General Hospital Transcript
Transcript provided by Suzanne
THIS STILL NEEDS EXTENSIVE EDITING!
Donna was so excited to play with her…nephew. Wow, that’s weird. That is so strange.
[ Both laugh ] I’m surprised michael didn’t bring him by. He’s the one that set the whole thing up. Oh, he wanted to. He — he had an important meeting this morning. Okay, well, can you stay for some coffee? Uh, s-sure. I can stay for a while, yeah. It would actually be nice to talk. Oh, yeah? About anything in particular? Michael. And nina. It’s so great having you here, phyllis. I’m really glad that you’re giving yourself this time. Mm. Eventually, I’m gonna have to face nixon falls again and figure out what my life looks like without lenny. But a few more days away couldn’t hurt. When you go back to nixon falls, are you sure that you don’t want to rebuild the tan-o? The bar was my life with lenny. I don’t have the heart to do it without him. Then why go back? Why don’t you stay in port charles and let me help you?
[ Sighs ] Not hungry?
[ Sighs ] Just tired. I’m not surprised. You were tossing and turning all night. Sorry if I kept you up. It’s okay. Spencer’s your son. Of course you’re worried sick about him. He may not agree, ava, but he’s still just a kid. And he’s facing jail time. Yeah, for some pretty terrible crimes. I know, and I’m not suggesting that he should walk away with no consequences. It’s just — we offered him a way out. All he has to do is take it. Esme: Spence! Are you all right? Was it awful spending the night in jail? Uh, did you get any sleep? Yes, yes, and not much. Have you given any more thought to ava’s deal? There is no way that I will be beholden to ava jerome, okay? There has to be another option. Nicole diaz, the public defender assigned to your case. Nice to meet you, ms. Diaz.
[ Sighs ] Give me just one second to get up to speed. Mm-hmm. Phew. Mm. Right. I think we have a real shot here. In all likelihood, the judge will move to dismiss. Really? That’s amazing news. Well, no one actually saw you deface the garage, so it’s pretty open and shut. Garage? What are you talking about? Sparky carraway, destruction of private property. No, I’m spencer cassadine. Harassment and criminal mischief. Oops. Wrong file. Give me just one second. So, I’m, uh, expecting an update from candace about austin’s lawsuit, and I’ll let you know where we are once I talk to her. Mm-hmm. Well, there might not be a lawsuit anymore. What? Since when? I take it you didn’t hear about the brook lynn drama? No?
[ Sighs ] Oh, I thought you’d have been at the office by now. No, I chose to work at home today. Oh, well, I’ll leave you to it, then. Excuse me. Olivia? Wait. If we keep avoiding each other, how are we gonna fix things? I just need a little space right now.
[ Doorbell rings ] I’ll get it. Hey, sweetheart. Hi. Come on in. Is brook lynn home? I need to talk to her about austin. Does anybody want to fill me in on what brook lynn did? Brook lynn: What? Nobody else did? I gave us our best shot at keeping austin out of elq and this family.
[ Phone ringing in distance, indistinct conversations ] Dr. Gatlin-holt. Don’t shoot. You’re not sup– I know. I’m not supposed to be here, and I promise you that I won’t see any of my patients in person. I just wanted to make sure the ms. Patel was getting all of her fluids. Dr. Chen is covering your patients while you’re on suspension. Suspension. Right. All thanks to brook lynn’s games. I’m so sorry I couldn’t get you a high-profile attorney. It’s not your fault. I swear, I tried everything. Kevin refuses to help, and I can’t get in touch with your grandmother. I spoke to my trust manager, but he wouldn’t advance the money when he found out what the charges were. Uncle sonny. Thank god. You’re not here to help me, are you? Uh, yeah, I am, but you’re — you’re not gonna like how.
Mr. Corinthos, I’m so grateful that you came and that you didn’t abandon spence like everyone else. We’re gonna need a minute alone — spence and I. No, that’s okay. You don’t have to go. Talk to your uncle. I’ll be waiting outside. Um, I-I just want you to know how sorry I am for my part in the whole “nikolas and ava taking avery out of the country” misunderstanding. I’m very clear on, uh, you know, what you tried to do. I was trying to help. You have the wrong idea about esme. Yeah, apparently, I had the wrong idea about you. You want to go after ava, that’s up to you. Be my guest. But don’t you use… a child to do it. Especially… my child. It wasn’t me. I read brook lynn’s allegations. Pretty sensational, don’t you think? Are you saying she’s lying? Brook lynn is manipulating me. She claims to be concerned about leo, which should have been my first clue because that woman doesn’t care about anything but herself. Well, I’m afraid I have to disagree with you. Brook lynn has moments of selfishness, but, then, who doesn’t? But she cares very deeply for her family. Yeah, so deeply, she set me up.
[ Breathes deeply ] Loyalty is very big with the quartermaines. Do I always agree with the way they display it? Well… but there is a definite “us against them” mind-set. Okay. Are you included in all that? “Amendment to the trust of spencer cassadine.” Are you positive you want to do this? Whether or not spencer agrees to our conditions, placing you in charge of his trust — it sends the message that you and I are a united front. And that I’m not going anywhere. That’s right — not on my watch. And if I c ontrolspencer’s money, then he can’t ignore me. He can’t be so disrespectful. And I won’t be able to cave to him. Not that you would. I’d like to believe that I could stand firm, but I don’t trust myself. Part of the reason this is all happening now is because of all the times that I gave in to spencer when he was a child. Well, I’m happy to play “bad cop,” but spencer was pretty adamant that he wouldn’t buckle, remember? Well, this is happening whether he wants it to or not, and spencer doesn’t get a choice about accepting you as my wife. If he refuses, he’s basically sending himself to jail. Right, and spencer knows the terms. If he can actively support our marriage, then I won’t cooperate, I won’t testify against him, and the prosecution’s case is dead in the water. Which is extremely generous, given everything spencer put you through.
[ Sighs ] Do you think he’ll swallow his pride?
[ Sighs ] Well, for his sake and yours, I sure hope so. Sonny: What do you mean? You didn’t use avery to scare ava? No, I did. I just mean that I wasn’t myself. I became so focused on punishing ava, getting her out of my father’s life, that I went too far. What are the two rules? You never threaten children or your family. What? You never threaten children or your family! Avery’s both. You know I would never hurt her, uncle sonny. I don’t care if it’s implied or real. You crossed a line. I’m sorry. You know all these allegations against me. People think that I supposedly did crimes. Why do you think I’m — I’m — I’m still standing a free man? Diane miller? No. ‘Cause I have a code that I stick by, that I live by. When I’m going after somebody, I make sure I don’t get caught. You, on the other hand, are playing these little games. And you got yourself busted. So now you got to face the consequences. Wait, so hold on — so you — you tricked austin into breaking his patient-doctor confidentiality. You turned him in, and now you’re threatening his medical license unless he drops the claim on elq. Yes, and I don’t know why I’m getting so much static over it. I definitely would have used a different tactic. Yeah, a way less effective tactic, dad. Maxie: [ Sighs ] Okay, brook lynn, I’m not gonna tell you what to do — but you’re about to tell me what to do? No, I’m going to give you my opinion, which is that austin is genuinely a good guy…
[ Scoffs ] …And he legitimately cares about leo. Olivia: Wrong! Austin is not a good guy, and his opinions about leo are way off-base. Now, would I like to have him out of the family? Yes, I would. But I really would have preferred if he was caught running his mouth about literally anyone other than my son, because now this whole thing with leo is gonna be a great big deal. And leo is fine just the way he is. Would it really be that bad if austin got his share of the inheritance?
[ Sighs ] I mean, from what I can see, it looks like there’s more than enough money to go around. That’s not the point, maxie. The point, which I have said over and over again, is that my great-grandfather edward quartermaine purposely left jimmy lee holt out of his will. Okay? It doesn’t matter that he was thinking about reconsidering — none of those thoughts ever made it into an official document. None of those thoughts were ever signed or filed or probated, so austin is going after money that isn’t his. And to make things worse, he’s hiding behind some sob story about honoring the wishes of his late father when all he cares about is getting those shares. You’re awfully quiet over there. What do you think?
I heard you on the phone this morning. Were you checking on spencer?
[ Sighs ] I must have second-guessed myself a dozen times last night. I just couldn’t stand the thought of spencer in that cell. But he’s been coddled too long. Well, you know I agree. And I also understand, nikolas. Raising a son who lost his mother… it’s — it’s terribly complicated. Yeah, something I can relate to all too well. You just want to give your son all the love that you didn’t get from laura when you were a child, right?
[ Sighs ] But it shouldn’t have translated to giving him anything he wanted, but it did, which in turn led spencer to the dangerous impression that he’s the center of the universe. I have to do better. With you by my side, I will. I’ll see you at the arraignment. Yeah, of course, but wait — wait. Where are you going? Wait.
[ Sighs ] Monica, correct me if I’m wrong, but you do seem a little different from the quartermaines. More… yeah, I’m not — I’m not sure the word for it — sane.
[ Laughs ] Well, it has taken me years to find my place in that family. And not just as alan’s wife, but as me, as an individual. Because let’s face it — the quartermaines can be huge pains in the butt. Yeah, I’ve seen it many times. And especially when it comes to elq. That company is really family, in so many ways. Yeah, my dad saw that. He always said that he felt like a small-town hick by comparison. But he was edward’s son, and he deserves to be recognized, and if they want to play dirty, bring it on. Uh, did your father want you to be in business as opposed to medicine? My dad just wanted me to be happy. Are you? I was. Really, truly, before all this drama and infighting. Well, then, I have a question for you. If you knew how the quartermaines operate and you didn’t like the way they operate, why did you come knocking on our door? If you’re concerned about michael, I want to hear about it. Oh, I know. But after all the pain and heartache nina caused your family — hey, our family. You’re just as much a part of our family as anyone. Thank you. Yeah. I guess all I’m saying is I’d understand if you didn’t want to talk about her. Oh, well, I don’T. But nina’s not going anywhere, and, uh, I want to know what’s going on, so… is she hounding michael about wiley? Are you guys afraid she’s gonna do something? Actually, I’m more worried about what michael might do. I think that you used a smart strategy. Thank you. Finally, someone who sees some reason. Look, austin — he came at us, and you found where he was vulnerable. It’s better than us just railing at the guy. I mean, look, austin has a big ego. He gave his opinion on something that he has no authority to give his opinion on. That’s his weakness, and you — you targeted it. I mean, I’m — I’m impressed. Gold star for me. Oh, my god. I’m gonna check on leo.
[ Sighs ]
[ Doorbell rings ] I’ll get it.
[ Sighs ]
[ Birds chirping ] Have to admit, I didn’t expect you to come to the door yourself. Yeah, I don’t really, uh, stand on ceremony. I’m more interested in getting things done. I like the way you think. Nice to finally meet you, mr. Corinthos. Mm. Same here, mr. Sheridan. Thank you for making the trip from pennsylvania. Lenny and I settled in nixon falls because it was lenny’s hometown. Everything there reminds me of him. Yeah, I get it. But port charles has a lot to offer, and sonny’s here, and I’m sure he’d want you to stay, too. I wasn’t gonna bring him up, but now that you have, how did your talk go? Were you able to clear the air at all? I didn’t think you left anything unsaid when we ran into each other at the cemetery. Yeah, uh… yeah, I did, but then you surprised me. How so? You showed up at the quartermaines’. Carly saw you. You were visiting wiley. That didn’t make her happy. Oh, and you think that I’m afraid of carly? I thought you knew me better than that. You’re not going to be happy in port charles for very long. I know exactly where I stand with sonny. You got to understand something — I care enough about you that I want you to learn.
[ Scoffs ] I already know the lesson. People leave.
[ Sighs ] Your dad was wrong in making you think that he was dead, but there’s nothing you can do about that. You can’t change that. You know what you can change? Is how you move forward. So you need to stand up and decide who you want to be. What does that mean? Do you want to be the guy who owns his mistakes or do you want to be the guy who’s waiting for his father to write a check so he can be rescued? Yeah, except I don’t have that. God, I’m so stupid. Yo u know, I thought thatmy dad would side with me. That he loved me enough that, when push came to shove, he would pick me over ava. He didn’T. That hurts, right?
It’s a terrible thing when you — when a parent that you love is — is addicted to something and he — he chooses it over you. That’s what happened to — to my dad… god rest his soul. He loved me a lot and.. but he’d walk away anytime he could to bet on the horses. I know your — your dad’s not a gambler, but he’s addicted to ava. They think they’re in love. Yeah, right. And I-I know it’s heartbreaking when you can’t count on your father. It’S… but that’s the reality that you’re, uh, living in. And you know what? You violated the code. So I can’t bail you out. Not this time. What did you do to spencer? Well, I was just making sure that he was listening to some hard truths. Now it’s your turn. I thought you gave up on me. Would I be standing here if I’d given up on you? You tell me. You know, as the da of llantano county, it’s not often I make house calls to port charles. No, I bet not. But when I heard about your potential and sizable donation to my campaign… you deemed it worth a trip. I did. Tell me — what’s your interest in a pennsylvania election? Well, let’s talk in the den. For the record, I will be thrilled when austin is out of our lives. But…? But if he ends up getting fired… you’re worried about leo. Yes, I’m worried the message that he might be on the autism spectrum gets drowned out. And then what? And then what, what? You’re talking about leo, aren’t you?
[ Sighs ] You see, th– this is what I hate — all these little — little hush-hush, secret conversations about the non-problem that is my son. Why — why can’t you hear me on this, ned? I hear you. I just don’t agree with you. I think it’s time we talked divorce.
[ Doorbell rings ] Wait — what?
[ Door opens ]
[ Gasps ] Dad.
[ Scoffs ]
[ Sighs ] Oh, my god, just when I thought the day couldn’t get worse. Olivia, we need to talk about this. Hi. Hi. I have an answer for you. Michael is justifiably worried that nina will want to be in wiley’s life. And she will. Maybe. Probably, but she hasn’t come to us yet, and I just feel like why provoke the fight until we absolutely have to? How does michael feel? We talked it over, and he says he’s on the same page, but… I don’t know. I think he might be holding back. I think, in his heart of hearts, he wants to take action and make nina pay. As he should. I don’t disagree, carly. Okay? I am furious with nina. Part of me wants to haul off and slap her for showing up at the house for that last visit with wiley. I would have loved to have seen that.
[ Sighs ] When I think about all the lies she told — how she was there at sonny’s funeral, watching everyone grieve? It was hateful. But, carly, what good does it do to incite a big, ugly battle that won’t help anyone? Here’s the thing, willow. Just because nina hasn’t done anything yet doesn’t mean she won’T. Phyllis: Port charle s is lovely,don’t get me wrong, but what would I do here? Mm. Get a job at the hospital? Mnh, no. I enjoy being my own boss too much. Yeah. Ava: Woman after my own heart.
[ Chuckling ] Hi. Hi, nina. Hi. I’m nina’s friend. I’m ava cassadine. You — you must be phyllis? That’s me. Nice. Oh, it’s so nice — can I have a chair? It’s so nice to finally meet you. Mm. Uh, not a lot of people can say that they bossed sonny corinthos around.
[ Laughs ] It’s hard to imagine him as a busboy. Bartender. Whatever. Mike — sonny — was more than an employee. He was my friend. He still is.
[ Sighs ] That’s so nice. He’s lucky to have you. Mm. I am just fascinated by this other life in nixon falls. Ava here owns the jerome gallery and charlie’s pub. Oh, really? Yeah. For now, anyway. What do you mean by that? I put charlie’s on the market when I was planning to leave town. Oh, that’s right. Now she’s staying put. Yeah, staying put. But I’m just not sure if I’m gonna keep it. Have you been there, to the pub? Mnh-mnh, I haven’T. I hope you come by. I think you’d like it.
[ Chuckles ]
[ Cellphone rings ]
[ Gasps ] Excuse me. I need to take this. Oh, yeah. Phyllis caulfield… what are you doing?! I’m gathering information. For what?! I’m gonna ask sonny for joint custody of avery, and knowledge is power. No, no, no. You said that you weren’t going to take advantage of my relationship with mike. We just talked about this. Sorry about that. Oh, that’s okay.
[ Chuckling ] That’s okay. You know, ’cause ava here, she has to leave. She has someplace she really needs to be. Yes, I do. Hi — hi, sonny.
[ Breathes sharply ]
I would never give up on you, spencer. I know this is partially my fault, and I want to fix it. Fix it? As in I’m broken? Is that what ava told you? Is that why you threw me away? Stop blaming ava and take some damn responsibility! You know what she said to me? That you are giving her control of my trust fund. Open your eyes, father! See your wife for who she really is! How are you, phyllis? You like the city? It’s great, ain’t it? It’s a beautiful city. If you need anything, you just call me, and I mean anything. Thank you, sonny. Come on, ava. Okay. You alright? Yeah. I’ve accepted the fact that mike doesn’t exist and that I mean nothing to sonny corinthos. Well, that was a little awkward. Yeah, well, we’re here for avery. Yes, right, um… well, what I wanted to tell you is that while you were away, avery got used to seeing me every single day. Until you left her with carly. Yeah, well, I did that — I did that for her own protection. Well, I have no intention of keeping avery from you. You don’t? No. The visitation rights as they are — it’s perfect. No? No, I don’t think that’s what’s best for our daughter any longer. I want to revisit the arrangement…
[ Scoffs ] …And I’d like joint custody. Not gonna happen. Nina doesn’t respect boundaries or care about people’s feelings. I mean, the fact that she’s trying to rewrite the history of nelle proves that she’s not dealing in reality. She deals in her version of reality. Yeah, she’s desperate to believe that nelle was troubled or misunderstood, and had nina known the truth, she could have redeemed nelle. And she acts on those beliefs. I mean, it’s like telling wiley about his “real mother” or “defending her daughter.” It’s no different than believing that sonny was happier in nixon falls. And she acted on that belief. Yes, she did. Which makes me very concerned about wiley and about nina having a relationship with him. I know. Nina is going to continue to live her belief that nelle could have been better through wiley. She doesn’t get that her beliefs are just stories she keeps telling herself. And as far as I’m concerned, that makes her extremely dangerous. Yeah, I like your record on law and order. You know, your commitment to tackling hard cases in order to get justice. And if I’m elected as pennsylvania attorney general, I intend to build on that commitment. Unfortunately, the incumbent looks strong in the polls. Yeah, I saw that, which is, uh, why I reached out. I think our donation could get you through that final push. I’m grateful. I have big plans for my state. Yeah, about that. Um… I’d like to discuss one plan in particular. Well, we’re all very busy, austin. We don’t have all day. Yeah, I’m sure you’re all very busy. So, I spoke with monica earlier. Whoop-de-doo. It was a really nice conversation. It was. Zero posturing. It’s hard to imagine she’s part of your family. And she talked about that — she was talking about elq and how it’s difficult for you all to distinguish where the family ends and where the business begins. Hardly a revelation. Well, it made me realize something. Because… I want to be a part of this family. And then I realized that, if you are all incapable of separating your family from your business, then I don’t want anything to do with it. Zero, zilch. Hand me over the papers, and I’ll sign away my claim.
[ Sighs ] “I, austin gatlin-holt, hereby acknowledge the validity of edward quartermaine’s last will and testament in which jimmy lee holt of pautuck, new york, was denied any portion of edward’s estate. As jimmy lee holt’s son, I relinquish any possible claim to elq stock or assets,” et cetera, et cetera. Is this what you really want? I’m not sure, you know? What I — what I really wanted — and still want — is my father to get the recognition that he wanted so badly. But now I’m thinking that the price is just too high, and I’m not just talking about my medical career — I’m talking about my soul. Cue the violins. I didn’t know what I was walking into.
[ Chuckling ] I had no idea. There is no depth that you quartermaines won’t sink to. I don’t want anything to do with you. I am not one of you. I am not a quartermaine. Hallelujah! Here. You’re gonna need this.
[ Paper rustles ]
[ Pen scratching ] Everything you’re saying makes total sense — it really does. I just still feel that [Scoffs] Right now, at this moment, nina’s lying low, and it does not do wiley any good to poke the bear. Willow — I mean, carly, strategically, I-if we have all our defenses ready, nina is at the disadvantage. Right? So why not wait? Let her be the one to go to court and fight for visitation. Because you want to put the ball in nina’s court. Right, because when you target nina, you make her the victim, and she obviously has no problem seeing herself that way. But if you sit back and do nothing, she’s the one starting the fight. Is there a chance that you’re saying all this because, deep down, you’re the type of person who likes to fix things? You want everyone to get along? I’m sure that’s part of it. But isn’t michael like that, too? Uh — or am I wrong? Michael is kind… and…fair… and forgiving, but he’s also someone who can be pushed too far. And given the grief we endured and the risk I took by stepping in for sonny, and to think that it didn’t have to happen… nina may have pushed michael too far. I know exactly what ava said to you. She offered you a way out of the charges — out of this entire god-awful mess. But did you take it? No. There is no way that I will live my life under that woman’s thumb. She’s my wife, spencer. I love her. And all we are asking is for you to respect that. Never! Spence, I — I understand you’re upset, but I think you need to do what your dad and ava want. What? Esme, what are you talking about? You can’t stand her, either. I know, but at this rate, all you’re going to accomplish by trying to spite them is land yourself in jail. And then what? What happens to me? I think you’ll want to change your mind. I have custody of avery, and that’s that. Okay, listen, you’re right — avery is going through a rough time right now. I mean, she’s happy that she’s with her father, but she’s confused and she needs stability and assurance that her parents are gonna be there. Yeah, I-I agree completely. What are you saying? So I’m gonna give you more time with avery. Not on the court’s terms — on my terms. Family is just very important. She’s my sister and we depend on each other a lot. She’s the rock of the fami ly. She’s the person who holds everything together. It’s a battle, you know. I’m going to be there.
Are you sure you’re okay with this? It’s a lawsuit. It’s never gonna make me happy. Thank you so much for all of your support. Anytime. I’ll see you. See you. Good luck. And for what it’s worth…
[ Door opens ] …I think your patients are lucky to have you.
[ Door closes ] Here you go. I’ll get the door for you. How very kind. Isn’t it? You know, if you’re thinking that this is over, you’d be wrong about that. This is just the beginning. Sorry. I still think the guy’s got an ulterior motive. Olivia… you really didn’t mean what you said earlier. Don’t tell me what I mean. That’s it? Out of the blue, you want a divorce? You really think this is out of the blue? Yes! Ned, if we can’t even agree on what’s best for leo, what kind of marriage do we have?
[ Sighs ] There is still a chance that I could beat these charges and go free. With a lawyer who doesn’t even know your name? I am not the enemy, spencer. I never said that you were, father. This is happening… right now and in real time. Are you really willing to risk a criminal record and possible jail time just to dig in your heels?
[ Indistinct conversations in distance ] You know I’ll support you no matter what, but I can’t imagine losing you, spence.
[ Voice breaking ] I just can’T. I read your file — the right one this time. Could I please have a moment while I consult with my attorney?
[ Sighs ] Please think about what we talked about. Mm-hmm. I essentially just have one question. How do you want to plead? So you don’t think there’s anything to be said for keeping the peace? I do. But that’s not gonna happen here. You’re surrounded by very proactive people. Michael won’t do anything rash, where the blowback lands on wiley. But make no mistake — if michael’s put in a situation to act, my son will act. Well, thank you for the coffee. Anytime. Sheridan: I see a lot of potential here. So we can help each other? I look forward to it. I’m gonna treat myself to a stroll through the botanical gardens. Oh, I love the botanical gardens, especially the roses. How about I clear my schedule and I go with you? Well, that’s very kind, but [Breathes deeply] I’m looking forward to some time alone to just stroll and let my mind roam. Are you sure? You don’t need to worry about me, nina. I’ll be fine. I just need to figure out what comes next. You and me both.
[ Chuckles ] Okay. Bye. Bye. Does that work for you? Yes, it does. Good. Well, thank you for acknowledging that — that avery needs her mother. Sonny, I think, um… nixon falls changed you. Well, you know, I always, uh — I always take care of my children. Right. Okay, well, I will write up the schedule, and, um, I’ll e-mail it, okay? Oh, hold on. We still have some unfinished business.
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