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    It sounds like you're describing a multi wire branch circuit. You cannot connect a normal GFCI receptacle as you're describing because you'll effectively have a shared neutral with one of the hots on the gfci. See How do I install a GFCI receptacle with two hot wires and common neutral? and Is this a “shared neutral” situation? Commented Sep 15, 2013 at 0:23
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    What are the colors of the three wires? Do you know if the same circuit breaker currently controls both the upper and lower outlets? Commented Sep 15, 2013 at 0:29
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    This almost sounds like the outlet under a kitchen sink, where there is a single duplex receptacle with one circuit for a dishwasher and a second circuit for a garbage disposal. Commented Sep 15, 2013 at 0:55