Month: January 2024

General Hospital Transcript

Transcript provided by Suzanne and Thane

THIS STILL NEEDS EXTENSIVE EDITING!

You’re looking better. Your health must be improving. Well, thank you, sister. Dropping the charges against Sonny Corinthos has revitalized my spirit. My soul is unburdened, so my body can heal. And what led to this unburdening? Accountability. I acknowledged my role in the attack, how I provoked Sonny at the wrong time instead of giving him grace. If I had simply turned around and walked away, the beating never would have happened. Once I realized that, I was able to let my anger go, and I found peace. Is that why you called me last night and wanted me to be here first thing in the morning? Because you wanted to share this epiphany? I called you because there’s a lost soul in need of your help. [ Door opens ] Welcome, nephew. You’re right on time.

Trina, I told you to take the day off. What the hell do you want, Esme? You’re not welcome here. Look, please, Ava, don’t kick me out. I need your help. Hi, Adam. Where am I? You’re at General Hospital. Why? Because your friend saved your life. Like I said, I am hiring an assistant manager, so I’ll be in touch. Thank you. I hope to hear from you. You look underwhelmed by that last interview. Oh. [ Chuckles ] I’m guessing you’re hiring? You’re perceptive. Yeah. I guess that’s what makes you such a great P.I., huh? [ Chuckles ] Hey, if you’re looking for something new, perhaps I can interest you in the exciting world of shift management. [ Sighs ] Where are you going with that? What are you doing in here? Moving. No. There– There’s been a mistake. You must be on the wrong floor. We’re on the right floor. No, you can’t be, because, get this, this is my office. You know what? You have to leave. You have to leave immediately, and tell that guy to bring my stuff back, or I’m calling security. Lady, we’re just doing our job. Job? What job? Who ordered this? I did. Guys, good work. Why don’t you take a break? Go get yourself a coffee and a muffin. Okay? Thanks. Joe, this one’s for you. What the hell, Drew? You can’t just order me out of my own office. This is trespassing. No, no, Nina, this is business. I own Aurora. Aurora owns Crimson, right? And I know you’re the editor-in-chief of Crimson, but I’m still your boss. Till now. You’re fired.

How’d you find me? Uh, when you didn’t answer when I called, I went by your dorm, and I-I ran into your RA, Kiley. She told me what happened, so I came here and looked around until I found you. Oh, no. My phone died. I’m sorry I didn’t pick up your call. I just — so much was going on. Obviously. I just — Why didn’t you call me when you got here? I didn’t want to bother you. I know how you feel about Adam. I figured you’d had enough. Joss. If you’re going through something, I want to know and help if I can. That’s how this works. Got it? Got it. Come on, let’s go check on Adam, see if he’s awake. I need to apologize to him. What do you have to apologize for? He freaked out because I told the RA he was in trouble. Joss, you don’t have anything to apologize for. The people who need to be apologizing are Adam’s parents. Do you remember anything from last night? No, not really. Just, uh… that I had too much to drink. Just a frat party. Josslyn Jacks found you alone in Rice Park. Oh, uh, sometimes I — when I drink a lot, I-I wander. It’s a really bad habit. You’d also ingested a lot of pills. For a cold. My throat. It’s okay. Just have another sip. I’ll let the doctor fill you in. I’d really like to get back to my dorm. You’ll have to be cleared by the attending before you can be released. When will that be? Why does my throat hurt so much? You had to have your stomach pumped last night. I don’t want to alarm you, Adam, but you’re lucky to be alive. Lucky me. Business is, um, going great. Really great. That’s why I have to hire more staff. I know that’s a really good problem to have, but I just want Bobbie’s to live up to its namesake. You know? What are you talking about? Bobbie’s is thriving because of you. Onward and upward. Thank you. I needed to hear that. I really needed to hear that. [ Chuckles ] Okay. What can I get you? I’m actually gonna wait to order until Drew gets here. Drew. Yeah. You’re meeting him now? Well, actually, like five minutes ago. He’s running late. I hate to break it to you, Sam, but, um, you’re gonna be waiting a long time for Drew. You’re making a big mistake. Maybe. But it’s my mistake to make. Did you honestly think that I would just roll over and accept this? What about Michael? You may own Aurora, but he runs it. What do you think he’ll have to say about this? “Hooray”? You made it. I-I’m grateful you came. Grandmother, I didn’t know that you would be here. Nor I you. What’s going on here, Cyrus? Well, I thought you both should know that I had a visitor late last night. Somebody who needed my help, who was desperate and alone, who felt everything had been taken from her. Esme. Esme? Why would Esme come here? Do you want to explain the rest, or shall I do it for you? Okay, look, enough with the mystery. Somebody better tell me something. I saw my father last night. One too many knocks to the head, Esme? Look, do you think I want to be here asking for your help? Well, at least you didn’t have to break in, right? Now, leave before I call the cops. Haven’t you already done that, Ava? You tried to send me to prison. Oh, funny. That’s where I think criminals belong. Look, Ava, okay? You’re right. [ Chuckles ] What’s that? I should not have broken into Wyndemere, and what you did was entirely justified. What do you want? Just spit it out. Have you seen Nikolas? Why? Have you? No. Then why do you ask? Because he’s kidnapped my son. Nikolas came back to Port Charles? Where is he? He was here last night. He’s already gone. My son came and went without me even knowing? Well [sighs] at least you got to see him. Must have been a shock, though. Did he say why he risked coming back to Port Charles? He, uh… He came here to — to take Ace with him. Oh. And, uh… And I let him. [ Gasps ] You told me about the pressure Adam’s parents are putting on him. No wonder he cracked. I just can’t believe he’s this messed up about his grades. I mean, they’re better than mine, and mine are pretty good. It’s not about his GPA, Joss. He feels shame. For what? For letting his parents down. He wants them to be proud of him. But he acts like he can’t stand them. Just the opposite. Adam loves his parents, and he feels like a failure because he can’t live up to their expectations. Was that how it was for you? Uh, not exactly. If there was any part of me that wanted to please my parents, it got burned out of me pretty early. I only found peace with my family when I walked away. I just hope Adam doesn’t have to make the same choice. He really needs help, doesn’t he? He’s gonna need a good friend. And that is what you’ve been. Let’s go see how he’s doing. I’m sorry I’m so punchy. I just really want to get out of here. I’ll bet. But let’s have the attending check you out first, okay? You’re up. How are you feeling? Are you the attending? I’m Dr. Robinson. I’m the co-chief of staff here. Wow. Okay, then you could definitely sign me out. W-When can I leave? I’ll check on the attending, or I’ll see if Dr. Collins is available. Thank you. Look… I’m really sorry, but last night was just a complete, huge misunderstanding. I’m sorry if I caused a lot of trouble, but my friend Josslyn, she just overreacted. So if you could sign me out, that’d be great. You know, I happen to know Josslyn Jacks, and she doesn’t overreact that much. And neither does the staff here at the hospital. I think it’s pretty clear what happened here. And either way, you’re gonna need to be evaluated by a psychiatrist before you can be discharged. It’s hospital policy. Uh, Dr. Robinson, I… Are you Trina’s mom? I am. She’s told me a lot about you. Well, you’re friends with Trina, so I have to take especially good care of you, right? Yeah. Cool. So… let me out. If after your evaluation, we all agree that what happened last night was just an unfortunate accident, then you can be discharged. And if not, then we’re just gonna have to take the next steps. Next steps? What does that even mean? What, like you’re gonna keep me here or something? Do I have rights? What if I don’t consent to it? No, no, no, no, no. Of course you have rights. Absolutely you do. But some of those rights are determined by your diagnosis. So, listen, we want the absolute best outcome for you. And if it’s determined that you are a threat to yourself or to anyone else, then we can’t let you leave. It’s hospital policy, standard practice. Now, the on-call psychiatric attending, he should be here soon, and your parents — No, no, no! They can’t know. Okay. Okay. Calm down. P-Please, please don’t. It’s all right. No. Please don’t tell them what happened. Nikolas took Ace? When? Yeah, during the hearing. Spencer was supposed to bring Ace to the courthouse, but he never showed up. And then Nikolas came to the apartment and then convinced Spencer to give him my baby. That is unbelievable. But you never saw Nikolas in Port Charles? No, no, no, no. He hid from me like the coward that he is. But I can’t believe he just let Nikolas take Ace. I can’t believe Spencer would betray me like that. I-I thought that we were getting along. I thought that he hated his father. I — Well, like father like son. Right? Self-serving, duplicitous. Yeah, but — but Ace doesn’t even know Nikolas. I mean, he’s gonna be so scared and — and so confused. I mean, Nikolas doesn’t know what Ace likes. I mean, he needs his mother. I-I can’t be without my son. He’s all that I’ve got. It’s a terrible thing to be separated from your child. Yes, so you understand. I do. Unfortunately, I do. But why come to me? I-I thought that Nikolas might not be able to stay away from you. I… Unfortunately. Wait. So I’m right, aren’t I? He came to see you, didn’t he? Yeah. Nikolas was here. Oh, thank God. But Esme, he’s gone now. And you are never gonna find him. You let Nikolas take Ace? How could you do such a thing? I didn’t have a choice. My little brother wasn’t safe with Esme. Oh, come on! She has proven herself to be a good mother, and you know it. Does Esme know? Does she know that Nikolas took her baby? That’s why she came to see me last night. She — She wanted my help tracking Nikolas down. I’m sorry. Why would she think that you would help her? Well, she thinks I have powerful contacts, and she thought I’d be amenable because Nikolas and Ace are my relatives. Of course, I’m related to them through you. I knew I had to do the right thing and — and inform you. And I asked Spencer here so that he could be the one to explain. Oh, because you’re all about my soul, right? And confession being good for it? Well, I would hope so. You’re the one who took a child from his mother. Oh, no, no, no, no, no. I did not take Ace. [ Chuckles ] Oh, no. No. You just handed him over like you were returning a package. How could you do such a thing?! My God, I can only imagine how Esme is feeling right now. And what about you? My God, how could you take a baby from the only family that he knew? Because I love my brother, and I’m not going to allow him to be raised by some psychopath. Oh, come on, you go back to that whenever it is convenient for you. She’s worked hard, hard to overcome — No, no, no, no. You do not understand. I know the truth now. She’s been lying. She remembers. She remembers everything. Adam, we had to call your parents because according to your PCU medical records, they’re your emergency contact. Wait. What did you tell them? I told them that you were here and you had a medical emergency. Did you tell them about the pills or that I — that I tried to hurt myself? Is that what happened, Adam? No, that’s not what happened. It was just an accident. Okay. Adam, here’s the deal. You’re over , so you’re considered to be an adult. So as far as we’re concerned, we can’t share any of your information without your permission, okay? Thank you. But your parents — they’re still gonna have questions. And whether or not last night was an accident, you’re still gonna need a support system in place. So I’m imploring you to please be honest with the doctor that’s gonna evaluate you, be honest with your parents, and most importantly, be honest with yourself.

Is there any word on the psych attending? Who’s covering this morning? Is it Dr. Wallace? He’s still doing rounds in the west wing. He’ll be down soon. How’s Adam? I feel so bad for him. Josslyn said he’s under a lot of pressure at school. I just hope that if Wiley or Amelia ever felt pressured at school, that they’d come to me, you know? I mean, I don’t get it. Kids nowadays, they have so much pressure on them — the bullying, the isolation, school shootings, everything that’s going on in the world. Depression and anxiety — they are an epidemic for this generation. And it just — it breaks my heart. Dr. Robinson, is Adam awake yet? Josslyn, hi. I-I didn’t know that you were here. Did you sleep here last night? I just want to make sure Adam’s okay. He’s awake. He cannot have any visitors right now. That’s really all I can tell you. [ Elevator bell dings ]

Yeah, I’m here to see Adam Wright. He was brought in last night. I want to see my son. Drew mentioned that he had a meeting, um, at — at Aurora this morning. But we’ve had this on the books for over a week. Yeah, I think it was last minute. I’m sure he just forgot. I mean, Drew would never leave you hanging. [ Chuckles ] Or so I thought. Never say never, I guess, huh? What does that mean? Drew and I have been out of step lately, and that’s why I scheduled this meeting, to see if we could iron some things out. Is this about the situation with Scout’s school? Look, I don’t believe he meant to undercut you. No, actually, we — we resolved that issue. But things are still really tense, and they have been since he got home from Pentonville. I don’t know, maybe it’s just me. You know what? Never mind. Forget it. No, no, don’t do that. Talk to me. Tell me what’s going on. Well, you spend probably the most time with Drew. Since he’s been back, haven’t you noticed that he’s changed? Yeah, as you just pointed out, Michael only runs Aurora. I happen to own it. So I get the final say. Oh, I get it. So either Michael disagrees with your decision to fire me and run Crimson into the ground, or he doesn’t know. See, Michael may have Sonny’s last name, and he may hate me, but he’s a Quartermaine through and through. He doesn’t let his personal feelings interfere with the balance sheet. Yeah, don’t forget that I’m a Quartermaine, too. Then maybe you should take a page out of your nephew’s book! I have run a tight, profitable ship for years! I saved Crimson from bankruptcy when Julian Jerome tried to run it into the ground and use it as a tax write-off. Now Crimson is one of the top fashion magazines in the country. It is Aurora’s flagship title, and it is my baby! Speaking of, what kind of father tanks his company and destroys his child’s legacy? Isn’t Scout a major shareholder? Don’t you dare bring my daughter into this. Drew had a horrific experience in — in Pentonville, he did. And — And he’s struggling right now, he is. And I think that’s to be expected. And just when he was getting his bearings, we found out that Nina was the one who called the SEC on us. And that very same night, we found out that my mother died, so I think he’s angry. And I’m angry, you know? Yeah, I-I understand that. But Drew is angry at the world. You — you’re directing your anger toward Nina, rightfully so. Yeah, well, my instincts are telling me to fight back, strike back, but I just — I don’t know. I-I want to be more like my mom. You know, I want to focus on what’s important. And right now, keeping her legacy alive and honoring her is so important to me. And I’m trying, and I-I hope I’m succeeding. But I don’t know. Bobbie would be really proud of you right now, Carly. Yeah. Thank you. But Bobbie also gave people second chances, Sam. Maybe that’s what we need to do for Drew. We need to give him some grace and double down on our support. No, I-I hear you, and don’t get me wrong, I would do anything to support Drew, aside from the issue we have with Scout and the school. But if there is any way that I can help him, I will. And if you have any idea on how I can do that, I’m listening. [ Sighs ] What did I ever do to you, Nina? Did — Did I harm you in some way? No, no, it wasn’t about you. It was always about Carly. Yeah, but two people were reported to the SEC, right? So…did you just forget about me? You didn’t care that I was collateral damage? You didn’t care that I had just got back into my daughter’s life, and then I was ripped away again right after I helped save your daughter’s life?! So you just care about your daughter, not mine? Is that what — Okay, I’m sorry! I am sorry, and I was very grateful. I didn’t know that you would be the one to go to prison. No. You didn’t want to know, Nina. You didn’t care. You were just so hell-bent on destroying Carly. But you know what I think? I think so much of this — I think it’s insecurity. What are you talking about? Well, yeah, Wiley and Amelia — they love Carly. There’s so much closer to Carly than they are to you. Willow, too, for that matter. And — And Sonny and Carly. Their bond is dysfunctional, but it’s also unbreakable. And I don’t think you can stand that, so you wanted to get Carly out of the picture. You wanted her out by any means possible. Okay, can you just stop talking, please? Yes! Yes, I did what I did, and I won’t deny it, but I think this is a perfect opportunity for you to acknowledge your part, Drew. You are responsible for putting yourself at risk! Carly’s investment was a well-intentioned act of support. There was no nefarious motive whatsoever. You, on the other hand, man, you just wanted to take her out. And now… I want to take you out. I’m gonna give you fair warning. Don’t use all these feelings to influence your business decisions. Talk to Legal. You can’t just fire me. I may not own the company, but without me, there is no magazine. Yeah, you’re not telling me anything that I don’t know, Nina. Are you telling me that you would shutter Crimson just to get rid of me? I’m telling you that I will do anything to make you pay for what you’ve done. Excuse me, sir. I’m Dr. Robinson, the co-chief of staff here. Where’s Adam? Is he okay? He’s resting, and he still needs to be seen by an attending. [ Chuckles ] He drank too much and made a fool of himself. Does that really require further consultation? Well, it requires us to be thorough as possible. Hmm. Look, I don’t want you running up our bill with all kinds of extra charges, okay? Adam’s already squandered the money we’ve invested in his education with this foolishness, which is exactly what we were afraid of. Now [clears throat] when can I take my son home? Why don’t I go check his status? Dr. Robinson, Adam cannot go. He needs to stay here and get help. He absolutely cannot go home. Why is that? Young lady, what do you know about my son that I don’t? Did you help Nikolas kidnap my son? I did no such thing! I would never do anything like that. Well, then, why was he here? Why did he come looking for you? Did he — Did he want you to help him to get me out of the way? Like… Is that why you pressed charges against me? Esme, that’s ridiculous. I didn’t know that you’d broken into Wyndemere. I didn’t know that Laura was gonna convince you to confess to it. Look, just — just — just tell me how to find Nikolas, please. I can’t. He’s a Cassadine. He’s got money, he’s got resources, he’s got private islands. If Laura couldn’t find him, do you really think you’ll be able to? Well, I’m not giving up on my son. I-I have resources, too. You have no idea what you’re getting yourself into. And your resources can’t possibly compete or compare. Do I look helpless to you? I will do whatever it takes to find my son. You know, maybe I have a dangerous ally of my own. Oh, really? Like who? Cyrus Renault. Esme told me that Spencer threatened to have the old charges reinstated against her. When I questioned her, she wouldn’t say how this might be possible. Because she doesn’t want anyone to know that she’s regained her memory. But how do you know that, Spencer? Because of the little things that she was saying. I was with her before her arraignment at the PCPD, and… she kept going back to how everyone hated her and how she felt like she was the one who was being persecuted, and then I pointed out to her, I said, “These are things that sound like the old Esme.” And as soon as I said that, she backed off. Well, how would you expect her to react? I mean, she confessed, and — and she expressed true remorse over what was really a Class “A” misdemeanor. And still, Ava had to press charges. She said that Ava wants her to pay for what she supposedly did to Trina. As though Ava and Trina are overreacting, and she is somehow the one being persecuted in this situation. I’m sorry, Spencer, I don’t see this as proof that she’s regained her memory. She called me “Spence.” Excuse me? That’s what she used to call me back when we were together. She called me “Spence.” She hasn’t used that name for me since she lost her memory. Okay, so, uh, she called you by your nickname. [ Chuckles ] And then when I told her that my father had taken Ace, she said that she was going to the police and she was gonna report the kidnapping. And I said — I threatened her, and I said that, “If you do that, then I’m going to have — I’m gonna tell the police that you have your memory back and they’re going to reopen the investigation.” And then as soon as she heard that, she — she seemed like she couldn’t risk it. Maybe she couldn’t risk being thought of as a suspect when she is so desperate to try to get her son back. Oh, my God, Spencer. You gave Ace away based on a suspicion, not based on something you knew and certainly not on anything you could prove. No, I do know that Esme has regained her memory. Yeah, I-I’m sorry to interrupt, but memory or not, Esme is still going after her son. If she came to me asking for my help, who else is she going to go to? And if Esme’s successful, what will she do when she finds Nikolas? I think the best thing we can do for Drew is just to be honest with each other and to keep talking and to give him some time, you know? I mean, I’m gonna do everything I can on my end. Okay. But just so you know, you’re not alone in this. There are plenty of people here who care about Drew. But what happened to Drew is on me. Look, I’m the one who bought the Aurora stock because I had to inflate the price, even after Drew told me not to over and over again. And he took the fall just to protect me. He insisted on doing that, Carly. Yes, but he wouldn’t have been faced with that choice if it weren’t for me to begin with. So I am going to do everything I can to make up for it. Okay. As long as helping him doesn’t come at your own expense. ‘Cause that’s the last thing he would want. What about the staff? What about them? They are hardworking, they’re loyal, some of the best in the business. You are willing to lay off all of those people just to get back at me? Well, that’s on you, Nina. You sign this termination agreement right here, or Crimson, with all its staff, is going out of business. Mr. Cain, should we start loading the boxes on the freight elevator? Yeah, I’ll have a look. I’ll give you a moment to think about it.

Time’s up. You gonna sign? Or are you dragging Crimson down with you? Josslyn found Adam in the park yesterday and called emergency services. You found him? Or you were out drinking with him? Josslyn wasn’t drinking. She went to look for Adam because she was concerned for him. Adam was alone and nearly passed out. We’ve been concerned about his behavior for quite a while. Really? And this incident proves Adam’s just not mature enough to live on his own. It’s not a question about maturity. Adam needs help. Look, I appreciate your concern, and I’m “grateful” you called for help when you did, but I’ll take it from here. You don’t understand. Adam has been hiding everything from you because he’s afraid of what you’ll do. Why would he be afraid? His mother and I only want the best for him. He just feels so much pressure. Adam has a very promising career ahead of him. He had the test scores to get into PCU. He’s maintained a . up until now. If he stays on track, he’ll be admitted to a top-tier medical school. But now he’s drinking and partying and squandering everything his mother and I have worked hard to give him. He’s not partying. He’s self-medicating, having panic attacks. Okay, okay, Josslyn, thank you very much. I-I think I can take it from here. Why don’t you go home and get some rest? Now, who do I have to speak to to remove my son? Come on, let’s just let the hospital handle this, okay? Yeah. You’ve done your part. Now, please, leave. This doesn’t concern you. It should concern you that your son tried to kill himself last night. I’ve got to alert the police. Grandmother, if you do that, then the FBI could get involved and who knows who else? Plus, if my father is captured, then Ace is going to be returned to Esme. [ Sighs ] Spencer, we don’t even know if she has regained her memory or not. And if she has, she still might do the right thing by her son. I agree with Laura. I believe in the power of redemption. Well, I don’t. Esme’s redemption is fake. And why are you still believing her? Are you really choosing Esme’s well-being over Ace’s? I am being realistic, and the reality is, Spencer, that Ace would be safer if he were with you and me. You should have stopped your father. I don’t understand why you didn’t come to me with your suspicions. I mean, I would have listened to you. We — We could have gone to the police together and made Esme face the things that she’s done. And what about my father? Should I have reported him as well? [ Sighs ] No, Spencer, I would never ask you to turn your own father in. But I know that Ace should be with us while all of this other stuff is getting sorted out. And what if it got “sorted out” in Esme’s favor? As far as I’m concerned, my father just saved Ace’s life. Okay, don’t get me wrong. Don’t get me wrong. I am glad that you’re starting to realize that your father is not the heartless man that you have made him out to be. But, Spencer, he has demonstrated some spectacularly bad judgment here. And so have you. Your father’s on the run. He’s being pursued by the authorities. That little baby has never been in more danger. -Josslyn, that’s enough. -Let’s just go. Please. Adam took a pack full of antihistamines and washed it down with vodka. He knew what he was doing. He’s so afraid of you, he’d rather not live than face you. You’re lying. Don’t you even care? You pushed and you pushed until he reached his breaking point. I want her gone now! And if this girl comes within feet of Adam, I’ll sue. Okay, okay. That’s unnecessary. She’s tired. She hasn’t slept all night. And she is leaving right now. Listen, um, why don’t we go to my office and I can explain everything that’s going on with Adam, and we can wait for the attending there?

Dr. Robinson won’t let anything happen to Adam. Anything you say is just gonna antagonize Adam’s father. Because he refuses to see the truth. He’s not gonna listen to you, Joss. But if you’re not here, he might listen to Dr. Robinson. Promise me you’ll keep an eye on Adam. I promise. Okay, then.

Cyrus Renault? You’re joking. He’s gonna help me find my son. Why? Well, because he cares about his family. Esme, you’re not his family. Ace may be a part of his family, but you are not. But he promised. He promised what, exactly? Nothing. He promised me nothing. [ Crying ] My — My son is — is kidnapped. No one will help me, and I am — I’m all alone. What? Esme, just wait! Just — Just stay away from me! Thank you for, uh — for coming to me, to us, about Esme. We’re family, Laura. Where else would I go?

Do you see now? Esme went to Cyrus for help. Isn’t that proof that she can’t be trusted? It’s proof that she’s desperate and she’ll do anything to get her baby back. Fine. Both can be true. Yes. This is Mayor Collins. I’d like to speak to Detective Falconeri. No, Grandmother, you can’t do this. Stop it! I have to do it. It’s urgent. Dante, it’s Laura. My grandson Ace has been taken.

I’m surprised you gave in so quickly. Well, like I said, Crimson is my baby, and I’ll do anything to save her and do anything for the employees, even if it means giving up everything that I care about. Do you really think that I would sabotage Aurora’s flagship title? For you? Crimson was always gonna be just fine. Oh. So this was your plan all along — to manipulate my sense of duty to my employees. Or maybe I knew that you just couldn’t pass up on an opportunity to play martyr. Poor Nina. You know, my employees are gonna lose their jobs eventually anyway. Former employees. This magazine is nothing without me. Do you really think you’re gonna be able to keep the photographers, the designers, the advertisers? The editorial staff will quit immediately. I made this magazine! This is my magazine! I’m irreplaceable! And yet I have already replaced you. [ Footsteps approaching ]

Nina, meet Crimson’s new editor-in-chief.

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General Hospital Transcript

Transcript provided by Suzanne

THIS STILL NEEDS EXTENSIVE EDITING!

This feels a little too familiar. Well… Turnabout’s fair play. Well, it was about a year ago when you accused me of playing God with Willow’s life… because I had hidden the fact that Nina was Willow’s mother. I was terrified, and I was desperate. I never should have said what I said. No, no, no, don’t do that. Don’t do that. You accused me of making a very crucial decision without considering the consequences for anyone. And you were right. [ Hushed ] Finally. [ Normal voice ] Yeah, and now, I kept the truth about Nina being the SEC informant to myself, knowing that information would affect you and Drew and Willow and so many others, but I should have — I should have seen this blowing up, I — I didn’t. Yeah, well, when we’re protecting our family, we can all have tunnel vision. Come on, Mom. I mean, just say it — I chose Dad’s happiness over yours. And I’m also a giant hypocrite. [ Sighs ] Are you tired or just full? [ Chuckles ] Content. Mm. This was really nice and long overdue. That’s on me. Mm. I realize you have a lot on your plate right now. [ Cellphone chimes ] And so do I. A Deputy Mayor’s work is never finished. Mm. Something like that. I’m glad your new role is fulfilling, but I hope you’re leaving room for a personal life. Are you asking about my love life? More like hoping you’ll have time to babysit, because if everything went according to plan, your grandchild was conceived today. [ Chuckles ] [ Knock on door ] Greetings, stranger. Remember me? Blaze. What are you doing here? I thought you had another out-of-town stop on your tour. I did, but then a blizzard knocked out the power at the venue. So if you don’t have any plans tonight, how about it? Can you come out and play? [ Chuckles ]

Hi, Drew. Anna. Scotch, neat. Make it a double. Oh. Tough day at the office? Tough decade. And every time I think it’s taking a turn for the better, the universe just kind of shuts that down. I’m sorry. No, I’m… I’m sorry. You’re sitting here, you’re having a drink, you’re enjoying your book, and I just lay that on you and bring you down. Can I get another one here, please, on me? It’s okay. You didn’t bring me down. Kind of just made me realize how much I relate to everything you just said. Wake up. I need your help. Esme? Yes, obviously. What are you doing here? Well, I had nowhere else to go. Why? Wha– what’s the matter? Well, my baby’s gone. He’s been kidnapped by his own father.

Kristina underwent intrauterine insemination today. Oh, wow. Congratulations. Thank you. I’ll be praying the procedure was successful. You and me both. Yeah, I can’t believe that it’s — it’s finally going to happen, even though we didn’t get here the way I thought we would, because in no world did I think that Kristina would be our surrogate, much less our egg donor. Yeah, I know it took some time to get comfortable with that. It did, until I sat down with Kristina, just the two of us, and we talked it all out. I got a real understanding of her thoughts and her feelings about the whole thing. Kristina is as prepared as she can be emotionally and physically, which is more than some people can say, right? Absolutely. Then why are you so quiet? You’re not weighing in nearly as much as Molly’s mother. Are you — are you comfortable with Kristina being our surrogate? It’s not up to me. I know. But I’m asking… what do you really think? I was actually just — I was planning on having an easy night in tonight. Well, that sounds a lot better than anything thrown together by someone who just showed up at your door. Um, any chance you feel like having some company? Um, sure. Yeah, yeah. Come on in. I’m not a great chef or anything, but I was gonna make some pasta. I’m happy to — Oh, look, you don’t have to entertain or play hostess. I was excited about seeing you, and I totally forgot common courtesy. I should have called first, I apologize. No, it’s okay. No, it’s not. But in my defense, it hasn’t been the easiest to get you on the phone lately. Yeah. No, I know, I just — I’ve, um — I’ve been really busy. Yeah, you’ve got a lot going on. I know that. Yeah. But can I ask you a question? Okay. Why does it feel like you’ve started pulling away? I went to Laura’s apartment to pick up Ace, and Spencer was there, and he told me that he wanted to talk, and I should have realized what he was doing. I should have realized he was just stalling me, but… I’m not sure I understand. Yeah, well, understand this — while I was in a courtroom because of some stupid broken window at Wyndemere, he was conspiring with his father to steal my baby. This doesn’t sound like Spencer. Yes, yes, it does. Look, you don’t know the real Spencer or the real Nikolas. Well, what did the police say? Well, I haven’t called the police because Spencer told me that if I called the cops, then he would have my old charges reinstated against me. Well, that’s not Spencer’s call. Well, he’ll convince the DA. I don’t know how. As I understand it, you could easily sway a jury based on your memory loss. So how could Spencer hold that against you? Has something changed? I knew I couldn’t cut off Nina completely because Willow would be suspicious, so… I thought containing Nina would mitigate the damage. Blackmail for the greater good? You know, if that makes me a hypocrite, so be it. I’ve been called worse. I think that makes you your mother’s son. [ Sighs ] Come on. No one knows why you did the things you did better than me. Although I can’t pretend that it doesn’t hurt that you knew what Nina had done and you still kept it all to yourself. No, no — because I thought I was lessening the hurt by keeping quiet. How? For Willow, mostly. And my dad, he — he seemed happy in his marriage, and you and Drew seemed like you were moving on, and… That’s all true, but you forgot the lesson we both learned about keeping secrets last year. Even with the best of intentions, keeping things buried have unintended consequences. Yeah, and nothing ever stays buried. I’ve been really busy with — um, you know, with my youth center and everything with my sister and work. Okay, you’ve got a lot going on. Yeah. So you’ve said. Kristina, come on. I’ve obviously done something to hurt your feelings, and I never want to do that, so help me. I pulled away because you pulled away. When? At Rice Plaza. We were, uh… talking about our family traditions, and… Well, okay, yeah. So you said your presents a year ago were a pepper spray holster and free legal advice. Yeah, among other things, but… we were, uh… our hands sort of… found each other, and, uh… it was really nice. Then Brook Lynn and Chase came, and you literally dropped my hand like it was on fire. I didn’t realize I did that. Well, you did. Look, I know there’s certain things that you haven’t shared with your family… but I just… Look, that hurt. [ Sighs ] I’m so sorry. Thank you. Do you think that maybe part of that is because you are not out to your family, and so…? Look, I’m not used to public displays of affection, okay? I never have been. My performance life is in the public eye. I share so much of myself with my music. I just — I want to keep my private life for me. No, I get that, I do, I — I understand that your life is more complicated than mine that way, and that’s fine, but when I like someone, I like to show it, and I like when they do, too. I’d love to be more like you, but old habits die hard. It may take a bit before I’m comfortable being as public as you are. Can you be a little patient? I don’t know. After everything you and Molly went through, I got the impression you both wanted to take a break to process and regroup before you tried again. We both thought that waiting was the best option, but once Kristina volunteered to be our surrogate, Molly and I agreed that it wouldn’t be fair to ask Kristina to put her life on hold for us indefinitely. Besides, is there ever really a right time to have a child? If you wait for everything to be perfect, you’ll wait forever, right? Well, I can’t answer that. Is this the right decision? I’ll answer your question with one of my own. Would my opinion change your mind? No. Okay, well, if it wasn’t clear, how your child comes into this world will never change how much I love them. Got it? Got it. And I do love that you value my opinion, and I appreciate how thoughtful you are with every aspect of your life. Now, if you ever truly feel you need my take on something, I’ll give it to you, but from where I’m sitting, you’re doing just fine determining your own destiny, and I couldn’t be prouder. And a part of me wishes I’d never gone looking for the truth. Oh, come on, would you really be happier not knowing while Nina was settling in to her happily ever after with your dad, getting closer to Willow after everything she’s done? Come on. You’re right, you’re right, you’re right. Yeah, I needed to know. I just regret the way I handled the information. And to top it all off, I hurt the two most important women in my life. I’ll survive. Yeah, Mom, you deserve better. Especially from me. I mean, you’ve always had my back. No matter how many times I’ve screwed up, I always knew you loved me unconditionally. Yeah. That’ll never change. Well, even if the man that you love doesn’t feel the same way? I just feel like a stranger to myself lately. Angry… but impulsive? Yeah. How did you know? Well, I feel the same, you know. I guess a lot’s happened to us both since Greenland, huh? I heard. I heard it — I heard about your house being burned down, and — and I heard about… about the other incident. You know, Drew, this — this life I’ve chosen… I’ve seen a lot of terrible things… some of which I’ve been responsible for myself.

But… shooting that young girl… Charlotte… that was the worst moment of my life. Must have been devastating. Yeah. I don’t have words. I really don’t. [ Exhales sharply ] I’ve just been cycling through so many different emotions, you know? That is — is exhausting, isn’t it? Oh, it is. It’s exhausting. And then when you think about the people that you believe that you know the best, and then you find out that they are unrecognizable, just… that hurts. And it makes you feel so naive and stupid. And very, very sad. But I think mostly what I feel right now is anger. Oh… I don’t remember the last time I saw Drew lose his cool like that. Yeah, that doesn’t happen a lot. Hey, Mom, I’m sorry I put you in such a tough position. Oh, come on. I mean, Drew’s mad, but it’s not all about you. You know, he’s — he’s struggling. You know, he’s going through a lot since he got attacked in Pentonville, so… Yeah. Well, no one ever comes out of Pentonville the same person they were when they went in. But you know, he’ll — he’ll move past it, you know, with some honesty and support, maybe talking to somebody. He’ll be able to move past what happened to him in Pentonville. Yeah, yeah. I mean, of course it might take a little time, but Drew’s an amazing man, and he’s not the only one. Yeah, yeah. Not so amazing lately. Come on. I’ll talk to Drew. [ Sighs ] Seriously, Mom, I don’t know how to thank you for your love and forgiveness. I’m always going to forgive you, and I’m always going to love you. Know that, okay? Your apology tour is not over. You’re going to have to make things right with Willow. There’s nothing more important than your wife and your children. And look at me. You cannot let Nina damage this family more than she already has. I’m sorry to interrupt, but Wiley’s asking for his daddy. Oh, thank you. The, uh — The kids are upstairs because Willow’s working a late shift. Haven’t really seen much of them lately. Oh, go. Go tuck in your son, and give them a hug from their grandmother. Okay. Thank you. Yeah.

So how did you do it? How did you — how did you shake the anger? I’ll let you know when I do. Did you know that anger is really just a byproduct of fear? Is it? Yeah. So it’s a symptom? Yeah, I think so, according to my book, yeah. Huh… Any other nuggets of wisdom in here? Yeah, I’m sure, perhaps. I mean, I’m only on chapter one. Um, my focus is — is a bit off these days. Uh, in fact, I think I read one page about three times, but I did grasp that sort of anger-fear connection thing. Maybe the fourth time is the charm. Yeah, maybe. Yeah. I’m just biding time ’til my friend gets here. I don’t know where they are. Yeah, well, it looks like you got a little bit of time to give that page another shot. Yeah. You know… I wonder whether an antidote to betrayal is a kind of fellowship, in a way. Ah, you might be onto something there. Yeah. Yeah, your company has been more medicinal than my scotch. That’s for sure. [ Chuckles ] “Medicinal”? I’ve ever been called “medicinal” before. No, it’s true, it’s true. Talking to you, I — I — I realize that I got to get the toxicity out of my life. Yeah. You let me know how that goes. [ Cellphone chimes ] Okay, who is blowing up my mama’s phone? [ Chuckles ] I am working on a special project. For the mayor’s office? With the mayor’s permission. But the project is off the books. Got it. Say no more. Yeah, well, it’s no secret from you. Curtis and I have been looking into a shooting. These alerts I’m getting could be my first solid lead. Promise me you’ll be careful. I have no idea what’s going on in Spencer’s mind, but all I know is that I have no faith that the PCPD will help me get my son back from the mayor’s son. I’m sorry. I was under the impression that my sister has been good to you and little Ace. Laura is the reason I am in this situation. She told me to turn myself in and insisted that I get a slap on the wrist, and then Ava pressed charges. Well, perhaps it’s time that you turned to my brother, Martin. He’s a lawyer. Yeah, he’s my lawyer. He was at my hearing. But a lawyer is not going to do me any good. There’s no way I can find Nikolas through traditional channels. Well, he’s also very resourceful. Look, even if Laura and Martin can help me get Ace back, it won’t do me any good if I am behind bars. So you don’t actually fear for little Ace’s safety. This is less a matter of protection and more about possession. Am I being lectured by an ex-con? [ Chuckles ] You sought me out. Besides, a rap sheet doesn’t preclude morality. Or motherhood, right? Right. Which is why I am appealing to your better angels. [ Scoffs ] What makes you think you can trust me? Look, I have no idea what it’s like to be a public figure, so I can’t even pretend to relate to your sensitivities there. I’m glad. I wouldn’t want that for you. If I were dating someone in the public eye, I — I would be willing to make some compromises, but it would really depend on what they were. Look, Blaze, I’ve… It took me a lot of time and a lot of work to get to where I am today, to live authentically my truth, and I’m never going to go back to anything less than that. Okay, so if I try to do better and am conscious of my attitudes and behaviors, can — can we just pick up where we left off? That might be kind of tough. My life is about to majorly change. I mean, you — you mean with the youth center opening? I just… That and this. As of this afternoon, I might be pregnant. This is major. No wonder you’re lying low tonight. How are you feeling? Fine. How are you feeling? I mean, it’s not a total surprise. You made it very clear that you were going to be your sister’s surrogate. Yeah, but now, it’s a reality. Yeah… But people get pregnant all the time, and they find ways to hang out with other people. So will we. At least that’s what we talked about. Right, but now that it’s actually happening, it’s… it’s a little hard to see how we can juggle that and be together, right? Maybe. Well, here we are. Uh, look, it’s — it’s been so great getting to know you, Blaze. Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Hang on. So our timing isn’t perfect. I’ve missed you, Kristina. And I like you a lot, a lot. Yeah, I like you a lot, too, I just… I — I don’t know if that’s going to be enough. I feel so stupid. I should have picked up on the distance between us sooner, but it sounds like you’ve made up your mind. I’m not sure of much these days, which is why I think it’s probably best that we just, uh, call it. I guess so.

I should have held your hand at Rice Plaza and never let go.

I’ll, um — I’ll — I’ll see you around. Sounds good.

Hey, um, it’s me. I just — I just wanted to tell you that I loved you. Wiley’s upstairs playing with the truck that Nina got him, and it took everything I had not to chuck it out the window, along with everything else associated with that woman. Right, okay, okay. But you know what? Being out of the family is going to kill Nina, and she has no one to blame but herself. Yeah, right, Mom — but is that justice? I mean, you and I both know that Drew was just collateral damage. I mean, she went to the SEC to get you sent to prison. I know. I know that, but now, everyone knows that. And for me, the silver lining is I don’t have to coexist with Nina anymore. I don’t have to bite my tongue around her. I don’t have to serve her at my restaurant. I mean, I don’t have to listen to another sappy speech about why the two of us need to get along. I hate her for what she did to Drew, but now, I don’t have to pretend otherwise. Wait, you don’t want payback? Yes, I want payback. But I want peace of mind more. Since my mother passed, I realize that closure only comes from letting go. And I am ready to move on. I suggest you do the same.

You know, I don’t really have a picture of what my life looks like after the WSB. You know what — what you would want it to look like? Well, I mean, I thought I did, yeah. But now, you know… Well, there’s no clock, you know. You don’t have to put pressure on yourself. That’s very good advice. I don’t suppose you’d take it, would you? Hmm… [ Cellphone rings ] It’s Carly. She’s probably wondering where I am. That’s really nice… to have someone wonder. You know, it’s been my experience that after you ignore the first call, it just gets easier and easier to ignore the rest. You and I, right? We both have a lot of questions that we want to answer for ourselves. But you have one thing for sure that I don’t. And what’s that? You have someone who loves and wants to support you. Look, I don’t trust you. Not for a second. I don’t trust anybody. For all I know, Laura could have known about Nikolas’s plans. You’re accusing my sister of being a party to a kidnapping. Look, I’m saying that I need help. There must be something that you can do. Look, when I met you in the visiting room at Pentonville, you told me that you cared about family. Were those just empty words? Look, Ace is your family, and he’s also mine, and he has been taken from me. He has been taken from both of us. Are you going to let that stand? There’s nothing to worry about. I’m taking precautions. I hope so. I am, especially now that Curtis is focused on his recovery and can’t provide backup. You’re not going to forget that you’re not the top cop anymore? Well, it’s not something you forget. And if I discover anything that even flirts with putting me in danger, I will turn over the investigation officially. [ Cellphone chimes ] Go, take care of your investigation — safely. No danger flirting. Ah, okay. None of that. I’d ask which one of us is the parent, but I guess I can’t say that for much longer.

I don’t know if you’re in there or not or if you even exist yet, but… hi, it’s me, your auntie Kristina. The crazy one. I am a mess. Clearly. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be talking to you, but… You might be the only person who heard what just happened, so please just tell me if I did the right thing or not. [ Knock on door ]

[ Clears throat ]

Look, my own means are greatly reduced. But I do still know people who can make discreet inquiries on your behalf, and if there’s a trail, they will pick it up. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Um, what’s the next step? Well, I make a phone call. That’s it? That’s all you can do? No, I — I — I could also pray with you. Hey, there’s the man I adore. Hi. Looks like you found some good company. I did indeed. [ Chuckles ] I didn’t get a chance to say, Carly, that that service for your mother was really beautiful, and we’re all going to miss her so much. Thank you. And yeah, we are. [ Chuckles ] All right. Excuse me. I’m going to call my friend, see where they are. It was nice talking to you. Nice talking to you. Yeah. Have a nice night. Yeah, you too. Carly: Hey. Thank you. Thank you for calling me back. Um, I want to tell you that I — I — I know why you’re mad at Michael. And he should have told us the truth. I wish he would have. But, you know, I’ve — I’ve made some missteps myself when it came to protecting my family from Nina, so I really do understand. Michael and I will have to hash this out, and — and we will. But the — the bulk of my anger, that is — that is reserved for Nina. Oh, God. Join the club. The failed merger and your investment — that would never have been on the SEC’s radar if it wasn’t for her. Her actions left me at the mercy of that judge, and violent prisoners took me away from my daughter, my only child, Carly. I know, I know. I understand all that, I really do. I just — you know, it’s like I told Michael — there is a silver lining. There is. We don’t have to pretend to play nice with Nina anymore. We can put Nina in the rear view. Not me.

Michael: Hey. Um, I — I didn’t expect you back so soon. I’ll, uh — I’ll get out of your way. Michael, wait. How are you doing? I know you had to have some rough conversations today. Yeah, I, uh — I got quite the beating from Drew, which I deserved, and, uh, well, my mom gave me grace and understanding, which I really, really appreciated. I want you to know that I didn’t tell Carly or Drew anything about your part in this. I know, I know. It was Nina. Nina approached me at the hospital, Carly and Drew found us, and it didn’t take Nina seconds to throw in their faces that you had known the truth for months. Now do you understand why I went to the lengths that I did to protect you from her? I do. And that’s the problem. Nina’s petty, vindictive, envious because — let’s be real — she wanted to send your mother to prison so that she couldn’t be a grandmother to Wiley and Amelia or competition for Sonny. My mother is manipulative, insecure, and a liar, and I had the right to know that. [ Sighs ] I don’t know, Willow. I — I knew how hurt you’d be. Like I said, I was just trying to protect you. I don’t want your protection. I want the truth from you, Michael. Always. Nina’s awful, but that does not absolve you. Well, I’m not looking for absolution here, Willow. I’m — I’m looking for forgiveness. That can’t happen overnight. It can’t happen if we’re apart like this. Michael, I am too tired to get into this right now. Okay, then when? Mommy, Daddy, is it time to go home?

So you can tell me where the gun came from? All right. Name the time and place. Okay. Got it. Excuse me. Is there something I can help you with? I can help myself. Going somewhere?

You’re back. I thought I heard you talking to someone. I can go if you have company — No, no, no, I, uh — I don’t know if I, uh, have company or not yet. [ Chuckles ] Did you forget something? Not exactly. I just wanted to say that you may be right about everything, okay? Maybe I’m not ready. Maybe you do have too much going on. Maybe this won’t work, but how will we know if we don’t try? We won’t. I’m not a quitter, and I get the feeling that you don’t like what-ifs any more than I do. So… what do you think? Will you take a chance with me? It depends. On? What’s in the bag. [ Chuckles ] All the ingredients for the dinner that I’ll make while you relax. I did a quick internet search on foods to avoid after an IUI, so there’s nothing processed, spicy, or hard to digest. I promise. I’m going to guess there’s no wine in there either, then. No, but you did mention that you did want to try coquito one day, so I got some stuff to make some. Minus the rum. Wow. You thought of everything. Is it enough?

What are you doing up? It’s way past your bedtime. Daddy never came back up to read to me. I didn’t, did I? Well, you know what? If you’re still interested, I can read you a story now. Yes. Can we do it at our house? I like our house better than this one. Yeah, so do I. Then why haven’t you been home, Daddy? Uh, you know what? I — I’ve just been a little busy with work, but, you know, how about I carry you and Amelia to the gatehouse, and, um, I can read you a story there? Yes, please. Will you stay with us tonight? Um, you know, probably — probably not tonight. Then when will we all be together again? No offense — I’m not going to waste time praying when I could be doing.

Wow…

Uh, apologies for the late hour, but when you get this message, please come see me right away. It’s of vital importance. Nina needs to pay for the damage that she caused us and our families. I agree. And someday, I hope she will. Not someday — now, and I know exactly how to make her pay. Hey, Jordan. It’s me. I’m at Charlie’s Pub. I thought you’d be here by now. You know, if you can’t make it, just let me know. Call me back. Bye.

What do you want? Money? It’s best for everyone if Deputy Mayor Ashford leaves her pepper spray in her purse. Who are you? We’re going to need you to come with us. I’m not going anywhere until you identify yourselves. We’ll save the introductions for the ride. [ Exhales sharply ]

On the next “General Hospital” —

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General Hospital Transcript

Transcript provided by Suzanne

THIS STILL NEEDS EXTENSIVE EDITING!

[ Sighs ]

I miss you, Mom. I miss you so much. [ Sighs ]

[ Cellphone rings ]

You went behind my back and you interfered with my relationship with my mother? Willow, I was just trying to protect our family. You were manipulating me! No, that’s not what I was trying to do — Don’t! Just stop. [ Gasps ] I mean, I-I don’t know where my relationship with Nina was going to go, but instead of letting me make up my own mind, you blackmailed her?! I don’t — I don’t understand. If you were so worried about her influence on our kids, why wouldn’t you tell me the truth?! Hello. Hey. I, uh, I know you’re working, but I just — I just had to tell you that, uh, Wiley is putting on a puppet show for Amelia. Yeah, it is an epic saga about a family of four who adopts all the puppies at the local shelter. And, according to Wiley, what, it was… oh, especially the senior puppies because they deserve homes, too. That’s our boy. Yeah, yeah. So, anyway, I’ve been “hired” to film it and send it to you. So, if you receive a mystery video, be prepared for some fine cinema. Great. I look forward to it. Uh, anyway, I just wanted to give you the heads up that the kids are good. Um, they’re just wondering when you’re going to get home. So am I. I, um… I miss you.

Hey, I, um… I just wanted to say I… …I really appreciate the support — all of it. You’d better. [ Chuckles ] Okay. But I was — I was thinking that maybe it’d be best if you weren’t here when the doctor shows up, alright? We’re breaking a few rules and things could get dicey. And I don’t want you associated with any of the — What, dicey-ness? Thank you for understanding. I think it’s really… adorable, how you want to protect me. Mm-hmm. But you’re not going anywhere, are you? We’re in this together, and if this doctor has the information we need to win this lawsuit… [ Knock on door ] Hi. Dr. Finn? Dr. Sawyer. Thank you for coming on short notice. Please come in. I’m actually here on another case, so your timing is perfect. Excellent. This is Nurse Baldwin. If you don’t mind, she’ll be sitting in with us. Good to meet you. Likewise. Please have a seat. So, how can I help? You said you needed a consult on a patient? Finn: I do. In fact, your input might be life-altering. How did it go in court? Esme: Well, you would have known if you had been there, like you promised. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I would like to take my son home. Hey, Esme, we should talk first. Um, well, I have nothing to say to you. Hey. Hey. Sorry, sorry, sorry. Um… Okay. I don’t know what’s going on with you, but I want my son, and I want him now.

Ace is asleep. There’s no reason to wake him up right now. Plus, I just think that you and I should just… check in. Well, what do you want to know? Well, why they just let you go, for starters. Yeah, I’m sure you were hoping I’d get sent up the river for the rest of my life. No, these days, I have mixed feelings about things like that. Yeah, well, I don’t believe you. If any part of you cared about me, you would have brought Ace to my arraignment like I asked you to. Why? So that you could play on the judge’s sympathies? So that if worst came to worst, I could kiss my baby goodbye before they carted me away. But if it softened up the judge, sure. I mean, I guess that would have been a nice bonus. Yeah, there she is. What, like you wouldn’t have done the same thing? Like anyone wouldn’t? It doesn’t matter now. You’re free. But you still haven’t told me how. Did Ava drop the charges? Oh, please. Ava would have brought her own electric chair if she could have gotten it past security. Look, what do you want me to say? I pled guilty. I know. What, surprised? Yes. What can I say? I have changed as a person. Yeah, either that or you brokered a deal. My lawyer and the DA’s office didn’t want to clog up the system over a petty crime. And it’s not like I am ever setting foot in Ava’s drafty castle again. So, here I am, and here I go. I am getting my son, and I am taking him home. No, Esme, you can’t. May I see the patient’s file? I believe you’re familiar with the patient. Dennis Muldoon. Yes, I am. I was under the impression Mr. Muldoon had died. Yes, he did. Then if there’s no patient, then why do you need a consult? Dr. Finn, what’s this about? Mr. Muldoon died shortly after coming to see me. And now his wife is suing me for malpractice. I’m sorry to hear that. Thank you. I was hoping that your familiarity with the patient might help shed some light. You’re hoping I can provide information to assist with your defense? Yes. Dr. Finn, I’m sorry. I can’t help you. How did you know where to find me? Well, I came by the house, and Pilar said that you came here to be with Josslyn. Is she alright? Uh, physically she’s fine. She’s fine, but, um… God, she’s had a very emotional night, you know. Mm. She, uh… Josslyn has been very worried about her friend Adam, who has been going through a very difficult time. And this afternoon, he tried to kill himself. What? Yes. Oh, my God. Is — Is he alright? Did she say anything else? He’s stable. He’s stable, but apparently his parents put him under a crazy amount of pressure to succeed. Like, you know, good grades aren’t enough. If you don’t get %, you’re a failure. And apparently Adam snapped, and… I just — I don’t understand how parents can put their kid through that. I really don’t. I… Like, obviously I want the best for Scout, and I’m going to push her to succeed. But mistakes, I mean, that — that’s such an important part of life that that’s — that’s what you learn from, right? Story of my life, you know? Exactly. And look how you turned out. [ Chuckles ] I just always try to strike a balance with my kids, you know? I mean, I want them to excel, but I also want them to be true to who they are. I mean, Michael and Josslyn, they are achievers. You know, if they see a challenge ahead of them, they’re going to run right for it. Yeah, they take right after you. [ Laughs ] I don’t know about that. But Morgan, you know… I mean, he dreamed bigger than his follow-through. And Donna, she’s — she’s just so young. I hope to God I don’t mess that kid up. With Donna, you screw that up, she’s gonna let you know. [ Laughs ] Yeah. Yeah, she’s not afraid to speak her opinions. Donna has… incredible role models. Josslyn, Michael. Yeah. Josslyn is an incredible young woman, and Michael, I mean, he’s my rock. I couldn’t ask for a better son. And I couldn’t ask for a better friend.

Can we talk tonight when you get home? [ Elevator bell dings ] [ Sighs ] Willow? Tonight won’t work. Maybe tomorrow. Kiss the kids good night for me, okay? Nina, I am at work. What do you want? Just a few minutes. We haven’t spoken since New Year’s Eve, and there’s still a lot that needs to be said. Am I supposed to thank you for stabbing Carly and Drew in the back? Or for striking a deal with my husband so he would keep quiet about it? Thanks for helping me clean up, bud. Alright, I’m going to come up soon. I’m going to tuck you in. Okay? And — And Mommy, too? Yeah, Mommy will come up and give you a good night kiss when she gets home from work, even if you’re already asleep. Alright. Thanks, Melanie. You’re welcome. Come on, Wiley. [ Sighs ]

Michael, will you be joining us for dinner? Leo is insisting that we wait for you. Uh, no, tell Leo sorry, but I can’t make it. I’m actually just heading out. Oh, good. I hope he lectures you. He’s getting very good at it. Yeah. I’m looking forward to it. Uh, Ned, before I go, I wanted to ask you to return the proxy that I gave you. What? Why would he do that? Because our deal was conditional on no one finding out that Nina’s the one who turned Drew and my mom in to the SEC. But Ned lived up to his end of the bargain. He wasn’t the one that outed Nina. Look, I may lose what I love the most over all this. So, at the very least, Ned should lose control of ELQ. I’m not going to try to justify what I did. That’s a relief. But — But I would like to — I would like to explain why I did it. Nina. No, I know, I know, you’re at work, and if you could just give me a date and a time. There’s just so much that we need to say to each other. I have nothing to say to you. Yes, but I think that — that you do. You know, if I were you, I’d want to let me have it. See, we both have had a lifetime of pain. If we could just share that with each other, you know, a new understanding, I think that we should do that, even if it’s the last conversation that we’ve ever had. Carly: Nina! Haven’t you done enough damage? Can you leave Willow alone?

Willow, are you okay? Yes. I’m fine. Are you sure? Nina: Oh, God. Please. She’s a grown woman. Believe me, she has no trouble telling me to get lost. Yeah, but you never go away, despite turning me and Drew in to the SEC. For a crime you actually committed. Really? You’re married to Sonny Corinthos. You came at me out of spite, and others had to suffer. Well, not Michael. And what is that supposed to mean? Oh, he hasn’t gotten around to telling you? Well, I’m sure he’s going to. It’s not like it’s a secret anymore. Nina, what are you talking about? Yes, I did inform the SEC on you and Carly. Everyone knows that now. But the reason it was kept a secret for so long is because Michael knew and said nothing.

Proxy will be on your desk first thing in the morning. Is that soon enough? Thank you. Don’t misinterpret my willingness to return it as a victory, Michael. There’s nothing to interpret, Ned. Proxy is mine. I-I lent it to you. Now I want it back. It’s just a matter of business. See, the real issue is why you needed my silence. And that wasn’t business. You withheld the truth about Nina from Sonny, from Willow, and most importantly, from your mother and Drew — the ones most affected by Nina. And why? I’m trying to protect my family from you! See, my father is happy right now, so I’m not gonna take that away from him. I’m sure he’ll be happy until he finds out the kind of woman that you really are. I love Sonny. I don’t care. I’m not risking my family. You will only see them when I say that it is okay to see them. And you’re gonna do something else for me, too. You’re gonna sell my mother her half of the Metro Court back. I was protecting my family. Oh, you sound just like Grandfather at his worst. Oh, Michael, disregard your cousin. He has a, uh… Well, he has a noble streak, but it only shows up when he wants to take the moral high ground. Thank you for your support, Mother. So, about this little deal you made. Quartermaine to Quartermaine… I have never been prouder.

Dr. Sawyer, please just hear me out. I would rather hear from your attorney. I am more than happy to testify in court or a deposition. But without a court order, I can’t violate doctor-patient privilege, even when the patient is deceased, as I’m sure you know. I’m absolutely aware. Perhaps I could provide some context. I’ll tell you what. Have your lawyer reach out to me. Until then, I really should be on my way. Uh… Before you go, um… just hear me out. Who are you to tell me I can’t do anything? Ace is my son, and I am taking him home now. I need to tell you something first. Actually, you don’t. Trina already broke the news about her studying at the Sorbonne. And lucky you, you get to go along for the ride. At least now I know where your priorities lie, and they are not with your little brother. No, you know nothing of my priorities. And if I didn’t care about Ace’s welfare — Oh, you made your choice. Just own it. Yes, you’re right. I have made my choice. And so have I. I am bringing my son home, where he belongs. Ace’s home is not with you. Not anymore. Wow. I mean, there really is no rock bottom with you. Blaming Michael for what you did? I’m simply just telling you what Michael did. Yeah, well, it doesn’t make any sense, Nina. What reason could Michael possibly have to protect you? Oh, you know, he wasn’t protecting me. He was holding what I did over my head, using his silence as leverage. He was blackmailing me to force me to keep my distance from my daughter. [ Laughs ] I don’t know why I bother listening because every word out of your mouth is always a lie. Fine. Fine. If you don’t believe me, ask Michael. I will. Because I know I’ll get the truth from him. Willow, are you sure that you’re okay? No. But I will be. Okay, Carly, we need to get out of here. Okay. If you hadn’t lost me before, Nina, you have now.

Well, if I’ve learned one thing in my career as a physician, it’s to always listen to the nurses. Please, say what you have to say. Thank you. I can see that you want to help, that you have something to say. I’m not wrong about that, am I? Okay, before you make any decisions, there are a few things you should know about Dr. Finn. I’m sure you’re aware that he developed a cure for Blackwoods Disease. But what you can’t know is the very first person he saved with that cure was my sister. And when that cure was finalized, Dr. Finn handed over the patent to the hospital, saving it from financial ruin. Now, if this lawsuit prevails, he won’t be able to practice medicine anymore. And there’s no worse feeling, knowing that you can save someone and not being able to. So, please, can you just stay and hear what we have to say? Where the hell do you get off telling me where Ace’s home is? You are not his father. No, I’m not. I’m his brother, and I love him very much. Well, then prove it. Don’t go to Paris. Stay here with him. Right. I didn’t think so. When I said that Ace’s home wasn’t with you anymore, I didn’t mean it the way that you thought. Oh, and how did you mean it? Ace is gone. He’s gone. Gone? Gone where? With our father. You wanted to get everything out in the open? Go. Alright, uh, what I did to Carly and Drew, it was a stupid, impulsive decision, but I was really upset about the thought of losing you, and I lashed out. Lashed out? You are a wrecking ball! Yeah, well, you’re right, I-I am a lot. But please, you just have to understand. I know you know this, but Carly has kept me from both of my daughters, first Nelle, and then, of course, you. Nelle was dead by the time Carly figured out she was your daughter. I only have Carly’s word for that. Okay, well, you can take my word for this. Carly didn’t tell me that you were my mother because I didn’t want to know. No, you don’t mean that. Yes, I do. After the visitation hearing, I told Carly that I didn’t want to find my birth mother for fear that she might turn out to be as awful as you are. Well, joke’s on me, because here you are, my birth mother. Petty, vindictive, and selfish to the core. Since when are you proud of Michael? Since he showed his true colors. What you pulled is definitely worthy of my father. Underneath that mild-mannered baby face beats the heart of a true Quartermaine. I don’t know, if doing right by my family finally makes me a Quartermaine in your eyes, Tracy, then so be it. But I gave Nina my silence for the sake of my children and Willow, okay, because they are my priority above anyone and anything else.

Tracy: Carly. Drew. Oh, oh, I-I guess you — you have a lot to discuss. So, um… Ned, why don’t you join me in the kitchen? I’m suddenly famished. Ned: Yes, treachery always improves one’s appetite. So… Nina told you? She did. And I called her a liar. But for the first time in Nina’s life, she’s telling the truth, huh? Isn’t she? I agree that I have made mistakes. Mistakes? Oh, my God. Nina, please. It was all deliberate. You thought it through with care. You needed to hurt Drew in order to hurt Carly, and you were proud of what you’d done. No, I wasn’t — Just like you enjoyed causing a rift between Michael and Drew and his mother. I actually didn’t want to tell them anything. Nina! I was standing right there. You couldn’t wait to throw it in Carly’s face that Michael knew. Michael was blackmailing me. Blackmailing me! He told me that the only way that he would keep quiet is if I agreed to let him decide when I could see you and the kids. And I agreed to that because… because losing you a bit at a time was better than losing you all at once. That’s what was going to — that’s what’s happening now. Wow. Carly was right. All you do is lie to everyone. And the person that you’re lying to the most… is yourself. How do you propose we do this without violating confidentiality? Very carefully. Off the record, strictly hypotheticals. And if you say stop, we stop. Okay. [ Sighs ] Hypothetically, a patient who dies from stage IV colon cancer usually has been exhibiting symptoms for quite some time. Yes? Yes. Hypothetically, this patient…may have been exhibiting symptoms for two or three months prior. It would be a certainty that a patient in this condition would be symptomatic. Say this patient had a history of traveling to remote locations. They exhibit symptoms consistent with colon cancer or any other maladies, and they tested positive for one or more of those maladies. Personally, I would screen for any and all unknowns to rule them out. Including cancer. Correct. And if testing came up positive for cancer, I would certainly refer that patient to an oncologist. Hypothetically.

Nikolas was here? Yes. And that’s why I didn’t bring Ace to court. My father came back. And he wanted to take me and Ace with him. Take — Take him where? Where — Where did Nikolas take Ace? Someplace safe. Well, Ace is safe with me! Did you at least fight him off? You don’t have a scratch on you. Did you at least call the police?! We have to find where Nikolas took Ace! Esme, I don’t know. I don’t know where my father took Ace. You need to accept that Ace is gone, though. The hell I do! I’m Ace’s mother! I’m his legal guardian! Nikolas has no right to my son, the son that — that he abandoned. No, this is kidnapping! I’m calling the police. Esme, put the phone away. You don’t tell me what to do, Spencer! Don’t you mean “Spence”? That’s what you used to call me, remember? Back when you were busy manipulating people, destroying their property, ruining their lives.

Thanks again for coming. I really need you on my side, Spence. Spencer: The old Esme. The one that lived to do her father’s bidding.

May I? If you have another hypothetical. Yeah, of — of course. This is actually more of a procedural question. Go ahead. When you refer a patient to an oncologist or any specialist, really, does your office know if that patient made and kept their appointment? Like most practices, once we make the referral, it’s up to the patient to let us know if they followed up. Right. So, hypothetically… Some patients, we never hear back from.

I called you “Spence.” You did. So what? So, I think that we both know what that means. Nothing! It means nothing, especially now that my son has been kidnapped! It means that you’re back. The old Esme, the one who destroyed my entire world. Yeah, well, that’s a little melodramatic. No. No, it isn’t. Look me in my eyes and tell me that you don’t remember. Tell me that you don’t remember swan diving off of that tower and my father keeping you prisoner up there for months. Hmm? Tell me that you don’t remember tormenting Trina and setting Ava’s car on fire and using me to drive a wedge between Ava and my father, all because your father put you up to it. You have his sick obsession with her. I have heard those stories, and that is all they are to me. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. You remember. You’re the same Esme. You’re the same Esme that targeted me at school, that tried to convince me that you loved me when you didn’t. And the new Esme, whatever that facade was, it came very, very close to being a decent person and a good mother. But that Esme…gone. You’re back to being a puppet for your psychotic father. That is the Esme Prince that I’m talking to right now, isn’t it? Oh, my God. Nikolas didn’t just take Ace. You gave him away, didn’t you? You gave Nikolas my son! That night at the church, that — that was a turning point for me. For the first time in my life, I confessed my sins. I owned up to everything that I was doing. And — And I realized that I was blaming Carly for everything because she kept my daughters from me. But the important thing is, is I’m going to stop blaming Carly, and I’m definitely going to stop beating myself up for my mistakes. On the subject of beatings, Drew was almost beaten to death in prison. Yes, I felt terrible about that. Okay. And that changes exactly nothing. You were desperate to hide what you did, especially from me. That’s why you made your deal with Michael. No, no, I agreed to — to Michael’s terms because, believe it or not, I-I wasn’t just thinking of myself. I was thinking about Michael. -Oh, please. -No. No, really. Willow, I knew that if you found out that Michael was making a deal with me, that he was willing to blackmail me for the sake of your happiness, that your marriage, your family, might pay the price. I just want you to be happy. I want the kids to be happy. I love you!

You may have convinced yourself that you had these noble motives, but, Nina, all you really ended up doing was hurting me and Michael and my children and their other grandmother, and Drew, the man who saved my life. It’s enough, Nina. I want nothing more to do with you.

I don’t hear any yelling. Oh! I wish I could be a fly on the wall. Mmm! Yum, yum, yum. Carrots? Hummus? No, I do not want a carrot or hummus. Do you even care how Michael played fast and loose with your own son? [ Laughing ] Oh, my God. I can’t believe it. After all these years, you still don’t get it. I don’t care about Michael! Are you sure? Because a minute ago, he was the apple of your eye. Well, I’m always pleased when a Quartermaine acts like a Quartermaine. And when Michael does it, it is a thing of beauty. The man knows what he wants, and he’s very practical about how he’s gonna go and get it. Now, right now he’s a little distracted with the Nina thing, but at some point he’s gonna turn his attention back to the family business. You, my friend, better be prepared. You sure? Why would you stay silent and protect Nina? I-I wasn’t protecting Nina. I-I was protecting my family from Nina. When did you find out? At their wedding. But you didn’t object, Michael? The ceremony was already over. They were already married, and I-I… And Drew was already in prison. So that makes it okay not to tell us? No, the damage was already done, Drew. It wouldn’t have gotten you out of prison. The only thing that exposing Nina would accomplish would be hurting my dad and Willow. Well, maybe you could have told us, and then we could have decided what needed to be done. I-I know the kind of woman Nina is — the vindictiveness, the total disregard for other people. I had to limit my children’s exposure to her. I had — had to protect them. I had to protect Willow. By keeping information from us? I went to tell Dad. I-I went to tell him first. When I talked to him, he was just so happy. He was going on and on and on about how much it meant to him that we accepted Nina into the family, and I-I couldn’t go through with it. I-I couldn’t. I… [ Sighs ] I couldn’t crush his happiness. So, yes, I-I went to Nina and I blackmailed her instead. So… So you put Sonny’s happiness ahead of our friendship. No, Drew. I didn’t see it that way. That’s the way I see it. We were friends, partners. We’re family! Michael, I trusted you. Your mother trusted you. And this — this is how you repay us?

How did you do that? Never mind. Thank you. Thank you for getting Dr. Sawyer to stay. I mean, you really are much better with people than I am. Oh. I know, obviously, but I just want you to know, what you said, that was — that was very kind of you. Just calling it as I see it. I don’t think anyone’s ever spoken about me the way you did. Oh, they do. Just not in front of you. Afraid it will go to my head? Ooh, yeah. You’d be insufferable. [ Laughs ] When you’re right, you’re right. Well, maybe you should stick around and hear one or two more good things. Only one or two? Don’t get greedy. Okay, this is what I want to know. Why didn’t Mr. Muldoon ever mention Dr. Sawyer. With the oncologist referral? And why’d he never follow up on any of the tests I recommended? I mean, I get why Mrs. Muldoon didn’t say anything. Mm. In fairness, maybe she didn’t know. Oh. Well, maybe. But that would mean he hid it from her as well, which doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. We need to find that oncologist. Then that’s what we’ll do. Trial’s right around the corner. The sooner the better. You are something else. [ Crying ] You go on and on about how rotten and selfish your father is, but it turns out you are no better. You do what you want, you take what you want, and to hell with everyone else. You think that this was easy for me? I don’t care if it was easy for you or not. You did it! Yes it did. Yes, I did, because I think that Ace will have a happier life with my father than he will with the daughter of Ryan Chamberlain. Who cares whose daughter I am? What matters is that Ace is my son and that you and your father are going back to prison, where you belong. Oh, speaking of prison, if you go back to the cops with this, I will tell them that you got your memory back, and they will hold you accountable for everything, Esme. Because I called you “Spence”? That’s right. After you broke into Wyndemere and revisited the scene of the crime. Definitely suspect behavior, don’t you think? Can you really afford to risk it?

You are all that I care about — you and Dillon. Well, let’s face it, Dillon does not really have a head for business. And then there’s Brook Lynn. She does have Quartermaine instincts — just, she doesn’t have Quartermaine priorities, but I’m working on her. And then there’s Leo. What about Leo? I don’t care whose blood he is. That boy is my grandson, and I adore him. And the rest of us? You and yours — that’s all I care about, above all else. Now, am I pleased that Michael and Drew are at each other’s throats? Of course I am. [ Chuckles ] It strengthens our position, because the only way you come out on top is if you’re standing on everybody else. Right? Right? You got a point. So now that we have nothing more to say to each other ever, I’m going to get back to work. Willow, I-I know that I hurt you. But I’m never gonna stop hoping that you will forgive me someday so maybe we can start over [voice breaking] as mother and daughter. Hope all you want. I’m done. Yeah, I know that you mean that now. And — And maybe it is the end of us. But I will always be here for you if you need me, Willow. Always.

Drew, you need to understand, by the time I found out — I-I understand, Michael. I understand you more than ever. Come on, let’s go. I need to talk to my son. Okay.

So… where do we go from here?

On the next “General Hospital” —

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