Chapter 24 - Temptation and Sin

It was almost time for the spring semester to begin. Nelle encouraged Esme to see if any classes still had openings. Esme hadn't been planning on going back to school, but Nelle felt it would be a good way for Esme to distract herself from her failed reconciliation with Spencer, and told her she'd be willing to cover the tuition fee, just as she had for Leora. Esme didn't think she'd be able to focus on a class when her mind was elsewhere, but nevertheless decided to look at the college website to see what was there. She was in the living room looking at classes on Nelle's laptop while watching Ace as he played when the doorbell rang. She opened the door to see Jason.

Jason: Is Jan here?

Esme: She is, though she's on the phone at the moment…

*Jason lets himself in and walks past Esme*

Esme: Um, I don't think I've actually introduced myself. I'm Esme, and you're Jason, right?

*Jason ignores her and makes his way down the hall*

Esme: It's nice to meet you too. *Sigh*

*Jason walks into Nelle's office. Nelle is sitting at the desk, holding her phone between her face and shoulder while hastily scribbling notes on a paper.*

Nelle (on the phone): Uh huh. Well can't you fill in the gaps with some mortar? Oh, I didn't realize there's a crack in the actual stone. Where is it?

*She sees Jason come in.*

Nelle (whispering to Jason): Close the door!

*Jason closes the door.*

Nelle (on the phone): Oh so it's on the exterior? Okay, I guess that's why I didn't see it. Would you be able to replace the cracked piece? Oh there's multiple pieces that are cracked? Well I'll be sure to keep an eye out for it next time I go out there. That side of the house is kind of difficult to see, simply because of where it's located, but maybe from a further distance. But still, that doesn't sound so bad. I mean I'd like for it not to be cracked, but…wait, you really think it's in danger of collapsing?!

*Jason sits down in a chair in the corner of the room and listens.*

Nelle (on the phone): Wow, okay! What would fixing it entail? Really? That sounds like a big job! Well, you guys did give me the best quote for the rest of the work, so I think it would be okay. I'm less concerned about the cost than I am about the actual work. How long do you think it would take? Alright, well that doesn't sound so bad. But are you sure there aren't any other options? Rope it off?! Really? *Sigh* Alright. And are you sure you'll be able to find stone that matches? Very true. Okay, well you've given me a lot to think about. I'll let you know what I decide. Okay yeah. Thanks Mr. Silva. You too. Mm hmm. Bye.

*She hangs up the phone and sighs.*

Jason: Everything okay?

Nelle: Just the joys that come with owning an old house. Nothing I won't be able to handle, even if it's rather inconvenient. So, I'm assuming you have news regarding our patient.

Jason: Why are you doing this?

Nelle: I already told you why.

Jason: That's not what I'm asking about.

Nelle: Well what are you asking about? I'm a busy woman, so you'll have to be more specific.

Jason: Why are you getting involved with Jack Brennan and Pikeman?

*Nelle hesitates.*

Nelle: What makes you think I'm getting involved with either of them?

Jason: Because I saw you.

Nelle: How?

Jason: I was watching you from the rooftop while you were talking to Brennan, and preparing to shoot him if he refused to cooperate.

Nelle: But that was Morgan's job! I explained very clearly how I was going to signal to him what to do by flipping my hair!

Jason: Morgan wasn't able to go through with it.

Nelle: Why not? I would think that would be something that a guy his age would enjoy watching!

Jason: He's still struggling with his PTSD, and had a dream the other night where he had to talk Sonny out of jumping off the hospital roof, so he asked me if I could take care of it.

Nelle: I see…so how do you know that it was Jack Brennan whom I was meeting with? I didn't tell Morgan anything about who I was meeting with or why. I just told him to keep a lookout.

Jason: I know that's what you told him.

Nelle: Okay. But do you know Brennan?

Jason: No.

Nelle: So if you don't know Brennan, then what makes you think he's involved with Pikeman?

Jason: I haven't dealt with Brennan, but I know he's involved with Pikeman.

Nelle: And have you ever dealt with anyone else from Pikeman before?

Jason: No.

Nelle: So you have no way of knowing if they're even dangerous!

Jason: I know they're dangerous, and you shouldn't be getting involved with them.

Nelle: You think I'm incapable of handling them, don't you? Why is that, is it because I'm a woman?

Jason: No.

Nelle: Is it because I'm young?

Jason: No.

Nelle: Let me guess, it's because I only have one kidney!

Jason: No.

Nelle: Well, what is it then?

Jason: Because you have children who need you.

Nelle: And this is exactly why I have enlisted the help of Pikeman! I'm doing it in order to help keep my children safe!

Jason: You know nothing about Brennan or Pikeman, and while I haven't dealt with them personally, I know they are not people who you want to associate with, and doing so will only put the childrens' lives in danger. You need to back out of this deal you made with Brennan while you still can. You're in way over your head!

Nelle: Clearly you've forgotten who I am, and what I'm capable of. I may be a young, vulnerable-looking woman Jason, but don't underestimate me. I've gotten some of Port Charle's most dangerous men on my side, with little effort on my part. Surely you remember Shiloh?

*Jason stares at her with his cold blue eyes and stoic expression, but doesn't say anything.*

Nelle: How about Ryan Chamberlain?

*Jason continues to stare at her*

Nelle: Julian Jerome?

*Jason continues to stare.*

Nelle: Don't tell me you've forgotten about Michael Corinthos? But then again, maybe being hit over the head by a bunch of falling rocks when that tunnel collapsed caused yet another bout with amnesia. Your brain must be all but turned to mush now.

Jason: If you really care about the safety of everyone in this group, and making better decisions with your life, stay away from Pikeman and everyone affiliated with them. Focus on Esme and Ace.

Nelle: That's what I've been doing ever since we got back from Pine Valley!

Jason: You're going about it the wrong way.

Nelle: I have no other choice!

Jason: Yes you do.

Nelle: Oh really? What would that be, go to the police?

Jason: No.

Nelle: Okay, what's my other choice?

Jason: Let me handle Brennan.

Nelle: I'm afraid I can't let you do that.

Jason: Why not?

Nelle: Because you don't even know the details of the deal I made with Brennan!

Jason: You weren't making a deal with him. You were threatening him. You had leverage over him that you were going to use if he didn't cooperate!

Nelle: A-ha! Well done Jason! *Claps sarcastically* You just made yourself look like a complete fool! You can deny it all you want to, but you know that I know exactly what Pikeman is capable of, and how to handle them. Your hitman skills unfortunately weren't necessary, but I of course am grateful to you for stepping in. Hopefully next time Morgan will be ready to put the skills you've taught him to use, and you can finally get your medical license like you were planning to do before your unfortunate accident all those years ago.

*Jason stares at Nelle for several seconds then gets up from the chair and walks out of the room. As he's closing the door, Nelle sits back in her chair, clutches her half-heart pendant in her hand, and starts laughing.*

Nelle: Oh Carly! *Laughs* You should see what your beloved Jason has become! *Laughs harder* I just beat him at his own little game! *Laughs even harder* I can't wait to beat you too! *Her laughter becomes completely unhinged and maniacal.*

The charges against Cyrus Renault were dismissed. Cyrus admitted in court to having known that Jonathan Kinder's medical license had been revoked back in 1996 and had at one point supplied illegally obtained controlled substances for Kinder to give to his patients and had bribed a pharmacist into approving the prescriptions. However, he stated that it had been many years since he had done so, and that he had obtained the "Pensieve Pills" legally for his very elderly mother, Florence Grey, and was adamant that he hadn't given them to anyone else. His brother Martin Grey, who also happened to be an attorney, confirmed this, and provided receipts from the pharmacy showing the transactions, which were confirmed to be legitimate, as well as videos of Florence before and after she started taking the pills. She had gone from not being able to remember things like what she had for breakfast that morning to being able to recall the most recent time that Martin had brought her the hummingbird cake she enjoyed so much (and how he had gotten the recipe wrong).

Cyrus was exiting the pharmacy at GH, having just picked up a new prescription for Florence, and saw Spencer sitting at a table at the cafeteria outside the hospital.

Spencer: Hello Uncle Cyrus. I had a feeling I'd be seeing you here.

Cyrus: Hello Spencer. I heard about what happened with Trina. I was very saddened to hear that your relationship didn't work out. I will keep the two of you in my prayers.

Spencer: Thank you, Uncle Cyrus.

Cyrus: And I was also very relieved to hear that Esme Prince made it safely back to Port Charles and both she and Ace seem to be in good hands. I assure you that I had nothing to do with her overdose, and moreover, I didn't know she was even taking those pills. The first time I'd ever even heard of them is when my mother's doctor prescribed them.

Spencer: I know that, Uncle Cyrus, and I believe you.

Cyrus: Thank you Spencer.

Spencer: But, the reason why I am here is because I need a favor from you.

Cyrus: I will be glad to help you in any way I can. What is it you need?

*Unbeknownst to both of them, Betty Rutherford, who is seated at a nearby table with her back towards them, is listening intently, and periodically sending text messages to someone relaying the information.*

Spencer: One of those pills. Just one.

Cyrus: Spencer, you know I can't do that.

Spencer: I know you can, because you have. Maybe not with this particular drug, but it's something you've been known to do.

Cyrus: These pills are for my mother, to help with her dementia.

Spencer: That's why I'm only asking for one.

Betty (texting): He's asking Cyrus Renault to give him one of those memory pills.

Cyrus: I'm afraid I can't give you even just one. It would be illegal for me to do so, but more importantly, it would be bad for my mother's health for her to miss even one dose, as in addition to causing her to have a memory lapse, she could experience withdrawal effects such as migraines, which, as you and I both know, is how Esme got addicted. Are you trying to cause Esme to relapse?

Spencer: I'm not going to give to Esme. I have no intention of trying to take Ace away from his mother, and have agreed to help Esme co-parent him even though we're no longer together.

Betty (texting): He only wants one pill, and he doesn't want it to give to Esme.

Cyrus: That's admirable of you. Even though Ace isn't your son, he's still your family, and it's noble of you to be a father-figure to him since Nikolas currently isn't able to do so.

Spencer: But what if I am his father though?

Cyrus: Do you feel like there's a chance that you might be his father?

Spencer: I know there's a chance. Esme told me herself the other night. I initially began having all these crazy dreams about Esme that I dismissed as being nothing more than dreams, but then after Trina dumped me, I heard me and Esme arguing about the last time we had sex. It actually was after she had sex with my father, but I always thought it was before. And I heard myself asking if she was on the pill, and she seemed to be avoiding the question, only that I had finally given her what she had been wanting from me.

Cyrus: *Hesitates* I see…

Spencer: A little while after that, I happened to run into her, and, after some arguing, she admitted to me that we had sex one last time after she slept with my father, and wasn't sure if Ace was Nikolas's or mine.

Cyrus: And what are you hoping to remember by taking this medication?

Spencer: If any of it is true, or if it's just a case of me being paranoid and Esme messing with me. Esme told me the reason why I can't remember is because I got extremely drunk afterwards. That's why I'm hoping that the pills can help me remember.

Cyrus: You obviously remember quite a bit, and you did so on your own.

Spencer: I believe that there's another piece to the puzzle that might explain some stuff. I have dreams about me and Esme arguing, and the other night after Trina dumped me, I heard the voices, and that's why I started to question if Ace is my son. And I wasn't expecting to run into Esme at the Savoy. I was actually looking to see if Curtis would be willing to talk to Trina, but he wasn't there. Since Esme was there, I asked her, and she eventually admitted it.

Cyrus: I understand all that, Spencer. So why do you need the pill?

Spencer: I want to experience it. The good, and the bad. It will help me decide on whether I should get back together with Esme, or try and make things work with Trina. She's going to be leaving for France in a couple of weeks and I'll be going with her to see her off. After that, I really don't know.

Cyrus: Spencer, you need to give yourself credit for remembering. You don't need drugs. Think of how Esme might feel knowing that you're taking the very drug she got addicted to.

Spencer: That's why I only want the one pill. I'm not wanting to take it to get high. I'm taking it because I want to re-experience what I went through during that final day with Esme, before I found out she already slept with my father. I need to be there again.

Cyrus: You don't need to be there. You don't need to take drugs that may or may not help with retrieving these memories. As you know, this drug was meant to help people with medical conditions that affect their memory, namely dementia. They helped Esme because she had severe amnesia and had to re-learn who she was. I heard that she fell and hit her head as a result of overdosing, and it ultimately caused the rest of her memories to return when normally falling and hitting one's head causes amnesia. She was extremely lucky to have recovered after the overdose.

Spencer: And you wouldn't know anything about that, would you?

Cyrus: No, Spencer. Those days are long over. I've been spending most of my life living in sin, and have put my faith in God to help me be a better person.

Spencer: Forgive me, but aren't there passages in the Bible about supporting one's family? For instance, 'But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.' - Timothy 5:8

Cyrus: That's right, and another good one to remember is 'Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.' - Proverbs 3:27.

Spencer: But that's exactly what you're doing. Withholding good to whom it is due, in this case, me.

Cyrus: I am not withholding good, Spencer. Quite the contrary. I'm saving you from a life of sin. Besides, these pills are for my mother, and the Fifth Commandment is to honor thy father and thy mother, and by giving you even one of these pills, I would be committing both a sin and a crime, as it's illegal to give prescription medication to anyone other than the person for whom it was prescribed. Spencer, I love you because you're my great-nephew and I will of course be there for you until God calls me home. I will gladly pray that you will find the answers you seek, but otherwise I cannot help you.

Betty (texting): Looks like his newfound faith is for real, as he's not going to do anything for Spencer aside from praying for him. What should I do now?

Cyrus: I really must get this new prescription to my mother. You can always reach out to me if you need help or even just to talk, but my days of living in sin are over. I need to do what the Lord wants me to do with my life for my remaining years. I shall keep you in my prayers.

Betty (reading a text message): Forget about Cyrus. I know somebody else who can help Spencer. You should be receiving a text message with new instructions shortly.

Cyrus: Goodbye Spencer. *He walks away*

*Betty walks over to Spencer.*

Betty: Excuse me, I uh…couldn't help overhearing your conversation just now. You said you were needing some Pensieve Pills?

Spencer: I wouldn't say I'm needing them, but it would be nice to be able to recall what I'm so far not able to remember. But my uncle is probably right. I need to find a healthier way of remembering,

Betty: Are you sure? Because my grandpa recently began taking those pills too, and I'm waiting for his prescription to be refilled. It should be ready by now. I could give you some, if you'd like.

Spencer: Wouldn't your grandfather notice that he's missing his doses?

Betty: Unfortunately my grandpa is in the very advanced stages of Alzheimer's and since he only recently began taking them, they're not helping him very much even with his short-term memory, and my parents don't feel it's worth trying to get him to take them anymore. So they might as well be given to someone who can benefit from them.

Spencer: Well I only need the one pill, but I agree with my uncle that it's not a good idea to take them since my memory isn't impaired in any way.

Betty: Okay then. Just thought I'd offer. Have a nice day!

Spencer: Thanks.

*Betty walks past him and enters the pharmacy. Spencer continues to sit at the table browsing though various things on his phone. He sees an article mentioning the Olympics, which would be taking place in Paris later in the year, which makes the pain of his relationship with Trina ending sting all the more. After a few minutes, Betty comes back out.*

Betty: Are you absolutely sure you don't want it?

*She shakes the orange bottle in front of Spencer's face. He can faintly see a single pill inside, and hears it rattling around.*

Spencer: I mean, it would really be nice to remember, but…I don't know.

Betty: I could give it to you to take home, but that doesn't mean you have to take the pill. I heard you and your uncle talking about various passages in the Bible. You could think of this as a "forbidden fruit" of sorts. A test to give into temptation.

*Spencer hesitates, then takes the bottle from Betty.*

Betty: If you do decide to take the pill, know that the memories that may or may not show up might not be the ones you are looking to re-live. That's why it's so addictive, as people will keep taking them until they see the memories they want to re-live, after having re-lived the ones they were wanting to forget. Fortunately for you, you only have the one pill. Good luck to you!

*Betty walks away. Spencer looks at the bottle in his hand and sighs, then also gets up and leaves, just missing Esme as she brings the water bottle Spencer drank from and Ace's cheek swab to GH for the DNA paternity test.*

MEANWHILE IN PINE VALLEY

Anton Marick had enjoyed being back in Pine Valley, and catching up with various people he hadn't seen in many years, but his visit had taken a lot longer than initially planned, and he was needed back in Hungary. He had no problem with Leora continuing to live at Wildwind for as long as she wanted, and had invited Ian to stay there with her. Ian enjoyed spending time with Leora and helping her find out what happened to her family, and because of this, decided to relocate back to Pine Valley to be closer to his family.

Ian enjoyed meeting Anton and was grateful to him for allowing him to stay at Wildwind. Ian's mother Kendall hadn't been aware that Anton was back in town. Ian had known that Erica and Dimitri had been married and divorced multiple times, but after Ian told Kendall that Anton was in town, she had shared with him some additional information he hadn't known about. Ian needed to know Anton's side of the story simply out of curiosity, but felt awkward asking about it since he hadn't known Anton all that long. But seeing how Anton was preparing to leave and hadn't given any indication as to when he might be coming back for another visit, Ian felt he had to find a way to ask.

*Ian finds Anton packing his stuff and offers to help*

Ian: Do you need any help with that Mr. Marick?

Anton: Thank you, but I've got it. And please, call me Anton.

Ian: Sorry Anton.

Anton: No worries.

Ian: I know you're preparing to leave, but there's something I really need to ask you, and I can understand if you don't want to talk about it. I'm asking purely because my mom brought it up the other day while we were in the waiting room at her doctor's appointment.

Anton: Yes, your mother and I were married at one point, if that's what you were going to ask me. And the marriage was annulled.

Ian: Yes, that's indeed what I was about to ask you.

Anton: I'm surprised she hadn't told you about it before.

Ian: You know, she may have, but if so I forgot. We've been somewhat estranged these past several years, though it's largely because I chose to stay away after…what I did. I feel awful about it now because I think Mom felt that I had abandoned her.

Anton: Well, obviously you didn't, as otherwise you wouldn't have agreed to take her to her doctor's appointment.

Ian: It was largely because of what happened with my father that I stayed away. I blamed him for breaking my mom's heart by choosing his casino business over his family. When my mom needed a heart transplant, my father killed my uncle Josh to have his heart given to her. Now granted, Zach killed Josh after Josh took my aunt Bianca's girlfriend hostage, but Zach still killed someone to save my mom. But the divorce took so much out of her. She's so thin and frail and whenever she gets any sort of illness, I worry that it may be the end. I hate seeing her like that. But at least now I've realized that me being away was doing nothing good for her, and that's why I've moved back. One of the reasons anyway.

Anton: You know, this sort of thing happens more often than you think. Just like you and your father, your mom and I resented our own respective parents at one point and tried to ruin their lives. But in the end, we forgave each other and moved on. I know for the longest time that your mom resented your grandmother, but they're very close now. And I had my own issues with Dimitri, who I didn't know was my father growing up. But I eventually forgave and made peace with him. Once the dust had settled we had a good relationship up until he passed away.

You're taking steps to mend fences with your parents. You might not be able to get them back together, but I know that your mom will be glad that you've decided to move back to Pine Valley, and I guarantee that will help her both physically and mentally heal. You're a good man Ian, and I know your family doesn't think badly of you for the mistakes you made. And I know Leora is blessed to have you.

Ian: *Laughs* I wouldn't go that far. Right now we're just two people helping each other.

Anton: Isn't that what matters?

*He pats Ian on the shoulder and takes his luggage out to the front entryway, where a butler helps him load it into a limo. Ian and Leora follow him out to say goodbye.*

Anton: So I might be difficult to reach once I'm back in Europe, but if you need anything you can always reach out to Sam or Maddie. And Leora, good luck with your family research, and please keep me updated on what you're able to find. If I can assist in any way, don't hesitate to let me know. I might be able to help locate your relatives in Europe if you find out any information about them. Take care of yourselves!

*Leora and Ian wave goodbye as the limo pulls out of the driveway and through the gates. They then go back inside and plop down on the couches in the main living room.*

Leora: *Sigh* How do I even start trying to find anyone who'd be willing to do a DNA test? All my potential relatives on both sides are either dead, presumed dead, in prison, or haven't been heard from in years. I know I have two potential relatives in Europe, but I have no idea where in Europe they are, what their names are, or even their genders.

Ian: What's stopping you from just going back to Port Charles and telling Anna that you might be her daughter?

Leora: Because I'm afraid. I've heard some pretty scary things about her. I wouldn't say I'm afraid her, but afraid of what might happen to me if I were to come back to Port Charles in order to tell her I might be her daughter and ask for a DNA test. I have no idea what enemies of hers might be out there but if they were to find me, I know they'd use me to get to her. That's why I wanted to start with my father, but he's dead.

Ian: Do you know whether he was buried or cremated?

Leora: Buried. I've gone to his grave.

Ian: Have you thought about getting the grave exhumed?

Leora: *Sigh* I have, but I'd need to get authorization, which I'd imagine would take a while.

Ian: And what about the grave that everyone believes you're buried in?

Leora: What about it?

Ian: Why not have that grave exhumed?

Leora: Because it wouldn't tell me much unless there's a body in there, and if there is, it would mean I'm not Leora after all. And again, I'd need to get the proper authorization to have it exhumed.

Ian: Forget the authorization. There's an easier way, and I could help you.

Leora: What would that be?

Ian: We dig it up ourselves!

Coming up: Esme has another crisis as she and Nelle prepare to move back to Wyndemere.