Chapter 21 – Nelle's Secret Weapon
Esme: Spence?
Spencer: Esme! What are you doing here?
Esme: I could ask you the same thing.
Spencer: *Sigh* Trina and I broke up. At least, I think we did. It was very sudden. I couldn't get hold of her all day, so I decided to wait outside her dorm room, like I often do. She eventually came back, says that she got accepted into the art program at the Sorbonne in Paris, but was hesitant to go as it would mean going long distance. She talked about it with everyone, and they all said pretty much the same thing; they didn't think it was a good idea for us to stay together but the decision was hers. Then she went to see Taggert, and he also said he'd support her, but emphasized the time difference between New York and Paris. So, he encouraged her to break up with me, and that's what she did.
Esme: Wow, I'm, uh, I'm sorry to hear that.
Spencer: I told her that we didn't have to be long distance, as I could spend the week in France with her, and then go back to Port Charles on the weekends to…nevermind, I don't want to talk about it.
Esme: Okay, I mean, I wasn't trying to make you tell a big sob story about your relationship with Trina ending, since it's not any of my business.
Spencer: What were you doing here, at the Savoy?
Esme: Not that it's any of your business, but I was on a date…sort of. I went to the Highsider yesterday to-
Spencer: What?!
Esme: Hold on! Before you freak out, I wasn't there to get drunk, nor to get any illegal products that were smuggled in. I went there to re-trace my steps to try and figure out why I tried to frame Trina for revenge porn, which I know was wrong and genuinely regret doing.
Spencer: Wow, it only took you losing your memory to regret it!
Esme: I DO regret it though, Spence! But anyway, that's why I went there. And when I was there, I met this guy, Slade, and he told me that he was going to be performing at the Savoy tonight with his band, so I went to see him. Jan encouraged me to go, because I was becoming too isolated, and I needed to get on with my life. So, I saw them, and afterwards Slade and I chatted a bit more, but I realized that he and I weren't compatible, but Leann might want to get to know him as he's originally from Pine Valley, and that's where she's staying. So I'm waiting for her to call me back so I can give her his number.
Spencer: Oh, well, I'm sorry things didn't work out.
Esme: It was my decision. What were you doing here though? Were you coming here to drink your misery away?
Spencer: No, I was actually coming here hoping I could talk to Curtis, as he might be able to convince Trina to reconsider breaking up with me.
Esme: Well, you can save yourself the hassle of making your way through a rather packed crowd, because Curtis isn't here tonight. You could've called beforehand and asked. That way you wouldn't have had to come all the way for nothing.
Spencer: Well, seeing as how we happened to bump into each other, there's something that I need to ask you.
Esme: Really? I thought you wanted nothing more to do with me.
Spencer: I thought the same thing, and in fact I still feel that way, but I still need to talk to you about something important. And no, it's not about Ace. At least, not about getting custody. But I don't want to talk about it out here.
Esme: Well, where do you want to talk about it then? I still feel unwelcome in most of the establishments around Port Charles, and was going to head back to Jan's house, since I won't be going with Slade back to…nevermind.
Spencer: You were hoping to be a groupie, weren't you?
Esme: Do I detect a hint of jealousy?
Spencer: You just told me you didn't think the two of you weren't compatible, but it wouldn't matter to me if you were. But I thought you moved in with this Jan lady because she was the director of this organization that's helping you get your life back on track, and help you care for Ace!
Esme: Yes!
Spencer: Then why are you instead going to bars and trying to hook up with random guys?
Esme (Through gritted teeth): I'M NOT HOOKING UP WITH HIM! Jan encouraged me to go see him perform! I don't think we're meant for each other, and therefore, I'm going back to her house!
*She takes a deep breath*
Esme: What is this thing you want to ask me?
Spencer: Something that you most definitely won't want to talk about out here!
Esme: Too bad! Whatever it is you need to ask me, you can ask me out here! Now will you please just spit it out so I can go home?!
Spencer: Before I do, I need you to promise that you'll be 100% honest with me. Don't "spare me anything I don't want to hear". I can take uncomfortable answers. I just want to know the truth.
Esme: *Rolls her eyes* Yes, I promise I'll be 100% honest with you! *Grits her teeth* NOW ASK ME ALREADY!
Spencer: When was the last time we had sex?
Esme: You already know the answer to that question!
Spencer: Was it before or after you and my father did the nasty?!
Esme: I'm not having this conversation with you right now Spencer! You're obviously not in a good headspace because Trina dumped you!
Spencer: You're damn right I'm not in a good headspace! I keep having these dreams where we're having the same conversation about me telling you how disgusted I feel about you!
Esme: Then why do you keep bringing it up? I'm the one who's trying to move on with my life here!
Spencer: I'm trying to move on too! But in order for me to do that, I need to know if these dreams really are just dreams, or if it's something else. I began having them the first time you fell over the parapet and nobody knew where you were.
Esme: Oh really? Well, what were we doing in these dreams?
Spencer: The first time I had this dream, we were here, at the Savoy. Inside the building of course. The room was empty except for us. You were wearing a pink dress and were sitting on the counter at the bar, smugly holding a martini in your hand, like Ava always does. You were reminding me about how I was a virgin when we met while you had been with other guys, how I wasn't "man enough" to be with you, and there was another guy who knew exactly how to keep you satisfied, and I told you that the thought of touching you repulsed me. Now at the time, I had just found out that you had sex with my father and was trying to wrap my head around how could he betray me like this, since I already resented him for letting me believe he was dead for three years, and meanwhile you had gone missing, and we thought you were dead, but you weren't.
Esme: Okay? But that just sounds like a bad dream. You felt betrayed by both of us, and I understand now why you would feel that way, and I feel terrible about it. But naturally it would be on your mind.
Spencer: And that's what I had been trying to tell myself; that it was just a dream. But then a while afterwards, I had another dream very similar to that one, only this time we were at the pool at the Metro Court. And just like in the first dream, the place was empty save for us. You said the same thing; reminding me that I was a virgin when we met but you had been with other guys, saying that I wasn't "man enough" for you, and telling me that there was another guy who could satisfy you, and I told you the thought of touching you repulsed me.
Esme: That still sounds like a bad dream Spence.
Spencer: Well, like the first time, I was telling myself it was just a dream. But then, I had a third dream. This time we were in the visiting room at Pentonville, and just like in my other dreams, it was empty. There weren't even any guards around. And you once again were reminding me that I was a virgin when we met, that I wasn't "man enough", there was another guy who could satisfy you, and I told you I was repulsed at the thought of touching you.
Esme: I get it. I did a lot of repulsive things, so it's natural that you would feel that way. And again, I regret it! But those are just dreams, Spence!
Spencer: And that's what I was telling myself! All those times I told myself that they were dreams. But earlier this evening after Trina dumped me, I was walking through the hall at the PCU dorm, and I heard those voices in my head again! But this time, I was awake, and they were just voices that I knew were in my head. I was aware of where I was and what I was doing, so I know I'm not going crazy. But I heard them. And this time, I heard us both saying things I didn't hear in the dreams.
Esme: *Rolls eyes* Oh really, what were they?
Spencer: I was telling you that it would be the last time we were ever having sex because our relationship was over. You said you had already found someone else, and that he knew how to keep you satisfied. And this time, I heard myself getting angry and mentioning how I wish you had told me that you had begun seeing someone else so I could have come prepared, but then I told you that the thought of touching you after you had unprotected sex with another guy without telling me beforehand repulsed me. You strongly were implying that you somehow knew this guy didn't have STDs but I wasn't buying it. I then asked you if you were still taking the pill, and you said that it was none of my business, and I heard myself getting angrier and angrier and demanding to know if you were taking the pill, and you told me that my aggression was "manly" and that maybe I had given you what you had been wanting from me after all.
Esme: Spence, it makes sense why you would be angry with me! But you've just broken up with Trina, so naturally you're upset and not thinking straight!
Spencer: I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO THINK ANYMORE ESME! I don't know what to believe anymore. I love Trina but I love my little brother too! But I've been wondering for a long time if there's any possibility that he could be my son! Maybe it wouldn't change how the courts feel about custody, maybe they would still feel that Ace is best off with you and your support group. But still, I need to know! So be honest Esme. Was the last time we had sex before you had sex with my father, or after?
Esme: *She looks at the ground and sighs* After.
Spencer: *He looks at the ground and holds the bridge of his nose between his fingers, and also sighs* Okay. How long after was it?
Esme: A few days. Maybe a week, I don't remember for sure.
Spencer: Well obviously you remember it happening, so unless you're just trying to further manipulate me, that means you've recovered from your amnesia! Why is it that you remember it, but I don't?
Esme: Because you were so repulsed with yourself for having sex with me after we had broken up that you downed pretty much every beverage in the liquor cabinet, threw up on the floor in the living room, then went into the bathroom and passed out on the floor in front of the toilet! I'd never seen you do that before and needless to say it wasn't a pretty sight at all, and that's why you're struggling to remember it and why I don't like talking about it! And you're misremembering a crucial detail. You had broken up with me before I had sex with Nikolas, so it isn't like I cheated on you!
Spencer: No, but it was still just as bad! You had sex, with my FATHER, without telling me beforehand! You need to TELL me this stuff, Esme!
Esme: Oh, there's a good reason why I didn't tell you!
Spencer: What is that?
Esme: You didn't ask me before we did it! I would've told you had you asked me!
Spencer: I don't believe that for a second! You got with me in the first place, not because you loved me, but because your evil father was using you as a means of destroying my father's marriage to Ava. And you resorted to having sex with my father after I rejected you because your father pimped you out to further his agenda! Now I'm glad that you now see your father for the monster he was and are taking steps to better your life, but it took you losing and then re-gaining your memories in order for that to happen! I can sympathize with you that your father was taking advantage of you and I'm glad he's dead, and I'm even more glad that you've kept your distance from Heather even though she's still alive, as before you lost your memory, you were desperate to learn who your mother was. It shows that you want to change. But one thing you can't change is the past! So no, I don't believe for a minute that "Old Esme" would have told me you were sleeping with someone else, let alone my father, even if I had asked!
So now's your chance Esme. Be honest, with me, with everyone else in Port Charles, but also with yourself.
Esme: I am being honest! Yes, we had sex one last time, after your father and I did the deed, and yes I am disgusted with myself because of it! Happy now?!
Spencer: No, I am not happy, Esme! I'm not happy at all! I'm not happy with myself, nor am I happy with what you've been telling me!
Esme: Okay now you're resorting to attacking me simply for being the bearer of bad news!
Spencer: I'm not attacking you Esme! I just want the truth!
Esme: And I've told you the truth, Spencer! What more do you want to know?!
Spencer: Is Ace my son?
*Esme is silent for several seconds.*
Spencer: Is Ace my son or isn't he?
Esme: *Sigh* I don't know.
Spencer: You don't know?
Esme: I don't know if Ace is your son or Nikolas's! There, I said it!
Spencer: So I was right, wasn't I? You weren't using any sort of protection when we last had sex! God, I feel…sick to my stomach!
Esme: Well, if you need to throw up, try and get to the restroom before you make a mess on the floor!
*Spencer gives Esme one last angry glance, then enters the bar, runs to the men's room, goes inside a stall, and locks the door. He screams angrily, then starts sobbing hysterically, feeling a mix of anger and devastation. He is in there for several minutes, during which time Esme sits down on a nearby bench, contemplating whether to continue to wait for Spencer, or make her way back to Nelle's. Finally, Spencer comes back out.*
Esme: You feeling better?
Spencer: Am I feeling better? Am I feeling better Esme? You just told me what you should have told me before we had sex that last time, and that it's possible that Ace is my son after insisting that he's my brother, and you're asking me if I'm feeling better?!
Esme: At least it's out in the open now!
Spencer: Oh yeah, now it's out in the open! You should have been honest with me from the beginning!
Esme: Well, what are you going to do about it? You can't change the past!
Spencer: I DON'T KNOW WHAT I'M GOING TO DO ESME!
*A bouncer comes out of the bar*
Bouncer: Hey, you two! Is there a problem here?
Esme: No!
Spencer: Yes!
Bouncer: Obviously you two are having some sort of dispute, but I can't have you yelling at each other in front of the bar! Am I going to have to get the police involved?
Esme: No, sir.
Spencer: I was just leaving anyway.
*The bouncer gives them disapproving looks, then heads back inside*
Spencer: I really should go. Coming here tonight was a mistake.
*He motions to leave.*
Esme: Spencer, wait.
*Spencer turns around*
Spencer: What now?
Esme: *Sigh* Look, I don't know whether Ace is your son or not, and obviously I can't change the past. But if you really want to, I can ask Jan if it's okay if you came back with me to the house to see Ace. As long as you don't try and take him, I don't see the harm in allowing you to see him.
*Spencer hesitates for several seconds*
Spencer: Yes, I would like to see him.
Esme: Alright. I'm going to have to ask Jan first, because it's her house, and I would like some privacy while I talk to her. So if you'll excuse me…
*She goes back inside the bar and heads over to the ladies' room, while Spencer sits on the bench outside the bar.*
Spencer (to himself): NOW she wants privacy!
*Esme goes inside a stall, closes and locks the door, takes out her phone and calls Nelle.*
Nelle: Hi Esme, what's up?
Esme: Hi N-Jan. Look, I ran into Spencer while at the Savoy. He just got dumped, and meanwhile I've decided that Slade and I are incompatible.
Nelle: Uh oh, is everything okay?
Esme: Nothing bad happened with Slade, if that's what you're wondering. We're still friends, I think, anyway, but it turns out he's from Pine Valley and is headed back there first thing tomorrow in order to see his mom, and I feel like maybe he and Leann are a better fit due to some of the things he shared with me. So I asked if she'd like to have his number, and am waiting for a reply.
Nelle: That's good. How do you feel about that?
Esme: Sad actually, because I do like him. I enjoyed watching him perform with the band, even though he said he's not a fan of their music and is doing it simply for the money. He's hot too, and even though he admitted to me that he's made some bad choices, he seems to have learned from them, and overall seems more mature than Spencer. But I nonetheless think he and Leann are more compatible, and not simply because they're both from Pine Valley.
Nelle: Okay. So you said you ran into Spencer?
Esme: Yes, and unless he's decided to leave, he's waiting for me outside. I'm in the ladies' room right now.
Nelle: Are you okay?
Esme: No. I told him some stuff that I've been sitting on; that the last time he and I had sex was shortly after I had sex with Nikolas, and that I'm not sure if Ace is Nikolas's son or Spencer's, even though I think it's more likely that he's Nikolas's son.
Nelle: Oh. And how did he react?
Esme: Not too well, but at least it's out in the open now, and we both have the closure that we need. Only he's not in a good headspace right now due to Trina suddenly dumping him. And I asked him if he would like to see Ace, and he said yes, but I told him I needed to ask you first. So, would this be okay with you?
Nelle: It's fine with me, if you're sure it's something that you really would like to do.
Esme: It's not something I especially would like to do, but I feel it's the right thing to do. I don't know whether or not he's Ace's father, but if he is, I don't want to deprive Spencer of the opportunity to be in his son's life.
*Nelle is reminded of how much she resents Michael and Willow for not allowing her to be part of Wiley's life*
Esme: Jan, you there?
Nelle: Um, yeah. It's perfectly fine if you come over. However, I think you should know that I have seen Spencer a few times when he was younger.
Esme: Oh! I didn't know that.
Nelle: Yeah. It's been a long time, so I don't think he'll recognize me, and he definitely won't recognize my name, so I don't think I'll need to deploy my "secret weapon," unless you want me to.
Esme: Your secret weapon?
Nelle: Haven't you wondered how I've been able to get around Port Charles all this time without people recognizing me?
Esme: Actually yes, I have!
Nelle: Well, it's because I've been able to disguise myself. Both my appearance…
*Nelle's voice suddenly sounds like that of a middle-aged woman*
Nelle: And my voice!
*Esme starts laughing!*
Esme: Oh my god, how did you do that?!
Nelle: There's this girl on YouTube who does "voice trolling". She calls various companies that she knows are trying to scam people out of their money, and messes with the employees by pretending to be various people who don't actually exist using fake voices, and basically gets them to admit that they're trying to rip people off, at which point they are so ashamed of what they are doing that they hang up. Most people use voice filters in order to significantly change how their voice sounds, but she's able to do it without any special effects. So I've been teaching myself how to do that.
Esme: That's hilarious!
Nelle: And that's just part of it! I'm going to send you a picture.
*Esme hears her phone make the notification sound.*
Nelle: Go ahead and look at that.
*Esme takes her phone away from her ear and opens her messages. Inside is a picture of a woman who looks a lot like Nina, though Esme can still tell that it's Nelle. She's wearing a hoodie with a white shirt underneath, jeans, and sneakers, giving off a "soccer mom" vibe. Esme is now laughing hysterically!*
Esme: Oh my god, you look a lot like…well I probably shouldn't say in public.
Nelle: My mom?
Esme: Yes. But not to the point where I wouldn't mistake one of you for the other.
Nelle: I don't think people have really noticed the similarity, but I do, and it's amazing!
Esme: This is the funniest thing I've seen and heard all day!
Nelle: I have to be careful when and where I use it. I typically do so only when I'm out running errands during the day, so I can blend in with all the other moms at the grocery store. That way, nobody will notice "Nelle From Hell", as people apparently have been calling me. If I happen to see someone who looks like they could benefit from the group, I give them a fake name and tell them that my daughter is part of the group and has benefited from it, and then I give them my business card.
Esme: That's hilarious!
Nelle: I know you probably want to see it, so maybe when you feel ready, we can go grocery shopping together!
*They both start laughing hysterically now*
Esme: That sounds fun! *Laughs*
Nelle: Indeed! *Laughs* I think I might be able to get by with just the outfit tonight!
Esme: Yeah, okay. I think it's a little late to go grocery shopping, especially since I'm stocked up on my mom supplies.
Nelle: Alright then. See you in a little bit?
Esme: Sounds good.
*They hang up. Esme makes for the door but then feels her phone vibrate. She looks and sees that it's Leora who's calling. Esme doesn't want to give her Slade's number but decides to do so, as she still feels it's the right choice.*
Esme: Hey Leann.
Leora: Hey, how's it going?
Esme: Well, it's been up and down today. I met the guy I was telling you about yesterday when I went to the Highsider trying to retrace my steps. He told me his band was performing at the Savoy tonight. I wasn't sure if I wanted to go, but Jan encouraged me. So I went, and I had a good time, but after the gig, we chatted some more, and he shared some things with me that made me feel like you and him might like to get to know each other. Mainly that he's from Pine Valley and he's going to be going over there to see his mom. I told him that I have a friend in Pine Valley whom he might want to meet, and he gave me permission to give you his number. Would you like it?
Leora: Um, sure! I'd love to meet someone else with roots in Pine Valley. But are you sure you want to do it? It seems like you kind of like this guy.
Esme: I do, but I think you'd like him too, and more importantly I think he might be able to help you with finding out more about your family, and perhaps show you around and introduce you to people he knows.
Leora: Okay, sure.
*Esme gives her the number*
Leora: Thanks! What's his name?
Esme: He calls himself Slade, though I'm pretty sure it's not his real name. But I'll let him tell you everything that he shared with me, and maybe some additional stuff.
Leora: Thanks Esme! You're a great friend. I miss you, and I miss Port Charles, but I still feel like I should try to find out as much as I can about my family in Pine Valley before I go back.
Esme: Have you been able to find out very much?
Leora: No, not really. I talked a little bit to Brooke English. She's a journalist in Pine Valley, and she had been married to Anton's father until he passed away a few years ago. She did an interview with David Hayward back in 2013 and had interviewed him again shortly before his death, but the interview was never published. She told me that I definitely look like both Anna and David, and has been encouraging me to continue my search.
Esme: Oh, did you read the interview?
Leora: I watched it. He appeared on Talk Tempo shortly after he was released from prison back in 2013. He talked a lot about how he was arrested after shooting his ex-son-in-law, which I already knew about. The interview didn't really reveal anything I didn't know about from talking with Angie Hubbard, but it was interesting to not only see the man that I'm pretty sure is my father but also hear him speak, and get an idea of the person he was. I'm not sure how I feel about him to be honest. He seems like a very complex person.
Esme: I think we all are.
Leora: Very true.
Esme: Well, I would love to stay on the phone and catch up but I actually need to get going.
Leora: Okay. Well it was good talking to you, and thanks for giving me Slade's number.
Esme: Sure thing.
Leora: Have a good night!
Esme: Thanks, you too.
*They hang up, and Esme goes back outside, where Spencer was waiting.*
Spencer: You sure were in there a long time.
Esme: Yeah, I'm sorry about that.
Spencer: You seem like you're in a better mood.
Esme: I am. Let's try to not talk about any more difficult stuff tonight.
Spencer: I'll try.
Esme and Spencer took a rideshare back to Nelle's house. They got out of the car and Esme made for the front door, but Spencer stopped her.
Spencer: Hold on.
Esme: What?
Spencer: This is the old DoD house.
Esme: Dungeons and Dragons? I didn't know you're into that!
Spencer: Not D&D, DoD! This was Shiloh's house.
Esme: Shiloh?
Spencer: Well his real name was David Henry Archer. He was the leader of Dawn of Day. This was where he lived, and where the members would meet up.
Esme: What's Dawn of Day? The name sounds vaguely familiar.
Spencer: It was a cult. Shiloh was the leader, and my cousin Kristina, Alexis's daughter, was manipulated into joining them.
Esme: Oh yeah, I remember you mentioning that.
Spencer: Yeah, I don't especially enjoy talking about it. Many cults require a person to take part in some disgusting ritual if they want to become a full-fledged member. And Dawn of Day was no different.
Esme: I don't blame you for not wanting to talk about it. But I am curious though, what did Dawn of Day require Kristina to do, if you don't mind me asking?
Spencer: Part of it involved confessing a deep, dark secret, and being able to trust the other members with it. Kristina used this as an opportunity to open up about her abusive relationship with this guy named Kiefer Bauer. It happened before she came out.
*Hearing the words "trust" and "members" reminds Esme of joining All Our Children, though she doesn't think anything of it.*
Esme: Well I would think that would be a good thing, wouldn't it? It seems like it would be very cathartic to trust someone enough to open up about something like that.
Spencer: Well the thing is it wasn't exactly a secret. It happened long before Kristina joined the cult so everyone in her life already knew about it by then. The signs of the abuse were obvious. Alexis witnessed it firsthand. One night she came home and saw Kiefer as he was running out of her house. She went inside and found Kristina lying unconscious on the floor, with her face full of cuts and bruises, and when she was driving Kristina to the hospital, she ran Kiefer over with her car. Kristina had already told some of the other members of the cult about it. So, when it came time to make her pledge, Kristina said that Alexis ran Kiefer over on purpose, when really it was an accident. She wanted to join that cult so much that she was willing to lie about certain details of her traumatic experience, and hurt her mother's reputation in the process.
Esme: Well whether it was an accident or on purpose, it meant that Kiefer couldn't hurt Kristina again. But still, I don't understand what was so horrible about it, especially considering what Kristina had been through with Kiefer.
Spencer: That was only part of what Shiloh was requiring everyone to do. It also involved being branded with a tattoo, then having sex with Shiloh. And before beginning, they were given a drink laced with drugs in order to "calm their nerves."
Esme: Oh my god! No!
Spencer: Yes.
Esme: Please tell me she didn't go through with it. Did she?
Spencer: You definitely have changed, because "Old Esme" is guilty of similar stuff.
Esme: I know Spencer, and I feel awful about it!
Spencer: I hope you're being honest with me.
Esme: I am. But what happened to Kristina?
Spencer: They brought her into a room upstairs. She drank whatever Shiloh gave her, and he left her alone for a while so the drugs could take effect. Luckily she was rescued before anything else could happen.
Esme: Wow! How did they manage to rescue her?
Spencer: Kristina's older sister Sam McCall lured Shiloh away so her husband Jason could sneak in and rescue Kristina without having to confront Shiloh. They took her to a safehouse.
Esme: Was she okay?
Spencer: She was unconscious when Sam and Jason found her. The drink Shiloh gave her knocked her out. When she woke up, she was angry, and in denial about everything. They had her see a therapist. It took a while, but she eventually realized that she had been deceived into joining a cult and felt awful for lying about Alexis running over Kiefer on purpose.
Esme: I'm glad she's okay.
Spencer: As we all are. The disturbing thing about cults is that their members could be walking among us as we go about our day-to-day lives, casually looking for people whom they feel can be easily manipulated into joining, under the guise of promising that they will have a better life, when really they're scouting for new people whom the cult leader can take advantage of. That's how Kristina got involved with Dawn of Day. The person who told her about them was one of her co-workers at Charlie's Pub. And what's really horrifying is that these people don't know they're being taken advantage of, even when it's obvious to their loved ones that something isn't right.
Esme: I'm glad she's okay now. What happened to Shiloh?
Spencer: Sam shot him with a flare gun. They were on a boat, and he was about to attack her husband when she shot him, and he fell into the water. His body was later recovered. He's dead, and therefore he can't hurt anyone again.
Esme: That's good. And the house? I'm assuming that whoever bought it knew about the cult.
Spencer: Michael Corinthos bought it with the intention of turning it into a shelter for abused women. I'm guessing that he eventually sold it to All Our Children.
Esme: Yeah, Jan said that they've been here since October 2020.
Spencer: Well, everyone raves about All Our Children, and they've obviously helped you, since, despite getting your memory back, you still seem to be remorseful.
Esme: Well, I still feel like there are some pieces of the puzzle that are missing, but yes, I do. Come on, it's cold out here, let's go inside.
Spencer: Okay.
*They enter the house through the front door.*
Nelle: Hi Esme!
Esme: Hi Jan. Spencer, this is Jan Clayton. Jan, this is Spencer Cassadine.
Nelle: Hello Spencer! It's so nice to meet you.
Spencer: It's, uh, nice to meet you too Jan.
*Esme is fighting back the urge to laugh. Even though Nelle looks and sounds the same way she usually does, Esme still finds the outfit she's wearing uncharacteristically casual, in contrast to the designer dresses she was used to seeing Nelle wear, though if Nelle hadn't told her the outfit was part of a disguise, she likely wouldn't have noticed. She puts her fist to her mouth and disguises her laugh as a burp.*
Nelle: Are you okay Esme?
Esme: I'm not feeling so great. It must have been that milkshake I had earlier. I'm lactose intolerant but sometimes I just can't resist! I'll be back.
*She dashes to the bathroom, closes and locks the door, turns the noisy fan on, looks at the picture of "middle-aged" Nelle, and begins laughing hysterically, hoping neither of them could hear.*
Spencer: You know in all the time I've known her she's never told me that. I guess she must be embarrassed about it, but it doesn't bother me. I wish that were the only thing she's never told me.
Nelle: What else hasn't she told you?
Spencer: I probably shouldn't say. She seems to be in a good mood now, but she and I had a pretty heated argument earlier this evening.
Nelle: Well, we do offer family counseling at All Our Children, as naturally we want to make sure that all of the children we look after have stable homes. Often times, one parent is absent for whatever reason, and that's why the parent who is left to care for the child seeks our help. So if we can get both parents the help they need, their family can become part of our family.
Spencer: Your family?
Nelle: We're a community. Our members support each other. Esme made a new friend, Leann, who has helped her through some very challenging times, including when she became addicted to prescription drugs. And I'm so glad Leann was with Esme during that time, because it turned out that the physician who prescribed them was practicing despite his medical license being revoked. And I feel guilty because I was the one who recommended him to Esme, as I had been a patient of his. I should've kept a closer eye on her. Leann is thinking of becoming a nurse, so she was able to spot the signs that Esme was becoming addicted.
Spencer: Well, even though I still don't trust her completely, especially after what happened earlier this evening, I am glad she's okay and *sigh* it seems like Ace is being cared for.
Nelle: Speaking of Ace, would you like to go see him?
Spencer: Sure!
*Nelle leads Spencer upstairs to the room she has set up as a nursery. Ace is in his crib, sleeping.*
Nelle: He's so adorable.
Spencer: Definitely.
*Nelle leaves the room as Spencer looks at Ace through the bars of the crib.*
Spencer: Hi little guy! You're not so little anymore. I've missed you so much.
*Spencer doesn't notice Esme walking into the room.*
Spencer: I'm really sorry I couldn't be there for you. But I'm here now. And I will always be here, regardless of whether you're my brother or my son.
*Esme walks over to Spencer.*
Spencer: Maybe Trina is right. I can't be with her while wanting to have a place in Ace's life. She deserves better.
Esme: Don't say that Spence. I don't think you're a bad person. If you were, I don't think you would be wanting what's best for Ace.
Spencer: Trina told me earlier this evening that I'm "obsessing over a kid who isn't mine", and that isn't true. I love him, regardless of whether he's my brother or my son. I still want to be part of his life, but I can see that he's happy here, and I'm not going to try to take him away from you.
Esme: I'm not happy here though. It's true that Ace is happy, but there's something missing from my life. Someone, actually.
Spencer: Who?
Esme: *Sigh* You.
Spencer: Me?
Esme: Shhh, let's go to the other room. I don't want to wake him up.
Spencer: Alright.
*She leads Spencer to her bedroom*
Spencer: So you're saying?
Esme: I miss you, Spencer. I will admit that when we first met, I was using you as a means of trying to make Ryan happy. At the time, I didn't care that he was a serial killer. He was the first person to treat me even with a sliver of compassion. I didn't realize it at the time but he was taking advantage of me. But then I lost my memory, and I saw who he really was. His hold over me was broken. And meanwhile, we were getting closer.
*She holds Spencer's hands in hers*
There was that one day, when you were reminding me of when we met, and what our relationship had been like when we were in boarding school. You mentioned how, at the time, you were very unhappy, and you liked the fact that I listened to you as opposed to just telling you what you wanted to hear. You told me how I loved your snow globe with the skiers and the log cabin, and you thought it was cheesy and didn't understand why I liked it so much, but I did. And then, when it was my birthday, you weren't sure what to get me, so you asked your friends who were always leeching on you for money, who suggested that you get me something expensive, so you got me some jewelry, but at the last minute, you decided to give me the snow globe in addition. I remember all of that now. I remember that even though I still was trying to carry out the tasks that my father was making me do, I nonetheless thought it was really sweet. And I still do. I unfortunately lost the snow globe, and I miss it. But not as much as I miss you.
Spencer: You really miss me?
Esme: Yes, I do. Spencer, I'm glad my father is no longer around, and has no control over me anymore, and while I'm glad to know who my mother is, I also know to steer clear of her. I'm free to live my life the way I want to. And I want you to be part of my life, Spencer.
Spencer: You were my first love. And I thought it was real.
Esme: It was real. And it's real now.
*Spencer leans closer to Esme*
Spencer: Do you really mean that?
Esme: I do.
*They slowly inch closer to each other…and lock lips; Esme holding her arms tightly around Spencer. They make out for several seconds, then pull apart. Esme looks a bit shocked at what just happened, though she enjoyed it.*
Esme: I'm sorry, I…
Spencer: I'm not.
*They kiss again, and fall over onto the bed*
*Nelle has changed into her nightgown and is lying in bed. See sees Shiloh walk into the room.*
Nelle: Well hello dear husband!
Shiloh: Hello yourself.
*He sits down on the bed and starts untying his shoe.*
Nelle: How was your day?
Shiloh: Pretty much the same as yours. Rather uneventful, until I saw Esme Prince with Spencer Cassadine a little while ago. Congratulations on uniting the two of them.
Nelle: I hardly did anything, other than invite Spencer to stay here.
Shiloh: That simple gesture of kindness goes a long way. You're helping reunite a very broken family. This is huge, especially considering the fact that Spencer is a Cassadine. The Cassadines are powerful but at the same time very dysfunctional, and you're helping them heal.
Nelle: I'm trying my best.
Shiloh: Just remember, Kristina and Sam are his cousins, and unfortunately they both are lost causes. They no doubt would tell Spencer to run for the hills should they find out he is staying in this house, even though he's right where he needs to be. He's a very valuable catch. Don't let him get away.
*Nelle opens her eyes and realizes that she had fallen asleep without turning the light out. She rolls over and sees that the other side of the bed is empty.*
Nelle: Don't worry Shiloh. Spencer Cassadine will get the new dawn he deserves.
*She rolls back over and switches off the light. After a few minutes, she finds herself dreaming about the night she fell off the cliff.*
*Spencer and Esme are lying together in bed. Spencer has his arm around Esme*
Esme: What did we just do?
Spencer: I don't know, but I enjoyed it.
Esme: Me too. And at least you came prepared.
Spencer: Yes I did, though I still wasn't expecting this to happen.
Esme: Me neither. Spencer?
Spencer: Yeah?
Esme: *Sigh* I've got a confession to make.
Spencer: What is it.
Esme: There are still some things I'm trying to piece together, but I realize now why I did what I did. Drugging Trina and framing her for revenge porn. It wasn't because of what my father was making me do. Not directly anyway. He didn't understand my "vendetta" against Trina, and neither did I after I lost my memory, but I remember now.
*She tears up*
Esme: I did it because I was jealous! I remember now when I first met her. You had that party at Wyndemere shortly after we came home from boarding school, I stepped out onto the parapet to get some fresh air, and I saw you with her, and heard how happy you sounded while you were talking. It reminded me of the Spencer I knew when we first met. There is no excuse for what I did, but I did it because I didn't want to lose you.
*Spencer removes his arm from around Esme and looks at her*
Spencer: How could you not realize this before?
Esme: Because my feelings for you were buried under my anger towards the world as a whole. My adoptive parents treating me like garbage, my father making me do all those horrible things, and yes, it took me developing amnesia, and completely losing my memory and getting to know you all over again to realize that I really enjoyed spending time with you, even though you can be a real jerk. Slowly, with Jan's help, I've been able to remember bits and pieces. Unfortunately, I got addicted to those pills that were prescribed to me for my headaches, but actually were developed to help dementia patients remember stuff, and those made me remember even more. But it took me passing out and hitting my head to jog the rest of my memories. The doctor at Pine Valley Hospital told me that normally hitting your head like that causes amnesia, but thanks to those pills, I remembered a lot of stuff, and the memories of my father, and what he was making me do, are not good ones. But not my memories of you. I really do enjoy spending time with you, Spencer.
Spencer: *Sigh* I want to believe you.
Esme: You can. I have no more secrets. I don't know whether or not Ace is your son, but we can do a DNA test first thing tomorrow, if you want to do. And *Sigh* I'll go to the PCPD and tell the the truth; that I got my hands on a black market phone, used it to record Joss and Cam having sex, and framing Trina for it, and that I did it because I was jealous. I'll accept whatever legal consequences I'm handed. And I will apologize to Trina, Joss, and Cam for everything I did. If they can't forgive me for it, I completely understand, but I want them to know that I regret everything I've done.
Spencer: Do you really mean that?
Esme: Yes. It's not going to be easy, but Jan said that this journey isn't always easy, and now I've come to a bump in the road. But I know what I must do. I promise I will make things right.
Spencer: I really want to believe you, Esme.
Esme: And you can. Trust me.
*They kiss again*
FLASHBACK (August 27, 2020)
Nelle landed feet first into the water. It was freezing cold and the current was quite strong. Already winded and in a lot of pain, she used the remaining energy she had to try to make it to the other side. She felt herself being carried farther and farther away by the current.
Finally, just as she was about to give up, she reached the river bank. With her last ounce of strength, pushed herself up out of the water, and rolled over onto the pebbles on the ground. She breathed heavily trying to catch her breath. She reached up to clutch her heart necklace in her hand. It wasn't there! She had a momentary panic, as it was one of the few things she cherished, but she had no more energy. She slipped into unconsciousness.
After a while she felt herself being lifted upwards towards a bright, white light.
COMING UP: Slade's identity is revealed!