It was late in the afternoon and Nelle was sitting in her living room watching the news. There had just been a report about the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of the woman who went missing around the same time that Nelle fell from the cliff, but who wasn't reported missing until a few days later. The news that the body had yet to be found was music to her ears, as it meant that the investigation was focused on what happened to the woman, as opposed to trying to locate Nelle. As long as Kiki kept her mouth shut, Nelle thought to herself, they would never figure out what really happened that night. With this thought in mind, she began to slowly doze off.
Suddenly she found herself on the edge of a cliff, hanging onto some thick tree roots. "Help!" she called. "Carly! You have to help me! Please!"
Nelle was not expecting Carly to come. Maybe Carly wouldn't have the guts to actually push her off the cliff, but would nonetheless be perfectly okay with ignoring her cries for help. "Please! I can't hold on much longer! Carly!"
She looked down, and could very faintly make out a narrow ledge below. Should she risk letting go, knowing that it was more than likely that she wouldn't survive the fall? She was pondering this when Carly finally showed up.
"Oh my god!" Carly exclaimed.
"I'm slipping!" yelled Nelle. "Carly, please, I'm gonna fall! Oh, my god, you have to help me. I'm gonna fall!"
"No, you're not!" said Carly. "Grab my hand. Take my hand!"
Nelle grabbed Carly's hand and felt how sweaty it was.
"Come on. Come on!" Carly said, trying to hoist her up.
Should she let go on purpose? Was it worth making another attempt at getting Carly convicted for trying to harm her in order to keep her away from Wiley, even if it meant potentially sacrificing her own life? She heard horrible stories about what happens when you fall from such a height, but maybe it was a risk worth taking.
"Come on, Nelle!"
It was now or never. Nelle let go of Carly's hand. She faintly heard Carly cry "Nelle!" as she fell. Down, down, down…
She was then jolted awake by the sound of a door opening, and a man's voice calling "I'm home!"
*opening her eyes, Nelle turns to face the man, and sees that it's Shiloh!*
Nelle: Hello, my dear husband! I was beginning to think you had forgotten about me.
*Shiloh grins*
Wiley hadn't been the same since Michael and Willow had the difficult talk with him regarding his biological mother, and where he came from. Willow reluctantly allowed Michael to do most of the talking, and although he tried to explain everything in a way a young child would understand, presenting the events in a way that somewhat resembled a dark fairy tale, he nonetheless did not hold anything back. By the time he was finished, Wiley, unsurprisingly, seemed very disturbed. He asked what "Mommy Nelle" looked like. After Willow corrected him by saying that she was his only mommy, they gave him a wallet-sized photo of Nelle. Wiley told them that she looked a lot like Grandma Nina, to which Willow responded that it was because Grandma Nina was Nelle's mother too, and that they were sisters. Wiley then told them that he didn't want to see Grandma Nina anymore, and stormed up to his room.
Once Wiley was out of earshot, Michael pointed out to Willow that they didn't need to worry about having to tell Wiley that he wouldn't be able to see Grandma Nina anymore. Willow then told Michael that he was a hypocrite for insisting that they tell Wiley everything, only to then sugarcoat everything by telling Wiley about Nelle as if it were a story by the Brothers Grimm, after having complained that Willow sugarcoated everything. She said it would have been better if he had just explained everything the way it happened. Michael accused Willow of wanting "Grandma" Nina to still be part of Wiley's life despite the damage she had done to their family. They argued some more, being careful not to yell so as not to wake the kids up. Willow then told Michael that she needed space, and to go sleep up at the main house. Willow did not sleep at all that night.
Today, Willow was taking Wiley and Amelia to Rice Plaza for their annual Christmas event. Willow was hopeful that seeing Santa and picking out a Christmas tree would take his mind off Nelle. She could certainly use a distraction herself.
Wiley: But Mommy, what if she shows up and tries to take me, like she did when I was a baby?
Willow: I promise you that she's not going to be there. Remember what we told you how she fell off that cliff?
Wiley: Daddy seems to be worried about her though.
Willow: Daddy worries about a lot of things. Most of it is boring, grown-up stuff, having to do with his work. It tires him out and often puts him in a bad mood, and he's been having an especially stressful time lately.
Wiley: Is that why he isn't here?
Willow: Yes. But I promise we're going to have fun, even if Daddy can't be here this year. And don't worry, everything will be fine. I promise.
Wiley: Okay!
Elsewhere in Rice Plaza, Esme and Leann were setting up a folding table and chairs, in preparation for handing out pamphlets with information regarding their support group, as well as asking for donations. Esme brought along Ace, while Leann was accompanied by a boy from the orphanage named Henry. Leann thought having the children with them would make people more likely to donate. Not that they had trouble raising money in prior years.
Leann: It's too bad Joey didn't want to join us this year.
Henry: Yeah, he's a party pooper!
Esme: That's not a very nice thing to say about your brother!
Henry: It's true though. Joey always wants to play inside, by himself. Whenever we have a party, he gets angry when they ask him to join the party games. And he never shares his toys, even with me. I hate having a fertile twin!
Leann: A fertile twin, huh? *She looks at Esme and they both laugh* Don't you mean a fraternal twin?
Henry: I guess so. We're the kind of twins who don't look like each other, or act like each other, or like the same things. If you look at me and him you won't know we're twins. We don't even look like we're brothers really.
Esme: Well, you don't have to look like any of your brothers or sisters, and indeed many people don't, even if you're related to each other as opposed to being adopted.
Henry: What does adocted mean?
Leann: Adopted, not adocted. It means when a family invites a kid from another family to come and live with them. It could be because your parents have died, or they don't make enough money to take care of you. When someone adopts you, you most of the time refer to the people who adopted you as "Mommy and Daddy," although some people are adopted by other relatives like their aunts and uncles, or even grandparents. But other times you're not related to your adoptive family at all. That doesn't mean they don't love you any less than they would if you were related to them. In fact, some people are adopted because their parents don't treat them well.
Esme: I was adopted.
Leann: Really? You never told me that before!
Esme: I could've sworn I did. Well, in any case, I can't remember what my adoptive parents were like. But I've of course told you about my biological parents, whom I've only gotten to know fairly recently.
Leann: Do you want to remember what your adoptive parents were like?
Esme: I do. Jan is trying to help me remember what they were like, among other things.
Leann: Any luck?
Esme: Not really. I have a few vague memories but they're still quite blurry. Jan tells me that there must have been a good reason why I wanted to get away from them and seek out my biological parents. So maybe they actually were worse than Ryan and Heather. I don't know.
Leann: From what you've told me, I don't think anyone could be worse than Ryan and Heather.
Esme: I hope not. They both were quite terrifying.
Shiloh: I could never forget you. It's true I've met a lot of wonderful women on my mission to show people that every day is a new dawn, but you are extra special.
*Shiloh sits down in an armchair, facing Nelle*
Nelle: As are you. It's true that we met under very…atypical circumstances, and at first I thought you and your book were full of BS, but as time went on, I realized we had more in common than not.
Shiloh: Indeed. I will admit that I was thrown for a loop when you seemed to know so much about me despite us never crossing paths before, but then you told me that Harmony was your cellmate, so it made sense.
Nelle: And it seemed as if Harmony knew who I was even though we also hadn't met before. I wonder how she knew Willow and I were sisters? We are nothing alike!
Shiloh: I was surprised myself. Of course, being dead does have its advantages, as I'm able to see and hear everything for what it is, rather than how people in the material world interpret it.
Nelle: On that note, I know I promised I'd help reunite you and your son, but for obvious reasons I wasn't able to do that. I guess you could say though that the two of you are united in death. I'm genuinely sorry about what happened to Jonah…I-I meant-
Shiloh: Call him Jonah. That's the name everyone knows him by. To suddenly start calling him Wiley would confuse everyone, including him.
Nelle: But you just said that being dead allows you to see everything for what it is, or rather, everyone for who they are.
Shiloh: Jonah isn't dead though.
Nelle: Wait, what?
Shiloh: My son, your nephew, is alive and well. You holding him close to your heart once Brad handed him to you was what brought him back from the brink of death, but no one knew it at the time. He is happy and healthy, living among the other children whom you've provided a loving home for. I'm sure you'll recognize him next time you see him. I am eternally grateful to you for looking after him.
*Nelle hears the sound of footsteps entering through the open door*
Man: And I'm grateful to you as well, for looking after my daughter!
*Nelle turns around to see Ryan standing in the doorway*
At the park, Esme and Leann are sitting at their table, telling people about their organization that helps young, troubled parents raise their children, and asking if they'd like to donate. They both are impressed with how generous everyone has been, when most people usually donated only a couple of dollars at most. Maybe people were feeling extra generous because it was Christmas, and people were embracing the spirit of giving. Or perhaps it was because they had Ace and Henry with them, and being able to look into those children's innocent eyes would soften even the hardest of hearts. Whatever the reason was, they were extremely grateful that people cared so much.
*A frazzled-looking middle-aged woman with brown hair walks by*
Leann: Hi there! We're raising money to support young parents from troubled backgrounds in caring for their children and giving them the best quality of life possible. Would you like to donate?
*The woman turns to face them, and stares at them for several seconds in silence, a look of disbelief in her dark brown eyes*
Leann: I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you.
Woman (speaking with an English accent): Oh, no it's fine. I just…nevermind. How much?
Esme: Whatever you can give is wonderful.
Woman: Okay.
*She reaches into her purse for her wallet, takes out a huge wad of cash, and stuffs it into the slot in the donation bucket*
Woman: There you go.
Leann: Thank you so much!
Esme: Have a wonderful Christmas!
Woman: Happy Christmas. *she walks away*
Leann: Did you see the way she was staring at me? She looked like she'd seen a ghost!
Esme: I thought I was the one she was staring at. She probably isn't used to seeing me acting like a normal young mom, when last year I was suspected of being a serial killer.
Leann: Do you know her?
Esme: Not really, but I know of her. Her name is Anna Devane. She's a former WSB agent, and she's been all over the news recently because on Halloween she shot a girl, who just so happens to be Ace's cousin, Charlotte Cassadine.
Leann: Oh my god! That's horrible!
Esme: It is, although Charlotte had broken into her apartment, and Anna mistook her for someone who was trying to kill her. She didn't know who it was until after she shot her.
Leann: Is Charlotte okay?
Esme: Physically yeah, she'll make a full recovery. But she was brainwashed into thinking that Anna was a danger to her and her father, by her grandfather no less. This is why I want to raise Ace as far away from the Cassadines as possible. They're rich, powerful, and extremely dangerous.
Leann: I can totally understand why you wouldn't want Ace around them.
Esme: Yeah. Although Anna does have a lot of enemies, being a former WSB agent. There was actually a shooting at the Metro Court Hotel not too long ago. Someone else ended up getting shot, but they think it's likely that Anna was the target.
Leann: I'll be sure to stay far away from her then!
Esme: I'm surprised you haven't heard about any of this.
Leann: I don't usually watch or read the news. It makes me anxious.
*Esme suddenly feels a painful throbbing in her head*
Leann: Are you okay?
Esme: I suddenly have a really bad headache. I've been getting them a lot lately. Can you please watch Ace for a little bit? I'm going to use the restroom and take a pill, and then go for a short walk.
Leann: Sure.
Esme: Thank you. I'll be back in a little bit.
*Esme hands Ace over to Leann and makes her way to the restroom, passing Anna, who is continuing to stare in the direction of their table*
*Nelle notices that both of Ryan's hands are now missing; he had previously cut off one of his hands in order to fake his death*
Nelle: Ryan! What happened to your hand?
Ryan: The same thing that happened to both of our kidneys. It was stolen.
*Ryan sits down in another armchair, also facing Nelle*
Nelle: I'm so sorry.
Ryan: Don't be. Seeing as how I'm dead, I didn't really need it anymore. I'm glad Morgan seems to be making good use of it.
Nelle: Definitely. He seems to be recovering well. There was part of me that was worried he would never wake up. I had just barely gotten to know him before he supposedly died. I'm glad he wasn't there to witness everything that went down with me and Carly. Hopefully this means he'll continue to be on my side once he's fully recovered. Right now though he and Kiki seem to be a thing.
Ryan: Nelle, I am so sorry. Had I known Kiki was your sister-
Nelle: Don't be. I tried to get her to see me as my sister. I invited her to live with me in this house and share everything with her. I offered to be someone she could go to in time of need. But she rejected me, and instead is threatening to go to the cops. So I've given her the dirty jobs around here. Maybe she's not dead in the literal sense, but she's dead to me!
Shiloh: That's a shame. People like her are so lost and confused. If only I could've been there for Kiki. Maybe you two would have been able to have the sisterly bond you should have had. The same goes for you and Willow.
Nelle: Nah, it doesn't matter anymore. I've found someone who has been more of a sister to me than any of my actual sisters have been; Esme Prince!
Ryan: I thought it was a shame that the two of you most likely would never meet, as you have so much in common with each other.
Nelle: Yes, I remember you showing me that picture of her and saying how much I reminded you of her.
Ryan's voice: Indeed. I think the two of you really seem like you could be sisters.
Esme hears this voice in her head as she sits on a bench, having just taken her headache medication a few minutes before. She has a vague memory of visiting Ryan at Spring Ridge. He hands her a photo of a young woman with strawberry-blonde hair, but the memory dissolves before the woman's face comes into focus.
Meanwhile, Leann is sitting at the table with Ace, keeping an eye on Henry as he plays with a boomerang ball. Willow walks by with Wiley and Amelia.
Leann: Hi there! We're raising money to support young parents from troubled backgrounds in caring for their children and giving them the best quality of life possible. Would you like to donate?
Willow: Sure! I was once in that position myself.
*She reaches into her purse for her wallet*
Leann (looking at Amelia): What a cute baby girl!
Willow: Yes, her name's Amelia. And this is Wiley.
Wiley: Hi!
Leann: Hi Wiley!
Willow (looking at the baby Leann is holding): And who's this?
Leann: This is Ace. He isn't mine, he's actually from the organization I'm helping raise money for. I'm a volunteer at their day care.
*Henry walks over to Leann with the ball, a sad expression on his face*
Henry: The battery needs to be charged. Do you have the other ball?
Leann: Yes
*She reaches into her purse for the other ball and hands it to Henry, then takes out the charger and plugs the ball Henry was playing with into it.*
Leann: Here you go, Henry. This is Wiley by the way.
Wiley: Hi Henry!
Henry: Hi Wiley!
Leann: Would you like to play with Wiley, if it's okay with his mommy?
Henry: Yeah!
Leann: Is that okay with you, uh…
Willow: Willow. And yes it is. Just stay where we can see you, okay?
Henry and Wiley: Okay!
*The boys run off together. Willow can't help but notice that Wiley and Henry look a lot alike, aside from their hair color; Wiley's being blond, Henry's being dark brown*
Leann: Thank you for your donation!
Willow: Absolutely! Thank you for what you're doing to help children in need. You say you help the parents as well?
Leann: Yes. Our organization helps young parents who are struggling to care for their children for various reasons. Maybe they're struggling to find a good job, or maybe they're struggling with their mental health, etc. Here's a pamphlet with more information about what we do.
*She takes a pamphlet and hands it to Willow*
Willow: Thanks.
Leann: By the way, if you ever need a babysitter, I'm available. My schedule is flexible and so is my rate.
*She writes down her contact information and hands it to Willow*
Willow: Thanks. But wouldn't this get in the way of your job here?
Leann: Oh no. I'm just a volunteer. I'm still figuring out what I want to do.
Willow: I see.
Nelle: I really think that we all were meant to cross paths. You, Shiloh, started Dawn of Day in order to help young lost souls improve their lives. At the same time, your son, Jonah, was stolen from you, and you were determined to get him back. Unfortunately, before that could happen, Sam shot you with a flare gun. Meanwhile, I was once a young, lost soul, and I will admit I made some terrible decisions, the worst of which was probably handing my son over to Brad. I thought he was my friend, and that I was doing him a favor. I trusted him to look after Wiley, as even though I felt totally justified in everything I had done up to that point (and still do), I knew I was going to Pentonville, and I trusted Brad to look after him until I got out. But before that could happen, Brad told both Julian and then Lucas the truth, that Wiley was my son. It was at that point that he was stolen, by none other than Willow Tait, the mother of your son Jonah. And I'm determined to get him back.
I know in the beginning, I thought your book was full of a bunch of New Age cliches, but then I read it, and there was actually a lot I agreed with. That's why I willingly gave myself to you. That was my pledge when I joined Dawn of Day, which was also when we got married. Those guards at Pentonville really need to keep a better eye on their inmates!
*They both laugh*
Shiloh: Well, I'm glad to see that I could help you, even in death. You've made good use of the tools I've given you.
Nelle: I'm doing more than that. I'm also carrying on your legacy. I've tweaked a few things here and there of course, as you already know. I've changed the name, and I've downplayed my role as the leader. While it is true of course that I'm calling the shots around here, I don't want the members to see me as anyone more than another one of them. That's not to say that it doesn't feel good to be put on a pedestal, because obviously it does, especially considering how my life had been.
Shiloh: I think that's what everyone secretly desires; both literally and metaphorically. Having statues carved in one's likeness is the ultimate form of flattery, but it's much more meaningful to be remembered for the things you've done, long after leaving this earth.
Nelle: And that's why I'm still here. I don't want to be forever remembered as Willow's "evil" twin, or Michael's crazy ex-girlfriend. I want to help families. And that's why I've also changed the way the people who want to become Trusted Members make their pledges. I neither want nor expect the same thing you required your Trust to give you. If anything, what I require from my trusted members is something even more valuable. And both of you have actually made that pledge to me already.
Ryan: Have we really?
Nelle: I think you know that you have.
Ryan: I'm sure we do.
*They all laugh*
Shiloh: I love what you've done with the place by the way.
Nelle: Thank you. It's kind of ironic how Michael purchased this house, intending on turning it into a shelter for victims of domestic abuse, only for him to sell it, unknowingly of course, to the very organization he purchased it from. I of course have offered it as a home for victims of domestic abuse. People say I'm capable of that sort of stuff, and that's why I don't have custody of Wiley. They interpret my trying to take him back as me being a monster who would abuse my own son. People say I'm heartless, but I do love my son, and I'd never put him in harm's way. I think any of the members of my organization can attest to that. However, we might not be here for very much longer.
Ryan: Really? Where will you go?
Nelle: Ironic you should be the one to ask. As you might know, Ava, the woman you so greatly desire, has put Wyndemere up for sale, and we've raised enough money that I think we could afford to buy it. So, I've put in a bid.
*A man walks through the front door, laughing in a sarcastic manner.*
Man: Haha, you're funny Nelle!
*They all turn to see Julian Jerome standing in the doorway*
Julian: As if my sister would be crazy enough to sell Wyndemere to you!
Esme makes her way back to the table just as Willow and Wiley are saying their goodbyes to Leann, Henry, and Ace.
Willow: Come on Wiley, we need to go get the Christmas tree and then head home so we'll have time to decorate it before bedtime.
Wiley: Okay!
Willow: It was nice meeting you Leann, and I'll be sure to give you a call if we need a babysitter, which I'm sure we will be.
Leann: Of course, and thanks again for your donation. Say bye bye to Wiley, Henry!
Henry: Bye bye!
Wiley: Bye bye Henry!
*Willow, Wiley, and Amelia leave as Esme walks back*
Esme: Looks like someone made a new friend!
Henry: Yeah, his name is Wiley! I wish he were my brother. He's so much more fun to play with than Joey!
Leann: How are you feeling Esme?
Esme: A little better. The pills definitely help with the headaches, but I think they get me a bit high. Whenever I take them I feel like I start seeing and hearing things. A little while ago I was sitting on a bench and suddenly I was at Spring Ridge with Ryan. He was showing me a picture of some girl, and saying she could be my sister, or something like that.
Leann: Are you sure that was a hallucination, and not a memory?
Esme: You know, I never thought of that! It could be a memory. It was very blurry though. I knew it was Ryan, but I couldn't really see the face of the girl in the picture. I wasn't aware that I had any biological siblings.
Leann: He could've been messing with your head. You told me that was what Ryan did.
Esme: Yeah. I just wish I could remember for sure. Jan told me that she knows some stuff but will only tell me if I'm a trusted member, and she said in order for me to become a trusted member I needed to have someone sponsor me.
Leann: That's right.
Esme: Hey, maybe you could be my sponsor? Aside from Jan, you're the only one I really trust.
Leann: *sighs* I had a feeling you were going to ask me. Esme, I really want to be your sponsor, but unfortunately, I can't.
Esme: You can't? Why?
Leann: Because…I-I don't think I'm in a good position to be your sponsor.
Esme: I don't understand.
Leann: Well, your situation is very different than mine. For one thing, you have a child whom you're trying to support, which is the same situation most people in the group are in. But I don't have any children. I also don't have any parents, and I've given up trying to find out any information about where I came from, since I don't think anybody knows. Aside from assisting you with taking care of Ace, which I'm happy to do, I don't really know if I can support you the way that a sponsor can.
Esme: But assisting with taking care of Ace is really the only thing that I need.
Leann: It's more than that though. Being a sponsor involves more than just assisting with childcare. It involves the sponsor giving the person they're sponsoring something of sentimental value. They call it a Token of Trust. And in return you…nevermind. What I'm trying to say is I can't be your sponsor, as much as I want to be.
Esme: I understand.
Leann: I hope we can still be friends.
Esme: Of course we can. I enjoy hanging out with you.
Leann: Great. I enjoy hanging out with you too.
*Off in the distance, they can see Anna continuing to look in their direction*
Leann: That Anna woman is still staring at us!
Esme: I know, right? I walked past her on my way to the restroom. I kind of deliberately walked close to her because I thought she was looking at me, and maybe would acknowledge me. Maybe she wanted to interrogate me about possibly being the one who tried to shoot her, but didn't want to do it in front of you or the kids, but she didn't seem to even notice me walking past her. And she was still there when I was walking back.
Leann: Do you think she could've been watching the kids? As you saw, Henry met another little boy around his age, and they were playing with those boomerang balls together for a little while. Maybe she was thinking about how a kid could break into her house and try to kill her?
Esme: Charlotte Cassadine isn't that young. Around 15 I think. Maybe she thought that those boomerang balls were equipped with cameras that were trying to spy on her? They technically are drones.
Leann: Yeah, but they're also kids' toys.
Esme: Still, they could be rigged with who knows what. Then again there's this guy called the Jackal who-
Leann: I'm sorry, the what?
Esme: The Jackal. Well his real name is Damian Spinelli. He's a big technology geek, and he'd be able to tell if anything was rigged with hidden cameras or recording devices. I'm sure if they suspected that there was anything like that, he'd be the first one they'd call.
Leann: He sounds…interesting.
Esme: Yeah, he's a little weird, but he's also very smart. In any case, I think what's most likely going on with Anna is that she's anxious about everything going on, probably combined with PTSD from her time in the WSB.
Leann: I can certainly understand that, even though I don't know very much about the WSB. Still, I'm going to keep my distance from her.
*Anna continues to stare at the girls*
Nelle: Well hello, "other husband". You're looking awfully grey and clammy.
Julian: That's what slowly bleeding out after being shot will do to you.
Nelle: I know Sonny gave you the chance to redeem yourself, at least in his eyes. Thank you for not taking him up on his offer, and instead making him shoot you, and in the process causing that bridge to collapse which-
Julian: Made him lose his memory and wind up in Nixon Falls, which in turn caused his marriage to Carly to fall apart. You're welcome Nelle.
Nelle: I guess you weren't such a useless husband after all.
Julian: I should never have let you blackmail me into marrying you!
Nelle: Well you did marry me, and you indeed are quite spineless. You could've killed me if you really wanted to. But you couldn't bring yourself to shoot me when you held me at gunpoint at the pier.
Julian: Oh I did want to kill you. You have done so much damage to this town, and everyone save for these two guys would've either been happy to kill you themselves or watch someone do it for them. If it weren't for you, the Floating Rib wouldn't have been bombed, and-
Nelle: No, Julian, that actually was because of YOU. You were the one who chose to go along with Cyrus Renault's instructions to plant that bomb at the Floating Rib-
Julian: Because YOU left your prison buddy Ryan here with a letter with incriminating information about me and I had to stop him from spilling it, so I asked Cyrus for a favor. I had no other choice!
Nelle: But you DID have another choice. What you should've done instead was go to Sonny, tell him everything, and hope that he would spare your life. Sonny has far too much power in Port Charles, but at the end of the day, he does have a heavily guarded heart.
Julian: Yeah, unlike you. I regret a lot of the decisions I made towards the end. I can't be there for my son Leo, who was recently diagnosed with autism, and apparently I have another son, Andy Nero, whom I'll never get to meet. And I don't deny that I planted the bomb at the Floating Rib, and am responsible for the casualties, even though I was following orders. But it was YOU who put me in this position Nelle. Everybody has been saying that you've had a big ripple effect on Port Charles that's still being felt, and I will echo that sentiment. So congratulations on becoming the person you seem to have been aspiring to be!
Nelle: *laughs* You complimenting me like that just shows how weak you actually are. But even if you weren't my husband, we still would be connected. You see, your niece, Kiki, happens to be my sister. Her father, Silas Clay, was my father too. It's a shame none of us knew it at the time. Otherwise I'd have the sister I've always wanted, and I would never have asked you to marry me.
Julian: Well the thing is, Nelle, you and Kiki are both alive, and she knows you're her sister, and she sees right through you. You can call me spineless all you want to, but my niece most definitely isn't.
Nelle: Once again, you're admitting just how weak you are. Physically you're strong enough (at least you were when you were alive) that I'm sure you could wring my neck like a chicken, but I honestly don't think you have it in you to do that, even though you had the opportunity to do so that night at Charlie's, but instead you asked me to marry you. Not because you loved and wanted to be with me, but because you seemingly had no other choice. Killing me that night would've made you Port Charles' greatest hero in many people's eyes, but you chose not to. Why? Because you. Are. Weak!
*Julian raises his hands in defeat*
Julian: So, why do you want to purchase Wyndemere, assuming Ava is crazy enough to sell it to you, and that you can afford it? Isn't it a little too, I don't know, big?
Nelle: Oh, she won't know it's me. If Michael wasn't able to tell he was selling this house to me, I'm sure Ava won't be able to tell she's selling Wyndemere to me either. I've always been very good at covering my tracks, and I've gotten even better.
Julian: Sure you have.
Nelle: And why do I want to buy it? Well, you pointed it out yourself. It's very big, and this house, though it's nice, is becoming more than a little cramped when I have the entire group over for our celebration feasts where we officially welcome the new Trusted Members, at which point our group becomes even bigger than it already was. It used to be small enough that we were simply having barbecues in the backyard, or turkey dinners in the dining room. But we need a bigger place, a MUCH bigger place, both for our events, and for simply having a place for people who would otherwise be homeless to stay, and I can't do that here anymore.
Julian: So you're making the jump from a modestly-sized but still quite nice suburban house to a big castle on an island, supposedly because you want a place to occasionally hold events that most people would rent some local community dining hall for? Because we all know the real reason is so you can have a literal castle where you can be queen. I certainly wasn't under the impression that you were inviting people who otherwise would be homeless to stay with you while you've been living here.
Nelle: I offered to let Kiki live here, rent free, job free, for as long as she wanted, as I felt like it was the least I could do for my newly-discovered sister, but she turned me down.
Julian: Gee, I wonder why?
Nelle: But in the meantime, we'll be holding our annual Christmas banquet where we'll be welcoming the new Trusted Members at a place in Pine Valley that's roughly the same size as Wyndemere, and has the same amenities, albeit it's not on an island. It's an old Gothic estate, some might call it a castle, and it's home to the American branch of a Hungarian noble family. They stopped renting out the main house to tenants years ago, but they occasionally rent out the dining hall and the ballroom for various events, mainly for charity, which this banquet of course is. The place even has a similar-sounding name."
*A man's voice can be heard coming from the hallway.*
Man: Are you talking about Wildwind? Where my mother lived for a time when she was married to Dimitri Marick?
*They all turn to face the tall, thin man emerging from the hallway. It's Peter August!*
*Leann looks into the donation bucket and sees that it's quite full.*
Leann: Wow, we've certainly raised a lot this year. I think it's probably the most we've raised ever. And this is just the money that you and I helped bring in.
*She looks at Esme and notices the crestfallen expression on her face*
Leann: What's wrong?
Esme: Nothing. I just don't know what I'm going to do. I don't know who else I can ask to be my sponsor. You're the only one I've really gotten to know.
Leann: I'm sure you'll find someone. I can ask around to see if there's anyone who'd be able to sponsor you.
Esme: Thanks. I'll try and ask some more people too. I'm totally not taking into account that this is a support group. I should make more effort to mingle with everyone.
Leann: Don't worry. Even if you don't have a sponsor, you can still attend the feast.
Esme: The feast?
Leann: Every major holiday we have a big feast, where we officially welcome the new Trusted Members. When we started they were at Jan's house, but our group has grown so much that we've had to rent increasingly large, and increasingly ritzy venues. I hear that this one will be held at this old castle. I forget the name. Wind-something.
*Esme recalls giving birth in the middle of the main living room at Wyndemere*
Esme: Wyndemere?
Leann: That might be it. There's a lot of history there.
*Esme feels her heart pounding in her chest*
Leann: What's wrong?
Esme: That's the mansion on Spoon Island, where I was being held by Ace's father in that tower, before I jumped off the parapet!
Leann: Oh, then that's not it. This place isn't in Port Charles. It's actually on the outskirts of a town in Pennsylvania called Pine Valley.
Esme: Oh.
*She puts her hand to her chest, feeling both relieved and disappointed*
Leann: Are you sure you're okay?
Esme: Well, as much as I didn't want to go back to Wyndemere, I was thinking that maybe going up to the tower might jog my memory.
Leann: This place does have a turret. Not sure if it's open to visitors though.
Esme: ERGH! It's so frustrating! Jan told me that she'll help me try to remember, and she knows some stuff about what happened that night, but she won't tell me unless I'm a trusted member, but I can't find a sponsor, and now we have this big feast coming up and everything.
Leann: I might not be privy to whatever information Jan has, and I know I can't officially be your sponsor, but I nonetheless want to be your friend, and I promise I'll try to help you remember.
Esme: Thank you.
Leann: I'm sure you'll be able to find a sponsor before the feast.
Esme: I hope so.
Nelle: Who the hell are you?! And how long have you been in my house? I didn't see you come in!
Peter: I don't believe we've met before, but these people all know who I am, and I believe you do too. Thanks to my buddy Shiloh here, you knew stuff about me that no one else knew for the longest time.
Nelle: Oh, yeah. You're the "notorious" Henrik Faison, right?
Peter: I don't answer to that name anymore and haven't for a long time. I have been known by many names, but you can call me Peter. In answer to your second question, I've been here since you've been here. You of course haven't been able to tell that I'm here, seeing as how I'm also dead. But, I've been following you around ever since you set foot back in Port Charles, watching everything you do. I know everything that goes through your head. I know every dirty trick you're about to pull before you do. I see and hear it all!
Nelle: I wouldn't be so overconfident about that, Peter.
Peter: I was here when Kiki paid you an unannounced visit after she hid out in that morgue, pretending to be that woman whose body was misidentified as yours. I heard every single word you exchanged. I heard the fear in your voice that you were so desperately trying to hide, as your sister tore into you. Poor Janelle Benson. You wanted so badly to have a relationship with your sisters. It's a pity they all see you for who you are, just like I can.
Nelle: Has anyone ever told you that the way you talk is super annoying? If you're trying to intimidate me, you're doing a really bad job.
Peter: Well, if you want me to stop talking, then you must listen!
*The sky outside suddenly becomes quite dark. Nelle looks around and sees that Shiloh, Ryan, and Julian are gone.*
Peter: That's right, it's just you and me!
*Esme looks up at the sky and notices that it looks like it's going to rain*
Esme: I think we should get going.
Leann: Yeah, it's getting dark anyways. Why don't you take the kids and I'll pack up.
Esme: Are you sure you don't need help?
Leann: I'll be fine. Here Henry, do you want to carry the donation bucket, if it's not too heavy?
*Henry lifts the bucket*
Henry: It's not too heavy.
*Esme takes Ace in her arms while Henry walks along beside her, carrying the donation bucket, passing Anna along the way, who continues to have her eyes fixated on Leann as she collects the few pamphlets they didn't hand out and puts them in a tote bag*
Peter: I happen to agree with everything Kiki told you. You are a fraud. We all know this so-called "support group" is a pathetic attempt to carry on Shiloh's very heavily tarnished legacy. We all know you're neither a doctor, nor a healer.
Nelle: I never claimed to be either.
Peter: But that's how you want people to see you. You're trying to take credit for decades worth of research, much of which was conducted before you were even born. We know you're forcing Kiki to do the dirty work as punishment for her refusal to see you as a sister. But how do you know everyone else at the clinic is loyal to you? Morgan Corinthos for example. I know the two of you were somewhat close before his presumed death. You're counting on him to be your right hand, but how do you know he won't use that new hand of his to shoot you?
*Nelle tries to maintain her composure, but she leans back in the recliner, which drops open, startling her. Peter sees the fear in her eyes and smiles*
Peter: Ahh, I see that you are scared. Maybe you're not scared of me, but rather, scared of what you and I both know is bound to happen to you sooner or later. But I will say that you have done some deeds that people genuinely are grateful for. Shiloh for one is grateful that Jonah is alive and well. And I too am grateful to you for looking after my son.
Nelle: Wait, you have a son?
Peter's voice: I do, though, like Shiloh, I didn't know that he was alive until after I met my own demise. He's Wiley's age, and I must say he's turning out to be a fine young man!
*Henry helps Esme load the donation bucket into the trunk, then she helps him into his carseat and buckles him in*
Peter: And you have definitely been a good friend to Esme Prince. If anything, she's your true sister. Not by blood, but by bond. I know she's grateful to you for helping her regain her memories, despite your ulterior motives in helping her do so.
But I genuinely feel very bad for your other loyal servant. That poor girl. Nobody knows who she really is, except you and me. Nobody is looking for her, not even her parents, because they're not aware she even exists. What you are doing to her is so incredibly cruel. Poor Leann Harris…
Peter's voice: Or should I say…LEORA HAYWARD!
*Leora finishes packing up and makes her way to the car; Anna continues to watch her until she's out of sight*
Peter: Be careful now, for this house of cards you've built is very close to collapsing down upon you, and when it does, the people whom you've brainwashed into thinking you're some miracle worker will see you the way everyone else does, and you'll have nowhere to run. If you end up actually dying this time, people will celebrate. The only comfort you'll have is knowing that there's a special place here reserved just for you. I'll see you in hell, Nelle. Or as they call you now, Jan. Jan! JAN! JANNNNNN! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
*Peter's maniacal laughter fades but Nelle continues to hear a voice calling "JAN!" and feels someone shaking her shoulder. She opens her eyes to see a worried-looking Esme standing over her.*