Chapter 16 – Unwelcome Home

Nelle and Esme had stopped for lunch at a small cafe on the way back to Port Charles, and were sitting at a table waiting for their food. Ace was in a high chair sucking his thumb. Esme's head still was a bit sore from where she fell, but the intense, throbbing migraines she was having while taking the medication that Kinder prescribed were gone. Even though a lot of memories came back to her, she still was having trouble remembering certain things that happened prior to jumping off the parapet. But she did remember her father, and him telling her about Nelle.

At the time, Esme really wanted to meet her. Ryan said he could envision the two of them being sisters. Esme remembered at the time thinking that Nelle somewhat looked like her, except with strawberry-blonde hair, but Ryan said it was because of her resourcefulness. Esme saw Nelle as an older, wiser version of herself, who had learned from her mistakes, including perfecting the art of covering her tracks.

Right now, though, Esme was slightly mad at Nelle, and had been mostly quiet during the trip so far.

Nelle: You okay Esme?

Esme: I guess.

Nelle: Is it because Leann isn't accompanying us?

Esme: No.

Nelle: No?

Esme: I mean, I was enjoying hanging out with her and everything, but it's not like we're not going to be in touch. We can call and text each other anytime.

Nelle: Definitely. Something else is bothering you then?

Esme: I was going to wait until we got back to Port Charles to talk about it, but I do have a bit of a bone to pick with you.

Nelle: Okay, what is it?

Esme: Why didn't you tell me that you knew Dadd…I mean Ryan, when you were in Pentonville?

Nelle: Because I knew that as soon as you found out, you would want nothing more to do with me. I needed you to trust me, which is the whole point of being a Trusted Member of our community, and I figured you might not trust me if you knew that I knew Ryan, and not only did I know him, but he and I were friends. Or at least, I thought he was.

Esme: What do you mean?

Nelle: He stabbed me.

Esme: What?!

Nelle: I've shown you my scar from where I had my kidney removed. But I have a smaller scar on the other side from where he stabbed me.

*She lifts up her shirt just enough to show Esme the scar*

Nelle: He barely missed my one remaining kidney. I thought the two of us were friends, but I guess his "killer instinct" if you will took over, and he just couldn't resist attacking a vulnerable young woman. Although it did result in me being taken to GH, so it wasn't all bad. Between Pentonville and GH, I'd choose the latter any time.

Esme: Wow! I thought Daddy…I mean Ryan, thought the world of you.

Nelle: I thought so too, but now I can see that he didn't. I know he was obsessed with Ava, and before her, Felicia Scorpio. But at the end of the day, I really didn't know him very well at all. But it's no use trying to make sense of it because he's dead now. He's out of your life, and he has no hold over you anymore. You're free to live your life the way you want to.

Esme: I can't believe I was so foolish, doing all those horrible things that he was making me do, with the promise that when he got out of prison, he and I would live in luxury. But I don't see how that would have been possible, as he was a serial killer! And a very good actor too, as he fooled everyone into thinking he had locked-in syndrome and did so for many months without anyone knowing that he was faking. But even if he were to get out of prison, his life of luxury included Ava. I can't stand that woman, always standing there drinking her martini while at the same time being like "Ohh, poor me!" And now I remember that Lauren…I mean Kiki, was her daughter. I could maybe understand why he'd want her out of the way.

Nelle: I agree, Kiki's a bitch. Actually, the reason why Ryan went after Kiki in the first place was because Ava and Kiki were constantly fighting, including over men. Kiki says she misses her mom, but at the end of the day, I think she's better off being part of our family. I strongly feel that, in time, she'll come to the realization that she's better off without Ava.

Esme: I remember my first encounter with her was when I had my first appointment with…you know who at that clinic. She had dropped her ID badge and I picked it up, saw her picture, thought she looked familiar, and then when I looked up, she was standing there, asking for it back. We stared at each other for a few seconds, and it was very awkward. And I'm sure that the reason why she was doing so was because she looked at my face and saw my father. I don't really think I look like either of my parents to be honest. I guess I can sort of see a resemblance to Ryan, but I don't really think I look very much like Heather. And I think she's a bit too old to be my mom.

Nelle: Yes, pregnancy is rare in older women, though it does happen. You're 22, right?

Esme: Yes, I was born on June 15, 2001. I actually am a year older than I thought I was.

Nelle: And how old is Heather?

Esme: I don't recall if she told me but if I had to guess I'd say she's in her late 60s.

Nelle: So she was in her mid-to-late 40s when she had you. That is pretty old to get pregnant, but at the same time it's been known to happen.

Esme: I know now that he was taking advantage of me, but I nonetheless remember the false sense of closeness I had with Ryan. But I can't remember ever feeling like that around Heather. I just remember her as this batty older woman who was being oddly…maternal, but it just felt…weird.

I remember the night when she and Ryan were trying to smuggle me out of Spring Ridge. I had forgotten that Ryan was my father but I had absolutely no idea that Heather was my mother. Anyways, Ryan killed one of the guards so he could get the guard's uniform so we could escape, and I saw the body, and screamed, and Heather covered my mouth with her hand to stop me. She had her hand over my face for so long and aside from being absolutely terrified of the fact that there was a dead body right in from of me, and terrified of both her and Ryan, I just wanted to get that woman's dirty old hand of my face. And that happened to be the moment when Ryan reminded me that he was my father, and of course I screamed again, and therefore, so covered my mouth with her hand, again!

Nelle: I can most certainly understand why you would find that gross!

Esme: Yep. And later that same evening, I went into labor. They had brought me to Spoon Island because Ryan wanted to bring Ava, or Felica, or BOTH to wherever we were going, but I escaped. I ran out of Wyndemere and into the woods but my water broke. Ryan found me and I knew that I had to get away from him, but didn't know how. Ava showed up and held him at gunpoint and I made my way back to the main house as fast as I could. By that point the authorities had arrived. They had an officer holding Heather in custody and were waiting for the launch to take them back to the mainland. Laura and Kevin were also there, and even though I was absolutely terrified of Ryan, and Kevin's resemblance to his brother was so unsettling, I trusted him enough to allow him to deliver my baby. There was no way we were going to be able to make it back to the mainland so I could be rushed to the hospital, so Ace was born right there on the couch in the living room.

Heather was insisting that they allow her to be there to watch me give birth, but I wanted her gone, and it was at that point that Heather revealed she was my mother. I asked Laura if this was true, and she told me that the evidence suggested that Heather gave birth to me. But I didn't care, I wanted her gone!

Now at the time, I just thought that Laura saying that 'the evidence suggested' that Heather gave birth to me was her confirming that Heather was my biological mother. But I don't know. I don't miss either of my parents. Ryan is dead anyway, but I don't have any desire to go visit Heather in Pentonville. And what if Heather isn't my biological mother? They could always have gotten me mixed up with another baby. I know that modern hospitals try to prevent that sort of thing from happening as best as they can, but it still happens. But even if she did give birth to me, that doesn't necessarily mean she's my biomom.

Nelle: It's worth looking into I suppose. Have you considered a DNA test?

Esme: Not seriously, but maybe I should. Though I know they're not the most reliable.

Nelle: Yes, they do tend to get tampered with. You know, for a long time, people were saying that the heart necklace was no proof that I was Nina Reeves' daughter, but I honestly think it's the strongest proof. I always had my half, and I'm guessing that the half that was meant to go to my twin sister was sent back to Nina after her mother died, as it was left with all of my grandmother's other belongings. But, as I said at the feast, I lost my half, it found its way to Nina, who gave both halves to my sister, who gave it to her friend to get rid of, and her friend gave it to me, and now you have one half. We might not be biological sisters, but honestly I feel more of a bond with you than I have with anyone else.

Esme: I'm sorry that I was mad earlier. I guess I'm just frustrated because had I met you before I lost my memory and before you fell off the cliff, we probably would've been very close.

Nelle: No use dwelling on the past. If anything, I think our paths were meant to cross when they did. We're building a new family.

*They both look over at Ace fidgeting in his high chair, then the server arrives with their food.*

The remainder of the drive back to Port Charles was a lot more enjoyable, with Nelle and Esme talking about all the things they were going to do as "sisters". But as they were approaching the restaurant formerly known as Kelly's, the conversation turned serious once again.

Esme: *looks at the new sign hanging near the entrance* Bobbie's? I thought I hadn't been in the hospital all that long.

Nelle: You weren't. Carly's mother was named Bobbie, and she was the owner of the restaurant for a long time, and she recently passed away.

Esme: Oh yeah, that's right! I remember her telling me just before we left for Pine Valley about her mother.

Nelle: Yes, so I'm guessing Carly must've renamed the restaurant after her mother. Now, before you go in, there are a few things I need to talk to you about.

Esme: Um, okay?

Nelle: So, as you know, Carly and I haven't had the best relationship, to put it mildly. And she has no idea that I'm still alive. Nobody does aside from the other members of the group. And for the time being, I need it to stay that way, as otherwise they're just going to throw me back in prison. So that means I can't accompany you inside the restaurant to help bring your stuff up to your apartment.

Esme: As long as Ace makes it up safely, I don't care if the rest of my stuff stays out here until tomorrow morning.

Nelle: That's something else I need to talk to you about.

Esme: Okay?

Nelle: I'm really glad to see how well you're looking, and for the most part are fully recovered from when you fell and hit your head, but I nonetheless strongly feel that you deserve a break. Therefore, I think it's best if Ace stays with me tonight. I've got a room at my house set up as a nursery, so he'll have everything he needs. And that means that you'll have less stuff to bring up.

Esme: Hey, Ace isn't "stuff", he's my son!

Nelle: I meant Ace's stuff, of course Ace is your son. But just for tonight, I think you deserve a break, while you get re-settled back into your routine here in Port Charles. It might not be as easy as you think, hence why I think Ace would be best staying with me.

Esme: Um…

Nelle: Don't forget, I took care of him while you were in the hospital, so it's not like I'm a stranger. I'm his Auntie Jan.

*Esme sees Ace smile at these words*

Esme: Okay, I suppose you're right. I'll be able to get some much needed sleep in my own bed, even though I'll admit that bed at Wildwind was mighty comfy, and I trust Ace is safe with you.

Nelle: I'm glad you trust me. One other thing. Whatever you do, do NOT let anyone see you wearing that necklace, especially Carly, Michael, Willow, and Nina. If you're wearing it, keep it tucked into your shirt. If you're not wearing it, keep it in a safe place.

Esme: But Nina's your mom?

Nelle: She is, but like I said, it's important that no one outside of our group knows I'm alive.

Esme: Got it.

*Nelle helps Esme unload her suitcase from the trunk of the car, while leaving the diaper bag and other baby supplies. She kisses Ace goodnight, then Nelle gets out of the car and the two of them hug.*

Esme: Thank you so much for everything Jan!

Nelle: Anytime. We're sisters!

*Nelle gets back in her car and drives away, while Esme heaves her suitcase inside the restaurant, where Carly is in the process of closing up for the night.*

Carly: Sorry, we're…*turns around to see Esme* oh, it's you.

Esme: Hello Ms. Spencer.

Carly: Where's Ace?

Esme: He's staying with a friend from group. Just for one night though, so I can rest.

Carly: Oh, Leann?

Esme: No, Leann has decided to stay in Pine Valley for the time being. She uh… *tries to tell Carly about Leora's situation while trying not to reveal who she really is, in the off chance any of Anna's enemies were listening in* She has family there, and hasn't seen them in a while, so she's catching up.

Carly: She's not off doing drugs?

Esme: What?!

Carly: The morning you left for your trip, you looked very unwell, and meanwhile Leann had babysat for Michael and Willow a few days before. Initially I thought that I could trust Leann, but after seeing how unwell you looked, I thought you might have been on drugs, and you and her were going off to party and get high, and it turns out I was right, because you overdosed.

Esme: How the hell did you find that out?

Carly: Because Leann told Willow when Willow called and asked if she could babysit again, and Willow relayed that information to me. Honestly I was relieved, as I thought Leann was your dealer. It was wrong of me to assume that, so I'm sorry.

Esme: Okay? I don't know how you came to the assumption Leann was a drug dealer, because she's far from it. If anything she's the one who saved my life. She's seriously considering becoming a nurse. Perhaps even a doctor.

Carly: I see. So this new friend of yours is…

Esme: Jan. She's actually the director of the organization that runs the group, and she and I have become like sisters.

*Carly is reminded of Nelle insisting that they were sisters, since they both were adopted by Frank Benson*

Carly: Sisters, huh?

Esme: Pretty much.

Carly: Okay.

Esme: Aren't you going to ask how I'm doing?

Carly: How are you doing Esme?

Esme: Much better, and very glad to be home.

Carly: You're getting help for your addiction then?

Esme: Not that it's any of your business-

Carly: It is my business, since I am the owner of this diner and the apartment upstairs where you're living. I very reluctantly took you in, and I can't have people living here if they're doing drugs. That's one of the reasons why Sonny and I got divorced. I do not want to be affiliated with that lifestyle anymore!

Esme: Understood, Ms. Spencer. But if it makes you feel better, I am getting help, and drug counseling is something that the organization provides.

Carly: Okay, well if I see that you're getting help and making progress, I'll let you stay here.

Esme: Thank you, Ms. Spencer.

Carly: But only if Ace stays with you, as the reason why I allowed you to live here was to give your son a roof over his head. If he's not going to be staying here with you then you can find somewhere else to go!

Esme: You sure are sounding a lot like Nikolas!

*Carly is caught off guard by Esme's words*

Carly: So you remember then? The reason Nikolas gave for locking you up? I don't approve of what he did, but I do care about your son, and keeping him safe!

Esme: Don't you want me to remember? Yes, that was the excuse Nikolas gave for keeping me locked up, because the only alternative was prison. Even though I wasn't the Hook! So yes, I'm remembering, but I don't remember everything, including what I was thinking when I recorded Joss and Cam having sex and framing Trina for it. I nonetheless hate that I did it and want to make things right!

Carly: I hope you're being honest with me, because hosting the woman who exploited my daughter and her boyfriend and nearly caused Trina to be convicted for a crime that she didn't commit has been very difficult to do. If I see any sign that you're reverting to the monster you used to be, you will be evicted! Are we clear?

Esme: Yes, Ms. Spencer.

Carly: Alright. Well then, you may take your stuff up to your room.

Esme: Thank you, Ms. Spencer.

*Esme takes her suitcase and begins to heave it up the stairs.

Carly: Esme?

Esme: Yes?

Carly: You remind me a lot of Nelle. Let's hope that changes.

*Carly turns around and walks away as Esme reaches the top step and takes the key out to unlock the door to the apartment. Once inside, she collapses on the bed, briefly trying to process what Carly just said before being overtaken by sleepiness.*

Coming up: Esme faces additional hurdles as she settles back into her old routine, while Nelle tightens her grip.