Chapter 20:

Nikolas and Spencer visit, and everyone compares notes:

As not to rehash all the reveals, Jason and Elizabeth bring everyone (including Monica) up to date with Esme. Spencer shares his encounter with Esme.

Monica thanked Jason and Elizabeth for including her. She asks Jason, "how long have you known Esme is your daughter?"

Jason is trying for Jake's sake but will never feel at ease with the Quartermaines. Monica's voice wasn't accusing, but Jason still believed she was making a dig at him. Jason replies, "not long. I knew Esme took Elizabeth months ago, but we didn't know until a few weeks ago that Esme is my daughter."

Monica says, I hope you find your daughter Jason, but Jerry has taken so much from our family. He took Alan, blackmailed Emily and Nikolas, blackmailed Sam, and shot you. Jerry was partially responsible for Michael's coma, not to mention what he and Helena did to Robin and her family."

Jason replies, "Monica, my first concern is getting Esme away from Jerry. If anything happens after that, I won't involve you."

"Thank you, Jason," Monica replies.

Monica walks outside to the backyard where Jake and Aiden are playing. She hugs Jake and Aiden goodbye. She returns inside and wishes everyone luck, and she leaves.

Cameron says, "Spencer, I can imagine how relieved you are that you and Esme never had sex."

Spencer replies, "Cameron, that is the one saving grace out of this whole mess. I can't imagine knowing I had sex with my sister." Spencer adds, "Elizabeth, Esme appears remorseful about her actions, and she says she is sorry for what she put you and Cameron through. Jason, I know she hurt Elizabeth, but she is your daughter and my sister. Please bring her in safely. Don't take the law into your own hands for what she's done."

Nikolas adds, "Helena, Jerry Jacks, and possibly Peter was responsible for turning her into the person she's become. I know how dangerous my grandmother was; many of us know from first-hand experience the lengths Jerry has gone to get what he wants."

Jason replies, "I will try. I want to bring her back safely and hold her accountable for her actions, but not at the expense of Elizabeth and her children."

Nikolas says, "I understand. All I can ask is you try." Nikolas leaves.

Elizabeth calls Jake and Aiden in from outside to join the conversation. Jason explains everything and stresses the importance of having guards around for protection. Jason promises to take the boys to a ball game in the spring after everything is over. Cameron offers to take his brothers ice-skating if Jason thinks it will be safe. Jason agrees if Roman and one of his other guards accompany them. The boys collect their skates and leave for a day of ice skating.

Jason sits next to Elizabeth on the couch with his arm around her. He says, "I'm less concerned about Esme's intentions than Jerry's. I know how you feel about guns, but I still want you to have one. With the proper training, you would only need to use it in extreme circumstances."

Elizabeth replies, "you are right. I know it is necessary, but I hope I never have to use one. I would never shoot a gun unless our lives were in danger." Jason sets up lessons and makes an appointment for them to look at guns.

Elizabeth tells Jason that she is still dealing with trauma from her abduction to news about Esme and her daughter, and she wants to continue therapy with Kevin. Jason lets her know he will support her decision.

Jason kisses her forehead, checks his watch, and says, "I think with the time change, you can place those calls now. Do you mind if I stay with you? I'd love to talk to her."

Elizabeth says, "sure," and dials the phone:

"Robin, how was your Thanksgiving? Were your parents there? We spent ours with the Quartermaines. Did Anna fill you in about Jason? She did? That's great. Jason wants to talk to you, but I wanted to thank Patrick for saving my Gram's life. I'm sorry you weren't able to come out too."

After catching up with back-and-forth discussions about their lives, Elizabeth puts the phone on speaker so Jason can hear the rest of the conversation.

Elizabeth asks, "did you read the media release by Jason? Yes, this mess got started by Helena and Jerry Jacks. Anna has assured me they have agents watching you and your family for any possible attacks from Jerry. There is another reason why I am calling. Spinelli has located my biological daughter. Helena led me to believe Esme was my daughter, but she stole my daughter and gave her to Jerry to make her go away. It turns out that you and Emma may know my biological daughter and her mother. They live in Berkeley. (side note-they recently Sorased Emma). Her name is Beth Lewis Aaron, and her mother is Marie. Beth attends school at Berkely U." Elizabeth fills Robin in on the rest.

Robin says, "it's great to hear from you. I know Marie. Emma and Beth are close friends. They have several classes together."

Elizabeth asks, "can you tell me about Marie and Beth? Spinelli says they know about Cam and me and want to meet us." Spinelli says Beth is healthy and happy.

Robin replies, "They are great people. I never knew Beth was adopted, but she is happy, has a boyfriend, and is on the girl's soccer team. Beth and Emma are in the debate club."

Elizabeth says, "I'll call Marie later and hope we can set something up for Cam and Beth to meet. Jason's been waiting to talk to you. He wants to tell you what he's been through since everyone thought he was dead. I'll give you both some privacy." Elizabeth hands the phone to Jason and leaves so he can talk privately with Robin.

Fifteen minutes later, Elizabeth returns with a beer and a turkey sandwich from leftovers Nikolas brought with him from their Thanksgiving dinner.

Jason switches the phone back to the speaker. "Elizabeth walked in; do you want to fill her in on what you told me?"

Robin says, "we will be out for Christmas and celebrate with my Uncle Mac, Felecia, and my parents. We would love to stop by for dessert afterward. Maybe we can plan something special for Cam, Joss, Spencer, and Emma."

Elizabeth replies, "you should include Trina. She and Spencer have been dating since he broke up with Esme."

Robin thanks them for calling and wishes Elizabeth luck with her call to Marie and Beth. Jason leaves the room to call Sonny and meet to discuss new business arrangements."

Elizabeth calls Marie and Beth. They discuss what transpired over the past 19 years. Elizabeth says, "I am sorry for you not knowing the truth about my giving Beth up for adoption. I would never have agreed to that, but I am happy it worked out for you, Beth. I don't know how much our PI Damien Spinelli told you, but I thought a girl named Esme was my daughter, and she was not happy thinking I gave her brother a better life than hers. I'm glad you don't blame me."

Beth replies, "I don't. Mr. Spinelli explained everything. For years I thought you were too young to care for me. I'm sorry I never knew you when I was growing up; I love my parents. My mom was not close to her brother and never knew my biological father. Maybe if we can meet, you can tell me about them.

"Elizabeth answers, "I'd love to. My son Cameron, your twin, wants to meet you as well. We would love to have your family out to see where your brother and Zander lived a few years before they died. If you prefer, we could visit you in California. Sometime after the holidays would work for us."

Marie replies, "thank you for calling. Beth and I look forward to meeting you and your family. Goodbye."

Elizabeth says, "goodbye."

Jason returns to the living room and asks how the call went.

Elizabeth replies, "it was great! I invited them out after the holidays, or we could go there. I look forward to meeting them. I'm only sorry I didn't get the chance to raise her. I am glad Zander's family raised her instead of Helena. Marie seems like a good role model. Beth and Emma had classes together and are close friends. I'll fill Cam in when he gets home."

Cameron, Jake, Aiden, and Roman return home after ice skating and a stop at Sonny's coffee place to get some hot chocolate. Kelly's was not an option as Bobbie decided to upgrade Kelly's and wait to unveil a Grand Re-Opening a few days before Christmas. Roman said Sonny approached the boys, expressed concern over Cameron, and wished the boys well. He didn't bring up Jason out of respect.

Jason asks, "did you have fun today? Is there anything you would want to do for the holidays? We will have some surprise visitors for Christmas. I'll let your mother tell you about them, including news about your sister."

Cameron answers, "what did you find out? Did you talk to them?

Elizabeth replies, "I called Robin first. I asked if she knew Marie and Beth. She told me Emma and Beth have classes at Berkely U. They are good friends, and Marie told me Beth is active in school. I think you should call her and talk. I suggested sometime early next year; we should meet. They could come here, or we could go to California and see the sights, Emma and her family and, of course, your sister." Elizabeth gives Cameron Beth's number, and he heads to his room to call her.

Elizabeth asks Jake and Aiden about their day and how they are adjusting to their guards."

Jake replies, "we had fun, and going to Sonny's place was interesting. Seeing all the looks our friends give us is strange, but I feel safer. Roman keeps his distance, but I like him."

Cameron returns and asks, can I join Joss, Trina, and Spencer at the dorm for dinner and studying? Is it okay if I tell them about Beth?"

Elizabeth replies, "I think it's safe to reveal Beth is my daughter. You can also tell them Emma will be visiting Port Charles over Christmas. Please keep your cell phone near and take Roman with you."

Jason asks, "how does pizza sound for the rest of you?"

Jake and Aiden chime in, Yes!" Elizabeth agrees.

The following day, Jason takes Elizabeth to the gun range. He helps her select a gun and apply for a permit. She practices with one of Jason's guns until the waiting period is over. Before leaving, they purchase a new gun safe to store in their bedroom. When the boys return home, Jason and Elizabeth explain how important it is to keep firearms safe. The guns will be locked in the safe. They are old enough to know not to use it.

Esme plans her next plan of action:

Esme's been trying to avoid Jerry. She knows Jerry wants her to do his dirty work. Jerry wants her to kill Jason, but Esme has been researching her father and Jerry. She knows why Helena tried to convince her she should hate Elizabeth, but she wants to know when Jerry's hatred of Jason started.

Jerry caught up with Esme. When he becomes angry, he starts yelling. "Why is Jason Morgan not dead? Must I do everything myself?!"

Esme asks, "What did he do to you? Didn't you start this war when you worked with Alcazar to steal those computer chips in the Metro Court? You held a lobby hostage, including many of Jason's loved ones."

Jerry sarcastically replies, "my, my, my; it looks like the little girl has done her homework. Morgan has been a thorn in my side ever since that night. He ruins everything I want to control. Jason is on high alert now that he knows about me. You are getting soft. Morgan is not to be trusted. His loyalties only reside with Corothinos and my ex-sister-in-law."

Esme says, "I think Elizabeth jumped to the top of that list."

Jerry laughs and replies, "for now. A leopard can't change their spots. I never could, Helena didn't, and even my poor brother Jax will always try to rescue me. You are beyond changing. I know you saw your brother. Esme, you think you can change, but I know better. I want Morgan dead by Christmas, or I will do it for you!"

Esme leaves and makes a promise to herself that Jerry is wrong. She can change, and it will start with telling Jason everything. Esme explains everything in a letter. She writes that Jerry tortured her and Helena brainwashed her. Helena is dead, but she wants Jason to kill Jerry for her. She's written it out and folds the 10-page letter into an envelope.

Christmas, Esme, and Jerry