from home, the distance between him and Frank seemed insurmountable.
For too long, Gerard had allowed himself to be suffocated by the intensity of Frank's affections, sacrificing his own happiness in the process. No amount of love and devotion could justify the pain that had become a constant presence in their relationship.
He deserved a love that lifted him up, that brought him joy, not one that left him feeling broken and battered. Gerard may have loved Frank deeply, but he loved himself more. Enough to recognize that he deserved better, that he deserved a love that didn't come with so much pain.
It was a difficult realization to come to terms with, knowing that he would have to leave behind the person he had once believed was his everything. He couldn't continue to sacrifice his own happiness for the sake of a love that was toxic and suffocating.
He deserved to be with someone who cherished him, who uplifted him, and who brought out the best in him.
Gerard sat in the car, tears streaming down his face and he gripped the steering wheel tightly, trying to steady his trembling hands as he struggled to come to terms with the enormity of what he had just done.
The realization that he had walked away from the person he loved, from the life they had built together, hit him like a ton of bricks. The ache in his chest was almost unbearable as he grappled with the sense of loss and loneliness that washed over him.
Despite everything, a part of him still longed for the familiarity of Frank's arms. With a heavy heart and tear-stained cheeks, Gerard made the difficult decision to check into the hotel for the night.
He needed time to process his emotions, to grieve the loss of what could have been, and to muster the strength to move forward with his life.
Frank's eyes fluttered open, and panic seized him as he realized Gerard was gone. He shot up from the bed, heart pounding in his chest. "Gerard?" he called out and there was no response.
Frantically, Frank scanned the room, searching for any sign of his lover. With shaking hands, Frank reached for his phone, his fingers fumbling over the buttons as he dialed Gerard's number. The phone rang and rang, but there was no answer.
"Dammit, Gerard, where are you?" he muttered and he paced the room, his footsteps echoing off the walls. "This can't be happening," he muttered to himself, his heart sinking with each passing moment.
Frank kept calling Gerard, his fingers pressing desperately against the buttons of his phone, but there was still no answer. Panic tightened its grip around his chest, squeezing the air from his lungs.
"Please, Gerard, pick up," he pleaded into the phone but the only response was the relentless ringing in his ear.
"Where are you?" he muttered as he checked every room, his heart sinking with each one that remained empty.
"He wouldn't just leave like this," Frank thought, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios. But the longer Gerard remained missing, the more doubts crept into his mind.
Finally, unable to bear the uncertainty any longer, Frank collapsed onto the couch, his head buried in his hands.
"Please," he whispered and Frank sobbed uncontrollably, tears streaming down his cheeks as the truth laid bare before him: Gerard had left him, and he was alone because of his actions.
"He's gone," Frank choked out between sobs, his voice breaking. "I drove him away."
The realization hit him like a sledgehammer, shattering what little remained of his already fragile heart. He mourned the loss of the one person he had ever truly loved.
"Why did I have to ruin everything?" he whispered to himself, his words barely audible over the sound of his own anguish.
He buried his face in his hands, unable to bear the emptiness that now surrounded him.
In that moment, Frank felt utterly and completely alone, his world crumbling around him. And as he wept, he knew that nothing would ever be the same again.
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