Hi guys! I'm so sorry this story is taking so long to post new chapters; I graduate college in 3 weeks so I'm trying to balance life and this story. Please feel free to leave reviews and I absolutely love reading them. Hope you're all well, J
Chapter 8:
After Gil finally got Mal settled into bed after helping clean his room, he quietly shut the door. He left it cracked so a stream of light would flood in, like a nightlight but it also helped Gil feel like he could keep an eye on the kid. Gil went into the kitchen looking up at the clock, it was only 8 p.m. so he made himself a glass of scotch on the rocks pulling out his cellphone. Jess had called a couple of times, so Gil sat on the couch dialing her number. "Gil! I was worried sick, what's happening?" She sounded panicked. Gil took a breath in, "Hey Jess, everything's okay, just, well, our kid had a meltdown. One for the books really and I just got him calmed down, put into bed." Gil's voice sounded exhausted, and he was at the end of his patience. Jess could hear it in his voice, "Well Gil, I told you that Malcolm didn't deserve a special treat, but I understand why you were being kind." Jess settled with that but was a little angry because Malcolm needed clear boundaries.
Gil ran his hand down his face and took a sip of his scotch. "Yeah Jess, but this one might have been my fault. I gave him sugar and I know he doesn't handle it so well, and when we got home, he destroyed his room. I made an emergency appointment with Dr. Le Deux for tomorrow and if you want to join us it's at 9 a.m. I changed my shift around so I can go into the precinct at lunchtime, but I think Mal needs her help with his feelings." Jess sucked in a breath, Malcolm never responded to sugar very well, but she hoped one day he'd outgrow the reaction. She felt more embarrassed by his behavior than anything, "If it's okay Gil, I think you'll be able to handle Dr. Le Deux better than I can, that woman is a Godsend for Malcolm and a curse for me." She laughed uncomfortably.
Gil knew the Dr. and Jess never saw eye to eye on Malcolm's treatment plan, but she knew Malcolm liked her. For Jess, that's all that mattered but Gil laughed, "Yes Jess I know that you two are both strong women with equally strong opinions, so don't worry I got our kid tomorrow and I'll let you know how it goes." Jess let out a sigh, "Thank you, Gil, I, don't know how you plan to punish Malcolm for his behavior, but hopefully Gabrielle, I mean the Dr. can help come to that conclusion." She whispered out. She hated talking about Malcolm's punishments but at the same time, she knew if Martin were still around, he'd never let their son get away with a tantrum.
Gil sighed heavily taking a long drink of his scotch, "I'm not sure Jess, you know usually he gets a spanking and he's like a saint for a long while. This time though, he gets a spanking and then has another tantrum a few hours later. I, I'm sure the Dr. will have a suggestion." Gil sounded tormented and Jess felt guilty, "Well Gil, I know he's definitely grounded for the whole month, his behavior is unacceptable. I'm sorry that he's causing you grief, I just needed a little space for now. He's just going through something and I can't get through to him, and, I'm sorry Gil." Her voice was laced with guilt. "Oh Jess, he's our kid, don't feel bad that he's here. He needs to be because if he's acting this way at your house, I can see how it might grate on your nerves. We'll get it sorted out and soon our sweet, kind, funny, quirky son will be himself again, okay?"
Jess smiled to herself and felt supported by Gil, "Thank you, Gil, I'll let you go, and look forward to your call tomorrow." She hung up and felt guilt wash over her, but she knew Malcolm was safe with Gil. She just didn't know what Malcolm needed anymore, Ainsley was so easy, but Malcolm struggled. Gil finished his drink and dialed Jackie, "Mi amor, how are you? How's Malcolm?" Gil felt himself choke back tears, "Oh Jackie, I, have no idea what I'm doing with our kid. I feel like I'm failing him, and I wish you were home Hun." He sighed heavily and wiped the tears from his face.
Jackie felt helpless but knew when he couldn't be brave, she had to be, "Ah, my love, what's happening? I'm sorry I can't be there, but I know you're able to handle anything thrown at you. Now tell me what's happening hmm?" Her voice was calm and comforting. Gil smiled, "Oh babe, he just keeps pushing me and I just spanked his bottom red this morning. He misbehaved again today, and then he had a tantrum. I was so embarrassed by his behavior, and when we got home I was going to punish him, but why Jacks? What is that teaching him? If spanking isn't working, I'm not sure what to do?"
"You know Gil, he's pushing because he thinks if he makes you mad enough, you'll leave him, that we will leave him. That he's not worth the trouble, but mi amor, that's when you have to harden your heart and follow through. I agree, it was useless to spank him again so soon after his last spanking, I'm proud of you mi amor for not. You aren't trying to physically hurt him, but correct his behavior, so maybe you make him clean the house? Then tell him that you decided his spanking will be in a few days after his chores are completed." Gil felt relieved Jackie and he were on the same page about Malcolm.
"Thanks, Jacks, I think that's a good plan, and we made an appointment with the Dr. tomorrow because Malcolm just lost it today at home. He threw another tantrum when we got here, but it was different. He was so heartbroken babe, and I just wanted him to go to sleep because he looked so sad." Gil felt deep sorrow that Mal was acting out so much lately, but he tried to be understanding. "That's a great plan, my love because maybe she can help with his medicine, but, Mal knows what he's doing. He's not a helpless child, and he knows his bad behavior will get him punished every time. I trust you Gil with my life and Malcolm's. I have faith in you as a Father, and don't let our sweet boy's behavior make you feel like you're not his Father." Gil smiled, "Thanks babe, I'll let you get some rest, I miss you, my love." Jackie smiled, "Me too, bye, love you."
The doctor's office always felt off for Gil because it was surrounded by stuffed animals and kids' toys. The gray chairs were comfy at least, "Malcolm, tell me why we are here?" Dr. Le Deux was direct with Malcolm and Gil always appreciated her for that. Mal wiggled in his chair, his bottom was sore, and he scuffed his shoes on the gray carpet. Gil turned to Malcolm, "Kid, please answer the doctor." Mal looked up with tears in his eyes, "Because, I was bad, and I know there's something wrong with me." Gil shook his head and felt disappointed in Malcolm's answer and Dr. Le Deux looked at him, "Gil something you'd like to add?"
"Malcolm, you aren't bad kid, you've just made some bad decisions and you expressed to me some feelings last night. Can you do me a favor and tell the Dr. what we talked about yesterday?" Malcolm looked to the ground and shook his head no, "Gil, can you do me a favor and let Malcolm and I talk alone?" She nodded towards the door and Gil smiled politely and left. Dr. Le Deux looked at Mal wiggling in his chair, "Malcolm, what happened yesterday?" Mal looked up, "I threw a few tantrums and got into trouble." He whispered out.
Gabrielle knew Mal was spanked and even though she didn't agree with spanking, she knew for Malcolm it provided stability. He knew when he misbehaved there was a consequence, and after he was resolved of his bad choices. "I see, why do you think you sabotaged yourself yesterday?" He looked up, "Gil, he loves me, but he'll see me eventually for the monster I am. I steal quarters from payphones, I get arrested, and I yell at people. I'm my Fathers son, and one day Gil will have to arrest me, like my Father." Malcolm's voice was passionate and matter a fact.
Gabrielle wrote a few things down on her pad, "So you feel like if you push Gil hard enough, he'll just let you go and you'll become the monster you're meant to be?" Malcolm began to cry, "He…he will leave me, like my Father." Gabrielle handed Mal a few Kleenex, "You know I think you're very smart Malcolm, and you know he won't leave. You also know your Fathers gone, and I bet that hurts." Malcolm cried a little louder, "Why did, why did he killhhh those people?" Gabrielle wished she had an answer but smiled, "That doesn't matter Malcolm because I know he loved you and Ainsley. That love was real, so concentrate on that and Gil, he loves you too. He wants what's best for you, and he's not going anywhere. You can stop pushing him away and be secure in his love. There's no need to sabotage your life with these dangerous stunt's you're pulling."
Malcolm sniffled wiping his tears away, "Now Malcolm please get Gil, and let's talk this out with him. Gil walked in and sat down, he reached over rubbing Malcolm's shoulder, "Malcolm, please tell Gil how you're feeling." "Papa, I feel like, maybe I'm a monster like my Father, and one day you'll leave me when you find out." He whispered out. Gil felt his heartbreak, "Oh kid, never. You're going to grow up to be a great cop one day, not on the other side. You're the greatest and 'till my last breath you'll always be my kid. No matter what, you never have to fear that." He said confidently.
Malcolm smiled and he felt his anxiety lessen. He looked at Gabrielle determined, "I, I've done really bad things lately, yesterday I embarrassed myself and Gil with a tantrum. I was sad because I want a dog, but no one will let me have one. So, I caused a scene and I feel really bad about it." Gabrielle looked at Gil, "Well Gil, what do you think? Is Malcolm in trouble for that?" She knew the answer already but waited. Gil looked at her, "I'm afraid so, Malcolm knows the rules and consequences." He said sadly.
Mal looked at Gil with wide eyes, "But, Papa you already spanked me yesterday." Gabrielle quirked her eyebrow up at Gil, she knew Gil wouldn't hurt Malcolm on purpose. He seemed to have a lot of self-control. She looked at Malcolm, "Did he spank you yesterday twice for the same thing?" Mal looked down, "No, he, well, no." He sounded guilty and that told Gabrielle everything she needed to know. "I spanked him yesterday for him getting arrested a couple of days ago and for breaking the window at the house during one of his tantrums," Gil explained.
Gabrielle shook her head, "Malcolm, I want us to try a new medicine to help with your feelings. When you're sad or happy and upset this medicine will help control those feelings. Now, Malcolm what happens when you throw tantrums at Gil and Jackie's house?" Mal felt his cheeks burning and turning red in embarrassment. He took a glance at Gil who looked sympathetic, "I, I usually get a spanking, but I am sorry." Gabrielle nodded, "We know that Malcolm, but it doesn't change what you've done or the consequences." She looked sadly at Malcolm, "Well Gil, please pick up the prescription at the pharmacy and remember the best thing for Malcolm is consistency." She smiled and they left heading to the pharmacy for Mals' new medicine.