The past several hours were all a blur to Nelle.
Somehow she had managed to pull herself together enough (as well as pull her heel out of the mud) to make it back to the ballroom, tell everyone that the party was over and thank them for coming, hoping that her being drenched in rain water would make the mascara running down her face from crying less noticeable, then changed into some dry clothes and drove to Pine Valley Hospital. Amazingly she got there safely, despite the weather, her worry about Esme, and her anger at herself for not keeping a close eye on Esme for anything that seemed unusual.
When she got to the hospital, she demanded to see Esme, but they refused to let her. Esme's condition was quite serious; she had a potentially lethal combination of alcohol and dangerously high levels of "Pensieve Pills" in her system, combined with a traumatic brain injury as a result of hitting her head when she fell, as well as hypothermia.
Kiki, Jason, and Leora were waiting for her at the hospital. Nelle was glad to see that Leora had brought Ace, even though she felt that he would be more comfortable back at Wildwind. And she was lucky that Anton had agreed to let them stay at Wildwind until Esme was cleared to leave the hospital, as it was comfortable, though since the other members of the group were on their way back to Port Charles, the place would no doubt feel much less warm and cozy. Anton was upset with himself for not being there, as in addition to being the owner of Wildwind, he was a doctor, but instead he had chosen to spend the evening catching up with his cousins, Sam and Maddie Grey, whom he hadn't seen since they were very small children. And their mother, Maria Santos-Grey, happened to be a doctor here at Pine Valley Hospital; she had recently moved back to Pine Valley after spending the last several years in Miami. She was the neurologist who was on call when Esme was brought in, and was monitoring her closely.
After updating them on Esme's condition, Maria told Nelle, Leora, Jason, and Kiki that they should go home, and that she would call if there was any change in Esme's condition. Nelle reluctantly agreed, and took Ace with her back to Wildwind. She took the promise she made to Esme very seriously, and had Ace by her side nearly all the time.
The next morning, Nelle woke up to the sound of Ace crying; a sound she found oddly relieving to hear. She gave him his formula, and was now watching him play in his playpen, when she heard footsteps approaching. She could tell it was Kiki even though her back was to the door.
Nelle: Go away!
Kiki: Believe me, I would love more than anything to pack my stuff and go home to my mother, but every time I ask you if I can leave, you threaten to kill me. Is that any way to treat your sister?
Nelle: Oh, so now you want to be my sister? Well too bad! That ship sailed a long time ago. I only have one sister, and she's currently in the hospital fighting for her life. And if Esme dies, her half of the necklace will be buried with her.
Kiki: So you've already begun making funeral arrangements? Here I thought you genuinely cared about Esme, but now I see that you don't give a rat's ass about her, or anyone else in this so-called "support group"!
Nelle: That is NOT true! I have been wanting a sister my entire life. Everything I said the other night, about the importance of family, how families can come in many forms, and how I could relate to Esme as her situation reminded me so much of my own that I wanted to sponsor her even though it's something I don't normally do, and telling this to her while I fastened that gold chain around her neck was 100% genuine.
Kiki: I don't believe that for a second! You're waiting for her to die so you can claim her son as your own! That's the whole reason you started this group! You don't care about helping the members! You just hoping the parents will meet their untimely demise so you can claim their children. That's the name of our group isn't it? All Our Children. Despite the fact that you claim to speak for everyone when you say "You are all my children," you actually mean they literally are all your children. You're waiting for the parents of said children to drop dead any minute, so they'll leave you with everything they have! That's why you married Shiloh, isn't it? You knew perfectly well that his time was short. The other members are so unaware of your true motives, but not me!
Nelle: Kiki, if you'd shut up for a second, you can see that I meant every word of what I promised Esme I'd do for her. She told me she trusted me to look after Ace if she was ever unable to, and that's exactly what I'm doing!
Kiki: But Ace is just one of your many children you promised you'd look after!
Nelle: That's where you're wrong!
Kiki: Oh really?
Nelle: Haven't you ever wondered why, with two very notable exceptions, I don't sponsor new members?
Kiki: Because you enjoy having your minions do all the work?
Nelle: I've told you many times they are NOT my minions! We are all members of a community, which is a community you can be part of once you decide to change your mind.
Kiki: Pfft!
Nelle: The reason why I haven't sponsored any members other than Leann and now Esme is because they so far have been the only people I've encountered whose situations I can relate to! I met Leann right around the time I learned that Frank Benson wasn't my father after all, and my entire childhood had been one big, long, miserable lie. I connected with her because we both had the desire to find out what happened to our families. With Esme, her situation was similar to mine in that she had a baby she not only was struggling to care for, but also was trying to protect her son from his father, and his toxic family!
If I were seriously attempting to raise ALL the children in our community, then I may as well be the old woman who lives in a shoe, because I certainly wouldn't be able to do it all by myself. The people who have sponsored new members have done so because they have ways in which they can relate to the people they're sponsoring. Hence, they have a connection to the children they're sponsoring as well, and therefore, should something happen to the parent, bonding with the child wouldn't be as difficult.
Kiki: Exactly my point! You're glad Esme overdosed! You want her to die so you can raise Ace, because she brought Ace into the world for the same reason you brought Wiley into the world; to use as a weapon. Only difference between you and Esme is that Esme has been allowed to raise Ace, which I don't entirely understand, but it's whatever. We both know you're using Ace as a replacement son, since you lost Wiley!
Nelle: *closes her eyes in frustration* Kiki, I am trying VERY hard to not lose my cool for the sake of not upsetting Ace, but you're really making it difficult! Why don't you go have some more physical therapy sessions with Morgan? Or is he boring you?
Kiki: SHUT UP!
*Ace begins crying*
Nelle: See what you just did?
*Nelle picks Ace up and holds him close*
Nelle: Please, just leave me alone. As you can see, I've got a baby to care for.
*Kiki doesn't say anything, but stands in the doorway watching Nelle*
Nelle (to Ace): It's okay sweetie. I know you miss your mommy. Auntie Jan is here, and she loves you very much!
*Ace eventually stops crying and begins sucking his thumb. Kiki rolls her eyes and walks away.*
Back in Port Charles, Carly was growing worried. Esme had said she was only going to be gone for the weekend, but it was now Tuesday afternoon. Carly wouldn't have been worried if it weren't for the fact that Esme was her tenant, and felt that if something happened to Esme, she would be held responsible for not keeping a close eye on her to make sure she was staying out of trouble for Ace's sake. The only person who knew Esme's whereabouts was Leora, but Carly didn't have her number. She knew Willow had it, but Willow made it clear she needed space. Carly tried to distract herself by making small talk with the various customers at Bobbie's, but eventually, her feelings of concern were too overwhelming, so she decided to call Willow, in the off chance that she forgot to turn her phone off.
Willow's voicemail: Hi, you've reached Willow Tait. Please leave a message and I'll call you back as soon as I can. Thanks!
Automated message: This mailbox is full and cannot accept any more messages. Please try again later.
Carly: Dammit!
*Joss and Trina enter the restaurant*
Joss: Hi Mom.
Carly: Hi Joss, Hi Trina.
Trina: Hi.
Joss: Is everything alright?
Carly: I suppose so.
Joss: What do you mean?
Carly: I'm just trying to adjust to life without your grandmother. Things just haven't been the same around here.
Joss: Really? Because you seemed fine the other day.
Carly: Some days are harder than others. You know how it is.
Trina: I'm still trying to come to terms with my dad making me believe he was dead for nearly a year, then finding out he was alive and that he had faked his death in order to keep me safe, then finding out not long afterwards that he wasn't my biological father. It's like I had to lose him twice. There are days where I'm grateful that he's still alive and still my dad, biology aside, but then there are other days where I'm really angry and resentful towards my mom for lying to me my whole life. Meanwhile I'm now catching up on all the years I missed out on with my biological father and his family.
Carly: How is Curtis doing by the way?
Trina: The surgery went well. The doctors are cautiously optimistic that he'll be able to walk again, but it's going to be a long, difficult process with lots of physical therapy.
Carly: I know having you cheering him on will motivate him to keep at it.
Trina: Definitely. And I'm really glad he didn't end up selling the Savoy to Selina Wu, even though he was tempted to do so. I'm glad my grandfather and Aunt Stella were there to talk him out of it.
Carly: You have such a wonderful family.
Trina: Thank you. I just wish my mom would give Spencer a chance. He's made some bad choices but he's not a bad guy, and now that Esme and Ace are out of our lives, we can take steps to build a family of our own.
Carly: I, uh, I'm sure she will. Eventually.
Joss: Mom, I can tell something is bothering you, and I have a feeling it has nothing to do with Grandma's death. What's going on?
Carly: *sigh* Okay. I'm worried about Esme.
Joss: Excuse me?
Carly: I'm mainly worried about Ace. If something happens to Esme, it will be partially my fault because I wasn't keeping a close-enough eye on her.
Joss: Okay, and has Esme actually given you reason to worry?
Carly: As a matter of fact, she has. She hardly ever is home, and the few times I've seen her, I've been under the impression that she might be using drugs.
Trina: That doesn't make sense! Wasn't she going to some support group? That's the reason why she was awarded custody.
Carly: That doesn't mean she isn't still struggling. But the reason why I'm worried about her is that she said she was going on a weekend trip with a friend of hers from her support group, and they haven't come back.
Joss: Maybe they decided to stay there? Personally, I would be happy if she stayed as far away from Port Charles as possible.
Trina: Me too!
Carly: Well, I would of course be happy to have her move out, but if she were, it would be news to me.
Joss: Maybe you should call and ask. You have her number, correct?
Carly: I do, but her mailbox is full.
Trina: You said she was going with a friend of hers.
Carly: Yes, her name is Leann.
Joss: Do you know Leann's number?
Carly: No. But Willow does. She encountered Leann in the park, and Leann offered to babysit the kids. This was before we knew Leann and Esme knew each other.
Joss: Why not call Willow and ask for Leann's number?
Carly: Because I can't. Willow and I had an argument the other day, and she took the kids for their own weekend getaway, and she's turned her phone off.
Joss: What about Michael? Maybe call him and have him ask Willow for Leann's number?
Carly: I can't.
Joss: Why?
Carly: Because after I told Michael about my argument with Willow, he and I also had an argument, and he stormed out to look for her. Now neither of them are speaking to me, or to each other.
Joss: What?!
*Carly suddenly feels her phone vibrate; it startles her and causes her to drop the tray she was carrying, which fortunately only had empty dishes on it*
Carly: Maybe it's one of them. Hello?
Alexis Davis: Hi Carly, it's Alexis. Have you seen Esme?
Carly: *sigh* No I haven't, why?
Alexis: Because this is the second day in a row that she's missed work, and I can't get a hold of her. I was wondering if you've seen her?
Carly: No I haven't, and I'm getting really concerned.
Alexis: Me too. If you see her can you please have her call me ASAP?
Carly: Sure. Same thing if you see her.
*She hangs up*
Carly: Great! That's all I need. Alexis just told me that Esme hasn't shown up to work in two days.
Joss: Obviously you're not the only one who's worried. Let me get this for you.
*Joss picks up the tray and carries it into the kitchen, then gets a broom and dustpan and sweeps up the shards of the broken plates.
Carly: Thank you Joss. I'm really sorry that I'm worried about Esme, considering the fact that she-
Joss: Let's not get into it.
Trina: Yeah. I think we're more concerned about Ace than Esme. I care about him too.
Joss: Me too. He's not responsible for the disgusting things his mother did to us!
Carly: Thank you. And like I said, if she weren't my tenant, I wouldn't be aware of any of this.
Michael sat in the gatehouse by himself, reflecting on everything that had happened over the past couple of days, and wondering if he'd ever see Willow or the kids ever again. Maybe he deserved to lose them. He admitted to himself that he had allowed Carly to have too much influence over his life, and it wasn't a good example for the kids to have a father whose opinions were automatically overridden by his own mother. He was 32 years old, yet his mother still treated him as if he were a rebellious teenager. Maybe the time had come to be a different type of rebellious, and think for himself for a change.
He saw the shadow of someone walking up to the door and heard it open.
Willow: Michael?
Michael: Willow!
Willow: You look surprised to see me.
Michael: That's because I am. I thought you were never going to speak to me again. I'm really sorry about the other day.
Willow: I know. I am too. I just needed a few days to clear my head.
Michael: Where did you go?
Willow: It doesn't matter. I'm just glad to be back.
Michael: And I'm very glad you came back.
*They hug*
Michael: Where are the kids?
Willow: Up at the main house. Monica is watching them, though I'm sure she could use a break.
Michael: I'm really sorry about the way I reacted when you told me you hired Leann. I heard it from my mom, and the way she talked about her made it sound like she wasn't a good influence. That was wrong.
Willow: I understand, and thank you.
Michael: I want to be a better person. A better husband, a better father…
Willow: You already are. You're not always the most rational person, but at the end of the day, your heart is in the right place.
Michael: If you're okay with it, why don't we see if Leann is available to take the kids out somewhere fun, and you and I can go out to dinner and talk. And that way I can finally meet her.
Willow: Okay. Where shall we go?
Michael: Wherever you'd like.
Willow: Okay.
*They kiss*
Willow: I guess I'll call Leann then?
Michael: Sounds good.
*Willow takes out her phone and dials Leora's number. It rings several times before she finally picks up*
Leora: Hello?
Willow: Hey Leann, it's Willow Tait.
Leora: Oh, hi Willow.
Willow: I was wondering if you'd be available to watch the kids tonight while my husband and I go out to dinner?
Leora: Um, Willow, I'd love to, but unfortunately, I can't.
Willow: Why? Is everything okay?
Leora: I'm fine, but I'm still in Pine Valley, at the hospital.
Willow: Oh my god, what happened?
Leora: You remember Ace, right? The baby I was looking after, that day we were at Rice Plaza.
Willow: Yeah?
Leora: His mother was in the restroom at the time, so you didn't meet her. Her name is Esme Prince, and she and I are both members of the support group. We've become really good friends.
Willow: Yeah, I know Esme. She lives in the apartment above the diner that Carly owns. Bobbie's, it's now called.
Leora: Yeah. Anyways, Esme and I were at a celebratory dinner for members of our group at this big mansion in Pine Valley. I knew that Esme was having trouble with migraines and was taking medication for it, but I had no idea what it was she was taking, or how much of it but…I'm sorry.
Willow: Is she okay?
Leora: We don't know. Everything was going really well. We were having a great time. Esme seemed happier than I'd ever seen her. She got up and danced despite having reservations about it, then she ate with the rest of us and had a glass of wine, then decided to take a walk, even though it was pouring rain outside. And then, a little while later, someone found her in the mausoleum, passed out on the floor. They think she hit her head on something when she fell, because she was bleeding. They got her to the hospital, and it turned out that she had taken FOUR TIMES the recommended dosage of the medication, combined with the alcohol. They had to pump her stomach. That was a couple of days ago, and she still hasn't woken up!
Willow: Oh my god! Is Ace okay?
Leora: Yeah, he's fine. Jan is looking after him.
Willow: Jan?
Leora: Yeah, she's the director. She's just as concerned as I am about Esme.
*Willow notices Leora sounds choked up*
Leora: I'm sorry, I'm just really worried. I feel like this is my fault. I've been considering becoming a nurse, so not being able to spot the signs that Esme was getting addicted until it was too late is not a good start. But even if I wasn't considering that as a career, I still feel terrible. Esme and I have really bonded a lot.
Willow: When did you first start noticing that something was up?
Leora: Well, I had known she had been taking the medication for a while, but I didn't know how bad it had gotten until the day we left. Ms. Spencer thought Esme looked unwell, and there were times when she really seemed out of it. And the worst part is that I was in denial about it! I know Esme is struggling with amnesia, and these pills she's been taking were developed primarily to help people remember stuff. It does help with headaches, but it's not what the drug was approved for. But watching Esme gradually remembering stuff was really encouraging.
Willow: I forget if I've told you; I'm a nurse. Do you know what Esme was taking?
Leora: Yeah, I looked it up. I can't pronounce the name, but people refer to it as the "Pensieve Pill", after the memory-storing device in Harry Potter.
Willow: Oh yeah, I'm familiar with it. The drug I mean. I read that in the clinical trials, the people who were in the early stages of dementia who were given it were actually able to remember newly-learned information more accurately than people without dementia were!
Leora: Yes, and that's what it's supposed to do; help people with dementia retain newly-learned information, and hold on to new memories. For an elderly person whose brain is slowly deteriorating, being able to remember recent stuff and retain the memories is a miracle. But for people who have healthy brains, it can cause them to hallucinate, and actually believe they are re-living their memory. Looking back, it definitely seemed like Esme was doing that. The day we were at the park, she said something about sitting on a bench, and then suddenly she found herself at the prison where her father was, and she was sneaking into his cell to visit him. She even told me she thought the pills were making her high. And I ignored it. I thought they were helping her get her memory back. And they were, but she took too much. It's highly addictive too. People were taking it deliberately so they could re-live their memories, hence why it got its nickname.
I don't know exactly what happened to Esme, but it seems like she must've gone to the mausoleum to get out of the rain, passed out from the drugs, and hit her head when she fell. She's still unconscious.
Willow: Wow, Leann, I'm really sorry to hear all this. But thank you for telling me.
Leora: Of course. In any case, I'm not going to be able to babysit tonight, for obvious reasons.
Willow: Don't worry about it! We can make other arrangements.
Leora: Okay.
Willow: Will you let us know if anything changes? Michael's mom is very concerned.
Leora: Of course.
Willow: Thank you. And don't worry. You did everything you could do. I'm a nurse myself. I'd be happy to help you.
Leora: Thank you so much! I'm not sure when I'll be coming back, but I'll definitely take you up on that.
Willow: Hey, no rush. Take it easy. But please let me know if anything changes.
Leora: I will.
Willow: Thank you. Have a good night.
Leora: Thank you.
*They hang up*
Michael: Well?
Willow: Your mom was right. Esme was on drugs, and she overdosed.
Willow relayed everything Leora had told her to Michael, who in turn, relayed it to Carly. The news travelled fast, and soon everybody in Port Charles knew. Nobody was sure exactly how to feel.
THE NEXT DAY
Spencer and Trina arrived at the Port Charles Grill for their dinner date. Trina wished they had gone somewhere else, as she was still uncomfortable around Cyrus Renault. Two years earlier, Cyrus, a former mob kingpin and rival of Sonny Corinthos, had been shot in the shoulder by Jason Morgan, and had held Trina and her mother, Dr. Portia Robinson, at gunpoint in their home while Portia removed the bullet. Cyrus had since claimed to have "found God" and renounced his old way of life. He now worked as a dishwasher at the Grill, and had recently begun hosting a Christian radio program.
There were many who questioned Cyrus's newfound faith, but Spencer had reason to trust him, as Cyrus was his great uncle, and had stood up for and mentored him when they both were incarcerated in Pentonville together. Trina, however, was hoping that Cyrus had the day off.
*The two of them are seated at a table in the corner of the restaurant*
Trina: I know you wanted to go somewhere fancy, but why couldn't we have gone to the Metro Court?
Spencer: I didn't think you'd want to go there, since it's where Curtis was shot.
Trina: That was on the rooftop café, not the main restaurant.
Spencer: Well I'm sick of the main restaurant, and the pool is closed for the season. I could really use a change of setting.
Trina: This is hardly a change of setting, since it's where Cyrus works.
Spencer: I know Cyrus makes you uncomfortable-
Trina: That's an understatement. I have nightmares about that man!
Spencer: But he's my great uncle.
Trina: You only found out that he and Martin were your great uncles a couple of years ago.
Spencer: And you're forgetting that Sonny Corinthos is also my uncle. If Cyrus tried to harm you, Sonny wouldn't hesitate to put a bullet in his head that your mom wouldn't be able to remove.
Trina: And this is why my mom still isn't comfortable with the fact that we're together. You might be harmless, but you're related to so many dangerous people!
Spencer: I know your mom will come around. Have faith in her.
Trina: Shh! Don't say that word in front of…him!
*She motions towards Cyrus, who's at the opposite end of the room cleaning off one of the tables, his silver hair, not quite long enough to tie back in a ponytail again, falling in front of his face. A cart full of dirty dishes partially blocks him from their view. Trina hopes that he won't notice them.*
Spencer (talking quietly): Look, I know he's the elephant in the room, but we don't need to address him. Let's change the subject. How's your dad doing?
Trina: Making progress with his physical therapy and slowly regaining the use of his legs. But you already know that!
Spencer: I meant your dad, Taggert. You hardly seem to talk about him anymore.
Trina: *sigh* He's relapsed into drinking, ever since he found out he's not really my dad.
Spencer: Trina, he is your dad. He always will be your dad. He's the man who raised you and taught you who you are.
Trina: I know, but he's having a really rough time accepting that he's not my biological father, and that I have all these relatives I wasn't aware of; my grandfather Marshall, my great Aunt Stella, TJ…
Spencer: TJ isn't your biological relative, but he still considers Tommy Ashford to be his dad, even though he has gotten to know his biological father, Shawn.
Trina: Tommy is dead though, and has been for years.
Spencer: He's still TJ's dad. You know what they say, any man can be a father, but not every man can be a dad.
Trina: Yes, I know.
Spencer: You, Trina, have two very devoted dads who would do anything for you, who have risked their own lives in order to keep you safe.
Trina: I know. And the way I acted towards both of them when they were doing that was wrong. I rejected Curtis even though he risked his life to protect me. As for Taggert, he took a bullet for me but also allowed me to think he was dead for several months. I grieved for him, but then after I found out he had faked his death, I was mad at him.
Spencer: But you forgave and continue to have a good relationship with him, which is important. I don't think Taggert will ever approve of me as your boyfriend, but that goes to show how devoted he is. And now you're getting to know Curtis and his family. You didn't give up on him even when he seemed like he was giving up on everything after he was shot. And I think you being by his side is a big reason why he's been making progress.
You have a great relationship with both of your dads. Meanwhile, my father, and notice that I'm using the word "father" and not "dad", has been absent from my life for a good portion of my teenage years, when I needed him most. That's why I turned out the way I did. And I don't want that for Ace.
Trina: Oh, so this is about Esme!
Spencer: No, it's about Ace. We haven't done a DNA test and, while I don't think I'm his biological father, I want what's best for him. We thought he was safe with Esme, and that she was getting her act together so she could be there for her son. But after hearing about what happened, I once again am concerned for Ace's safety and well-being. Like it or not, he's part of my family.
*Cyrus walks over to their table*
Cyrus: And so am I.
Spencer: Hello Cyrus. No offense, but this really isn't a good time. As you can see I'm in the middle of a date.
Cyrus: Yes, I can. Hello Trina, it's nice to see you.
*Trina looks at Cyrus for several seconds but says nothing.*
Cyrus: I see that you haven't forgiven me for the scare I gave you and your mom, but I pray that one day you may open up your heart to the idea that people can change.
Trina: I'll believe it when I see it. Right now, all I see is the man who held me and my mom at gunpoint in our own home! Cutting your hair, shaving, working an entry level job, and hosting a Christian radio show isn't going to change that!
Cyrus: That is completely understandable, but I nonetheless will keep you and your mom in my prayers.
*Spencer can tell that Trina is getting riled up, and puts his hand on her knee*
Spencer: Cyrus, while I appreciate everything you did for me when we were in Pentionville, I don't appreciate you coming over here and trying to provoke my girlfriend.
Cyrus: Well Spencer, rest assured, that is not the reason why I am here. This is, of course, my place of employment, but the reason why I came over to your table is because I heard about what happened with Esme.
Spencer: As does the entire town.
Trina: If you're going to tell me you're going to pray that I'll forgive Esme for trying to frame me for revenge porn, save your breath. She didn't just hurt me when she did that but also Joss and Cam, two of my closest friends.
Spencer: And let's not forget that she had a baby with my father. My father, whom I already had a strained relationship with! She turns to him once I turned her down. That's unforgivable, in addition to everything Trina just mentioned. She's a parasite, and I'm glad she's out of Port Charles and out of our lives.
Cyrus: And I believe all of those things are true. But holding onto that anger for so long isn't going to do you any good. I also know that Ace's safety and well-being are important to you Spencer, and they're equally important to me, as Ace is our family. He needs our help now more than ever!
I know the judge awarded Esme full custody because he thought Ace would be safest with her, given the work she had been doing on herself. But perhaps the Lord has other plans for Ace.
*The manager arrives with their food*
Manager (to Cyrus): You need to move.
*Cyrus moves over so the server can place the food on the table.
Manager (to Spencer and Trina): Is this man bothering you?
Cyrus: My apologies. My great-nephew and I are discussing a family situation.
Manager (to Cyrus): Well unless it's an emergency it can wait until after your shift is over.
Spencer: We were just-
Cyrus: As a matter of fact, it concerns a baby in our family whose mother has overdosed, so it is an emergency.
Manager: Overdosed? You wouldn't happen to know anything about that, would you Renault?
Cyrus: Those days are over, otherwise I wouldn't be working here.
Manager: *looks at Spencer, then back to Cyrus* Don't take too much longer. We're short-staffed tonight and those dishes aren't going to wash themselves.
*The manager leaves*
Cyrus: I was going to suggest that we say a prayer for Ace.
*Spencer looks over at Trina, who gives him a reluctant nod.*
Spencer: Okay, fine.
Cyrus: Wonderful.
*He pulls a chair over from a nearby table*
Cyrus: Let us join hands.
*They join hands; Trina grimaces as she takes Cyrus's same hand that he had held her at gunpoint with, and feeling his dry, papery skin. She and Spencer listen to Cyrus's lengthy prayer for the Lord to watch over Ace and for Esme's soul to be at peace.*
Cyrus: ...in Jesus' name, amen.
Spencer and Trina: Amen.
*Cyrus smiles at them, gets up from his chair and moves it back to the other table, then wheels the cart of dirty dishes into the kitchen.
Trina: Are you thinking what I'm thinking?
Spencer: Cyrus knows something about Esme's situation that we don't.
*The two of them finish their food, and Spencer leaves a generous tip. They exit the restaurant together.*
One hour later, Cyrus finished washing the last of the dishes, removed his apron, and clocked out. He exited the restaurant and was taking in the evening air when a group of police officers surrounded him.
Dante Falconeri: Hands up!
Cyrus: Woah, what's going on?
Dante: Cyrus Renault, you are under arrest for unlawful distribution of a controlled substance, and attempted murder.
Cyrus: I don't know what you're talking about, Detective Falconeri. Those days of leading a life of sin are over. I have turned to God and am allowing Him to guide me on the path to redemption, wherever that may be.
Dante: Uh huh. Does that path include plotting to murder Esme Prince? Because that isn't very Christian of you.
Cyrus: I did no such thing!
Dante: The evidence we have says otherwise. That prayer you said in there earlier, asking God to protect Ace and lead him safely back to Spencer and making sure that Esme is at peace? We heard every word of it.
Cyrus: You can interpret whatever you heard any way you want, but seeing as how you were not seated at the table with us as we were praying, your knowledge of the situation is very limited, and you can't arrest someone based on a snippet of conversation you happen to have overheard.
Dante: We have a lot more solid evidence that you and Jonathan Kinder have been working together.
Cyrus: Jonathan is an old friend. We go back decades.
Dante: Uh huh. And I bet during that time, you've been supplying him with various controlled substances so that he can continue his "treatments" after his medical license was revoked when he was convicted of drug-facilitated sexual assault, am I right?
Cyrus: Like I've already told you, I gave up that lifestyle and turned to God. And that was indeed my prayer; that Ace will make it home safely, and for Esme to be at peace. I do happen to know that Esme has been struggling, and I pray that she may struggle no more, and find peace.
Dante: Well, it seems as if your prayer has been answered, just not in the way you were hoping. You know what they say; God works in mysterious ways. Now put your hands behind your back.
*Cyrus sighs and does as he is told. Dante handcuffs him*
Dante: Cyrus Renault, you have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you. Do you understand these rights as I have read them to you?
Cyrus: You're arresting the wrong person.
Dante: Cyrus, seeing as how you are Mayor Collins's brother, I strongly urge you to exercise these rights. Again, do you understand these rights as I have read them to you.
Cyrus: *sigh* Yes, Detective.
Dante (to the other officers): Go on, get him out of here.
*The officers escort Cyrus to the police car. As they're leaving, a short man awkwardly makes his way over to Dante*
Dante: Nice work Spinelli.
Damian Spinelli: I am glad to be of service.
Back at Wildwind, Leora sat on the sofa in the living room, looking at the picture of Alex and Dimitri on their wedding day. Anton walked in through the front door and saw her.
Anton: I see you've been looking at that picture a lot.
Leora: Yes, I have.
Anton: You seem very fascinated by it.
Leora: Yes. How well did you know Alex? From what I'm guessing, you didn't know her growing up, and that she wasn't the one who raised you?
Anton: That is correct. I also didn't know Dimitri was my father until I was an adult. Not only that, but I found out that the woman whom I was raised believing to be my sister was actually my mother. It's a long, complicated story that I won't go into. In a nutshell, I was angry for being lied to my entire life, but I eventually forgave Dimitri before moving away to attend medical school. I periodically saw him when we were both at Vadzel, but we didn't have the bond that a father and son should have.
Leora: Wow, I'm really sorry to hear that.
Anton: I've learned to accept it.
Leora: I hate to rip open old wounds, but would you mind telling me a bit about Alex?
Anton: Well, she was a doctor in the UK. Dimitri went to see her because he was experiencing symptoms of what turned out to be a rare brain disease, but he didn't want the family to know. He wanted us to see the strong, resilient man he had always been. While she was treating him, they fell in love and got married. They were going to fly back to Pine Valley together to surprise everyone, but on the plane flight, Dimitri suffered a brain aneurysm. He was taken to a hospital close to the airport, where he was pronounced dead. But Alex was actually keeping him hidden away at the hospital. She developed an experimental cure, which ultimately worked.
Then there was this long, complicated mess of Dimitri being kidnapped and presumed dead again, and Alex discovering she had been conditioned to believe she was her twin sister, who was also presumed dead at the time. Ultimately Dimitri made his way back to Pine Valley, and reunited with Alex. They eventually found out that her sister was alive and living in Canada, and they brought her back to Pine Valley. Then, as I told you when you and Esme were up in the turret, Gillian was shot and killed, and Dimitri and Alex left Pine Valley and returned to Europe to console the rest of the family. And then, due to Alex's conditioning, she became increasingly mentally unstable, and was no longer the kind, caring doctor who saved Dimitri's life. So, they divorced, and Dimitri fell into a deep depression and pretty much cut himself off from the rest of the family, and we didn't see him again for a very long time. He eventually returned to Pine Valley, married his new wife, Brooke, whom he had previously had a relationship with. They remained married until Dimitri passed away back in 2021. Meanwhile Alex disappeared, and we have no idea where she is or even if she's still alive.
Leora: Oh my god, that's awful!
Anton: Yes. We come from a family of Hungarian aristocracy, yet we're very dysfunctional, especially after Gillian was killed. It just goes to show you that the grass isn't greener on the other side, even on the grounds of a large estate.
Leora: Did Alex have any children?
Anton: Yes, she has one son. He was also a factor in her marriage to Dimitri falling apart, even though at the time he didn't know he was her son.
Leora: So I assume her son wasn't a good person?
Anton: That's an understatement.
Leora: What happened to him?
Anton: I don't know.
Leora: And you've said that Alex has a twin sister?
Anton: Yes. I can't remember her name though. She was involved with some international security agency. Like I said, she had a lot of enemies, one of whom was the one who killed Gillian. We kept our distance from her after that.
Leora: And you're sure you don't remember her name?
Anton: It may have been Anna.
Leora: Anna Devane?
Anton: That may have been it. I don't remember for sure. But where did you get that name from? Devane?
Leora: Well, I met her. Briefly. Esme and I were at a park in Port Charles raising money for our organization. A woman walked by, and we asked if she'd like to donate, and she looked at me for several seconds. She seemed shocked to see me. She then took a HUGE wad of cash out of her purse and stuffed it in our collection bin, then moved to another area of the plaza, but we could see her staring at us. Esme filled me in on who she was, including that she shot a girl who had broken into her house, mistaking her for one of her enemies. After hearing all this, I decided to keep my distance from her. And you told me you've done the same thing.
Anton: That is correct. But why are you so curious about her, assuming the woman you're referring to is indeed Alex's sister?
Leora: Because I think one of them was my mother. From what you've told me about Alex, it doesn't seem like she was my mother.
Anton: Do you mind me asking how old you are?
Leora: I'll be 21 on February 26.
Anton: 21…that means you were born in 2003?
Leora: Yes.
Anton: That definitely rules out Alex as your mother. She and my father were still married back then, and they did not have any children together. Nor did she have any children other than her son whom I already mentioned, who was born many years before you were.
Leora: So that leaves Anna. I remember you saying that she was married to a doctor. Do you happen to remember his name?
Anton: I'm afraid I don't. But they did have a daughter, who was born around that time. She died though, only a few months after she was born. Heart complications.
Leora: I remember you telling me about that. You said that he wasn't the doctor who performed the surgery, and she died on the operating table?
Anton: Yes. Keep in mind that there are a lot of details that I don't know about.
Leora: You're sure you don't remember what his name was?
Anton: You know, I did have a colleague who lived in Pine Valley for many years. I met him a few times at various medical conferences, the most recent of which was around 2007. He mentioned that he had an infant daughter who died about four years earlier during a medical procedure to have a pacemaker put in. Naturally, he was devastated. He felt strongly that had he been the one to perform the surgery, his daughter might still be alive. He actually tried to force his way into the operating room, as he was very adamant that they weren't doing the surgery correctly, but they wouldn't let him in. He blamed the chief of staff for her death.
Leora: Do you mind me asking what your colleague's name was?
Anton: His name was Dr. David Hayward.
Leora: How well do you know Dr. David Hayward?
Anton: I didn't know him very well, but people spoke highly of him. He was a brilliant doctor, even though his methods were at times rather unorthodox, and landed him in trouble on more than one occasion.
Leora: Do you know where he is? I would like to talk to him.
Anton: Um, Leann, why do you feel so strongly that you're their daughter? She's dead.
Leora: Well, I was born around that time, and what you're telling me lines up with what I know about my heart surgeries.
*Leora shows Anton the scars from her surgeries.*
Leora: I was born with a heart defect, and the pacemaker was one of the many operations I've had.
*She feels tears welling up in her eyes, and becomes choked up*
Leora: I was told that my parents didn't want me after they learned that I had all these heart problems, and that they left me at the hospital after I was born. But now I know that's a lie! I knew about the doctor who tried to force his way into the operating room. It never occurred to me that the reason why he burst in was because I'm...I'm his daughter!
Anton: Oh my god!
Leora: Where is Dr. Hayward? Please give me his contact info! I want to talk to him!
Anton: I'm afraid I can't do that.
Leora: Why not?
Anton: Because he died.
Leora: Oh no.
Anton: About five years ago.
Leora: No!
Anton: I'm really sorry Leann.
Leora: NOOOOOOOO!
*Leora puts her head in her hands and sobs; Anton gently rubs her back to comfort her.*
Nelle sat by Esme's bedside at the hospital. Esme lay there unconscious. The heart monitor was beeping steadily, which Nelle figured was a good sign, but eventually she tuned it out.
Nelle: Esme, please wake up. Come back to us. Ace needs his mommy.
*She strokes Esme's hand while looking at the half-heart pendant on the table next to the bed.*
Nelle: And I need my sister. Please Esme, wake up! Open your eyes!
*Nelle gets up and stands over Esme, still clutching her hand. Esme's eyelids begin to flicker, and she slowly opens them.*
Nelle: Oh thank God, you're awake! Please Esme, talk to me!
*Esme slowly raises her head*
Esme: N-Nelle?