Chapter 53- Last Chance
Emma was about to go into the pool with Esme when she heard her phone ring. She went back to her bag and answered. "Hello?"
"Hi, Emma? It's Aunt Felicia. I'm sorry, I just got your message. I was helping Georgie take a bath. Are Esme and Ace okay? Was Spencer arrested?"
"Um, well, they seem okay now, I think. They just went in the pool. But it was quite the scene…. Spencer came over to us and wanted to talk to Esme alone. She wanted him to leave but he sat beside her on the chair. Then he said he broke up with Trina and that he belongs with Esme and Ace. He touched her arm and she looked really uncomfortable. So, I got up to call the police and call you. When I returned, Esme was on the ground having a panic attack and Cameron was there trying to console Ace. So, I tried to help Esme calm down and Spencer climbed out of the pool. Cameron said it looked like Spencer was trying to grab Esme and she was begging him to let go. So, Cameron and Jake pushed him into the water. And because Esme was shaking, she dropped Ace."
"Oh my gosh. Was Ace hurt?"
"No," Emma said. "I think the backpack broke his fall. Jordan arrived just after that and questioned all of us. But because none of us actually saw Spencer grab Esme, and because Esme didn't say what happened, Jordan couldn't arrest him. But she ordered him to leave and next time he approaches them, he will be arrested."
"If she had a panic attack because he was grabbing her, it probably triggered a memory of Ryan. She was probably scared to say something or she didn't realize what was happening. She has trouble talking about things."
"Yeah, Spencer was awful, but so was Josslyn."
"What did Josslyn do?" Felicia asked.
"It might make you angrier with her than with Spencer."
"What is it?"
"I don't want to get you riled up," Emma said. "But I think you should be aware of her too."
"I'm already riled up, but that's not because of you," Felicia said. "Given what Esme is going through right now, I need to know."
"Okay. She said since Esme said she didn't fight Ryan it must mean she consented to him."
There was a long pause before Felicia responded. "She said WHAT?"
"I don't know if Esme heard her or not, she was in the middle of her panic attack."
"I hope she didn't hear," Felicia said. "She's dealing with enough right now. She can't be questioning that too. But I don't care even if Esme so called 'consented'. She was fifteen when it started! Fifteen! He was her father. It is 100% on him, not my daughter."
"I agree. Spencer and Josslyn haven't changed much since we were kids. If anything, they've gotten worse."
"Are you sure Esme is okay?" Felicia asked. "Does she need me? I can't leave Georgie. But can you bring her home?"
"She insisted she wanted to stay, but I can bring her home after."
"Okay," Felicia said. "Thank you, sweetie. I really appreciate you and the Webber boys being there for my daughter. You know, watching you grow up I always wished my Frankie was there to play with you. So, I'm glad you have each other now."
"Well, it's nice to make a new friend." Emma slipped her phone back in her bag, then climbed into the pool.
Jake volleyed a beach ball to Noah, who hit it back. Emma went over to join them.
"How's your mom, Esme?" Cam asked when he swam over to her.
"Better," Esme said.
"That's good."
Esme's eyes moved from Ace to Cameron. "Are you here to tell me how wrong I am about Spence?"
"No," Cam said. "I think he's the wrong one. Like I told you at the hospital, I don't think you deserve to be in prison. I also think Ace should be with you."
Esme smiled a little. "So… how did your interview go?"
"Good. I got the job. My mom wanted to talk to Terry on my behalf, but I wanted to go through the interview process and get the job on my own. And it's not even a big role. Just barista in the cafeteria. I don't want to go back to Kelly's because of Joss."
Esme frowned at the mention of Josslyn.
"Ace has really grown since I last saw him." He smiled at him.
"Yeah," Esme said. "We're celebrating his birthday tomorrow. If you and Jake want to come, you can. If you don't have plans…."
"We actually saw our grandma on the way here. She's planning to take Rocco and Aiden to the party. But sure, we can be there too."
Esme blushed a little.
GHGHGH
Willow arrived in the waiting room and noticed Carly throwing up in the trash can. "Carly? Are you okay?"
Carly wiped her mouth on her sleeve. "Yes, I'm fine. Why didn't you ask me instead of Nina to bring Wiley? I'm trying really hard to let things go with you, Willow, but you're making that very difficult. I don't want Nina around my grandchildren."
"Really? Well, it looks like your grandson and your daughter are with her right now."
Carly sighed. "I had no choice at the moment but to leave Donna there. But Willow, I want to give you one last chance. Leave Nina and bring the kids to my house. I have plenty of room for all of you."
"We're happy living with Nina. We're staying where we are, at least for now."
"Then we'll see you in court." Carly moved away from her and took Donna to the other side of the waiting room.
Willow sighed and sat with Nina and Wiley.
"Hi Mommy!" Wiley hugged her waist.
"Hey, buddy. Ready for your appointment?"
He pouted. "I don't want a shot."
"You know, Wiley, shots aren't as scary as they seem," Nina said. "What I do is I think about something happy and I don't watch. It turns out to be just a little prick. So, if you think about Paw Patrol or Bluey, you won't even know it's happening. Then after they'll give you a really cool band aid and a sucker."
He grinned. "A sucker? Can I have a blue one?"
"I'm sure you can if you ask." Nina winked.
"I'm glad you're here. I love you, Grandma Nina."
He hugged her and Nina glanced over at Carly scowling at them.
GHGHGH
Spencer knocked on the door of the garage apartment. Within seconds he knocked again. "Come on, Trina."
The door finally opened and Trina stood there. "What are you doing here, Spencer?"
Spencer slowly got down on one knee. "Trina, Baby. Pretty Girl. Please forgive me for what happened this morning. I realize now that I could never be happy with Esme. I can't be happy at all without you or Ace with me. I need you by my side when I take Esme to court. Please, Trina, beautiful Trina, will you marry me?"
Trina stared down at him for a few minutes, then slammed the door on him.