Tag Archives: Scarlett Fernandez

September 12, 2025 – GH Weekdays, Britt Resurfaces In Port Charles, Soap Suds, This Week In Reality, Weekend Watching, VMAs Plus One, All the Awards, It Takes All Kinds, Just Below 10 Quotes & Changes

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What I Watched Today

(Weekday bites, Friday’s whole GH enchilada & media minutiae)

General Hospital

🥢 Weekday Bites…

Monday:

At the hospital, Willow approached Alexis and said she got a call from the camp. Scout’s friend told her about Drew, and she took off. Alexis said, they knew she wasn’t taken, but where did she go?

NuCharlotte (see below) went to the hospital and told Lulu that she did something, but Lulu needed not to freak out.

Kristina asked if Molly couldn’t find a loophole to get the restraining order lifted, but Molly said her dad was the genius with family law. She wished he’d return her calls. Her phone rang, and she said, it’s Cody again. Cody asked if she didn’t get his text, and she checked it. It said, 911, and she asked what was going on.

Anna said Mac was spearheading the investigation on Judge Haran’s murder and she was handling Drew’s shooting. Chase asked if there was a connection, but Anna said she wasn’t sure. They were in a unique position to have insight on key persons of interest. At the top of the list was Willow and then also Dante’s brother Michael.

On the phone, Jack said his agents could be dead. Get on it right now… No. He didn’t have to be there. Colette was going to evade and stall. Keep the pressure on her.  

Dubrovnik, Croatia. Pascal told Vaughn and Josslyn that he’d prefer to dump their bodies in the sea and be done with them. But his superiors didn’t want to waste two healthy test subjects. Josslyn asked, what kind of tests? and he said he thought she was a spy. Dalton had made great strides in cold fusion, but there had been a radiation leak. They had a brand-new casing, and with their help, they could see if it would keep radiation at acceptable levels.

Jason found Britt in the lab and asked if she was ready to go. She said she’d love to, but she got a gift from Pascal. She showed him an ankle monitor and said, if she left, it would explode and make a big old mess.

Lulu told Alexis that Scout was safe, and Charlotte said she was a counselor in training. When Scout got the news about her father, she wanted to be with family, but didn’t want to get Danny in trouble, so she drove Scout. Alexis asked, where?  

Molly went to the stables, and Cody said, ta-da! Scout ran to Molly.

Anna started a timeline of Drew’s whereabouts leading up to the shooting, and Chase said he was at GH at 9:15. Dante said he was on the phone with his DC office from 9:46 to 9:47, then Tracy called 911 at 10:30. Anna said that gave them a 40-minute window. What was found at the scene? Dante said, there was no sign of forced entry. There was mud and water going out the back door indicating that someone came and left that way, but there were no useable shoe prints. Anna asked what time the rain stopped, and Chase said, according to weather service, 10:20. She said, Tracy said the front door was ajar, and Dante said they found an umbrella, wet, with Drew’s prints, indicating he entered by the front door. There were no other prints. Anna asked about the baseball bat, and Dante said there was no sign of a struggle and no blood on the bat. They were running the prints, but so far, there were none that mattered. She said, what about the persons of interest? and Chase said Michael Corinthos was at the Quartermaines, but left before he got there. Brook said she’d left him a message at 10:20 after the shooting. Anna asked if Chase had spoken to him, but Chase said, not yet. He hadn’t been able to pin Michael down. Anna said, that meant Michael was avoiding him.

On the phone, Jack said he wanted to be put on a video conference… Quit wasting his time and put the warden on… Yes they could. Tell him that Jack Brennan was calling and needed to speak to the prisoner today.  

Pascal said, fortunately for them, Dalton was still deep in animal testing and the preliminary test results showed a promising chance they’d be fine. Vaughn said it was a violation of the Geneva Convention (like Pascal would care), and Pascal asked, who was going to report him? One of Pascal’s goons came to the door and asked Pascal for a word. In the hallway, he said they found Hector’s body, but no sign of John Moore, and Pascal told both goons to watch the prisoners and left.

Jason wanted to check out the ankle monitor, but Britt said Pascal told her tampering with it would also set it off. Maybe they should call Spinelli?… Damn. She forgot the lab was shielded. Had Jason diffused a bomb before? He said, a few times, and she asked if it was one like this. He said, most explosive devices worked on the same principle, but she said she didn’t want to get hurt. She wanted to get out of there.

Molly asked how Scout got there, and Scout said Amber told her that her dad had been hurt, so she asked Charlotte to drive her. Is her dad okay? Molly said he was in the hospital, but everybody was worried about her. She had to make calls to let them know Scout was okay, and Cody suggested he and Scout feed Comet. Scout went with him, and Molly called Alexis. She said Scout was at the Quartermaines. She was there now, and Scout was fine. Alexis said Lulu already told her and she’d called the main house, but Molly said no one knew Scout was there. She was at the stables. Alexis said she’d be right there, and told Willow. Willow said she’d go pick Scout up, and Alexis said she was going with Willow, restraining order be damned. Lulu told Alexis that she was so sorry, and Alexis left with Willow. Charlotte told Lulu not to apologize for her. She wasn’t sorry.

Ava showed up at Alexis’s house and asked Kristina if they were alone. Kristina said, yes, but it wasn’t a good time, and Ava said they had to deal with Ric’s phone. He had 48 missed calls and 97 texts. They couldn’t leave it for too much longer or people would get suspicious.

Anna said, Willow was on duty at GH and left mid-shift at 9:20. Elizabeth saw her return, and said she’d gotten wet in the rain. Chase said when he questioned Willow, she said the news about the judge upset her, so she took a walk. Nina said they were together. Anna said she’d have someone check the security footage to see if the alleged walk took place. Until then… She put Nina’s picture next to Michael and Willow on the bulletin board.  

Molly asked why Scout was dropped off at the stables instead of the main house, and Scout said Danny liked Cody. She figured Cody would call him and he’d meet her there, and she knew she wasn’t supposed to be at the house. She didn’t understand why she couldn’t come there. Was Danny mad at her? Cody said Danny loved her lots, and Scout said, then why? Molly said the truth was, her dad loved her a lot too and wanted to keep her safe. He thought the best way was to do a legal thing called a restraining order. It was filed by a judge and said certain people weren’t allowed to see her, including Danny. Scout said Danny would never hurt her. Why did her dad do that?

Goon #2 said he’d be right back and left. Vaughn wondered what was going on. First Pascal ran off, now goon #1’s partner did. Did he look nervous? Josslyn said, so nervous. He couldn’t get out fast enough. She wondered what would happen when the WSB raided the place. What charges were they looking at? Vaughn said, international conspiracy would get them a long stretch in a super max – if they survived. The WSB would shoot first and ask questions never. Josslyn asked goon #1 if his job was worth his life. Hers wasn’t. Just let them out and they’d let him disappear, but he had to help them.

Molly said Scout’s dad only wanted what was best for her, but Scout said that wasn’t true. Not anymore. If he did, he’d let her see them. Why didn’t he understand? Cody said, because sometimes grown-ups made mistakes, and her dad made one. Maybe he’d realize he was wrong. Willow and Alexis arrived, and Scout ran to Alexis.

Lulu said, when Scout’s family heard she was missing, they were terrified, and Charlotte said she was sorry about that. Lulu said it was a start, and Charlotte said, to be honest, she wasn’t thinking about them. She knew Scout was scared and away from her family and knew what that felt like. The only parent she had left wasn’t safe or okay, and Charlotte got how Scout felt. Taking her somewhere she felt safe was more important than following the rules, and she didn’t regret doing it.

Ava said they were fighting a battle on two fronts – Ric’s personal life and professional life – and Kristina said her mom could handle the professional side. She’d send Ric’s assistant an email to push Ric’s court appearances back. Ava told her to tell Ric’s assistant to take a paid vacation too. His personal emails would be trickier. Kristina said the only people who would wonder about him were Molly and Elizabeth, and Ava wondered how Elizabeth was feeling without Ric fawning over her. Kristina told her to stay focused. They had to unlock Ric’s phone. Ava said, easy-peasy. Time for another dose of sleeping pills.

Britt asked if Jason thought he could handle it, and he said, if he couldn’t, they’d both find out in a minute. She said she knew he’d find her note. He was so right about everything here. She was in way over her head. She was here for research, not murder. Pascal was supposed to answer to her, not the other way around. He was on a power trip, and he’d lost it. She found Josslyn and some guy tied up and tried to help. He asked what she was talking about, and she said, Josslyn was there, and she was in serious trouble.

Jack saw Valentin on his screen and Valentin said Jack was lucky to have caught him at home. It was good to see him.

Alexis said Scout was just like her mom, never staying put when she wanted to be out someplace, but Scout scared her. Don’t do it again. Scout said she was sorry, but she couldn’t stay at camp. Willow said she was glad to see Scout, and Scout said her daddy got hurt. Alexis said she knew that and wished she’d told Scout instead of her finding out from a friend at camp, and Scout asked if she could see him. Alexis said, not quite yet, and Scout asked when he was coming home. Alexis said, not for a bit, but her grandma had it covered, and Willow said they were going to have a sleepover at Elizabeth’s house, but Scout said she wanted to stay with her grandma. Alexis said she wanted that too, but Scout was going to have a great time, and they were going to video chat every day. Scout said she hoped she didn’t hurt Willow’s feelings, but she wanted to be with her grandmother and brother. Willow said what they all had in common was that they all loved her and wanted what was best for her.

Dante said he spoke to Alexis, but she wasn’t answering questions without an attorney, and Anna asked if he thought she was being evasive or acting like a lawyer. Dante said, acting like a lawyer, but he also got the feeling she was hiding something, and Anna asked what they thought about Sonny as a possible person of interest. Chase said Drew had been publicly linked to trying to take Sonny’s piers, but Dante said, it didn’t feel like a professional hit. Anna agreed, and Dante said Jason was out of the country. Chase said, what about Curtis? They had animosity over Aurora and Drew targeted Stella Henry. Dante said, and the person they found at the scene – Tracy Quartermaine.

Lulu said she was proud of Charlotte and would have done the same at her age. The problem was, she needed to learn to think things through and consider the consequences. Case in point, Anna. Victor played a big part, but Charlotte could have been killed because she relied on her own perception of the situation, like today. Charlotte said that was totally different. She could admit she was wrong, but Scout didn’t know what was happening with her dad and was still a kid. Lulu said Charlotte was a kid, but Charlotte said she was also a former fugitive. She was growing up and Lulu didn’t seem to realize

Ava said, that went well, and Kristina said they didn’t have to torture Ric to get his fingerprint. She touched his phone and said, password changed. 666-666. They had Ric’s entire digital life. Ava suggested they explain his absence by saying he went on a digital detox, one of those expensive retreats where there are no cellphones or internet.

Jack said Valentin looked good. Steinmaur agreed with him. Valentin said he ran the place. Jack not only survived the fall of Pikeman, he was in a position of power. Jack said he was just a humble station chief, and Valentin said he’d been Jack’s scapegoat. Jack said, considering how much Valentin knew, he was lucky to be alive, and Valentin said, now that the pleasantries were aside, how could be of assistance? Jack asked what Valentin knew about a double agent, Colette Moreau, but Valentin said he never heard of her. What was in it for him?  Jack said, time outside, in shackles with a guard, and Valentin said, of course (🍷). Jack said Colette was the one who took an independent shot at Valentin, trying to kill him in front of his daughter, and Valentin said he may have had dealings with her back in 2016. Jack asked if she was a double agent back then, and Valentin said, she was working for Cesar Faison.

Josslyn said if goon #1 helped them, they’d help him, and Vaughn asked what it was going to be. Goon #2 came back, and reprimanded goon #1 for talking to the prisoners. Goon #1 said they should go or they were dead, but goon #2 said Pascal had it under control.

Jason said, Josslyn was there? and Britt said she was pretending to be a newlywed, but Pascal found out that she and her fake hubby were WSB. They said there was a mole… He asked where they were now, and she said maybe still locked up there or Pascal could have moved them after she found them. She acted like she didn’t know Josslyn, but she barely time to call him before Pascal grabbed her. Jason asked if the code was the same, but she said, there was no code, just the keycard. He snatched it from her hand, and said, Josslyn was in trouble. Britt said she was in trouble, and he said he’d be right back.

Molly thanked Cody for not giving up on calling her, and he said he got why she didn’t want to hear from him. She said he was good with Scout and thought they could all say Scout’s father was a selfish monster. He saved the day. He asked if that meant she’d pick up when he called.

Alexis came back and told Kristina that Scout was safe. She was upset that her father was injured, and upset and mad that she wasn’t with the family. She was trying to convince herself it was for the best since they have Ric held hostage. Now Molly was waiting to hear from Ric. Kristina explained about the digital detox and started reading her email from Ric to Molly.

Lulu said she realized that she’d been out of Charlotte’s life a long time. They were still trying to figure out the mother/daughter thing, but Charlotte needed boundaries. Charlotte said her father treated her as an equal, but Lulu said she had to know how to survive if they were caught. She’d been forced to have too much responsibility. Charlotte said her father trusted her judgment, and Lulu said she was proud of Charlotte, but now she had other people to rely on. She didn’t need to make big decisions on her own anymore.

Dante asked what they thought about Tracy’s explanation that she was appealing to Drew for Monica’s sake, and Chase said, as much as they fought, Tracy would do anything for Monica, and she called 911. Why not leave Drew to die? Dante said, remorse? and Chase said, or to cover her own tracks. But what did she do with the gun? Dante said they didn’t find it, and Anna said she didn’t think Tracy did this, but had no problem with seeing her covering for whoever did.

Jack said Faison had been dead for a while, and Valentin said, if you say so. Jack said, his brain was in a jar, and Valentin said, maybe, but his organization lives on. Jack asked, who’s running the op? and Valentin said he had no current information to share, but maybe he could use his connections and influence. In return, he wanted to be transferred to a stateside super max prison. Jack wouldn’t have come to him if he had any other option. Jack insisted he didn’t have the power he once had since he’d been demoted. Valentin could walk away, but he wouldn’t walk far. He could walk or they could help each other. Which was it going to be?  

The door started to open, and Britt said, finally, but it was Pascal. He asked if she missed him, and she said, desperately. Now get this off. She promised to be a good girl and do her work. He said the site had been compromised, so they were moving. Was her work backed up? She said it was. She just had to pack. He said she misunderstood. The operation was relocating, but she wasn’t coming with it.

Jason broke down the door, knocked out goon #1, and struggled with goon #2. Josslyn and Vaughn tried to get the knife from goon #1’s pocket.

Charlotte said she’d drive back to Lila’s Kids and tell Miss Carson what she did, but Lulu said she no longer had a car. She held out her hand for the keys, and Charlotte gave them to her. Lulu said she was also grounded for a month, and Charlotte said if that was the price to help Scout, it was worth it. Lulu said, there was the Spencer part. She was proud of Charlotte’s heart, but hoped she’d learned to look before she leapt. She could land badly and get hurt. Charlotte asked if it wasn’t her life and her mistakes, and Lulu said, not quite yet. That’s why she had a mom. They hugged.

Molly said it was better if Cody didn’t call. He was so good with Scout, but at the same time, thought it was okay to take money to seduce Ava. She believed he thought he was helping her, but that was the worst part. But if there was an emergency, call and she’d help. Otherwise, she thought they should go their separate ways. She left.

Kristina finished reading the email to Molly, and Ava said Ric wasn’t capable of that emotion, but Alexis said Molly brought out the best in him. They needed to worry about Willow. She was going to hound Ric about her hearing until she found him. Ava said, Elizabeth and Willow… and Alexis said she saw the lightbulb going off over Ava’s horns. Ava said she had an idea where they could kill two birds with one stone.

Anna said Chase’s priority was Michael and she wanted to speak with Alexis. They needed to find out where they were so they could upgrade them to suspect or clear them. Her phone rang, and Elizabeth said she had news. Drew was waking up.

Valentin asked what Jack was offering, and Jack asked what he wanted besides a stateside transfer. Valentin said, to see his daughter, and Jack said, done. He’d get her on the call. Valentin said, no. In person. If Jack could do that, he’d give Jack what he wanted to know.

Goon #2 punched Jason in the hallway, as Vaughn tried to get goon #1’s knife. Goon #2 got Jason in a headlock and Jason tried to slam him against the wall.

Britt asked where she was going, and Pascal said, thanks to her disruptive behavior, he’d convinced him that she was more trouble than she was worth. He’d set the ankle monitor to blow her into tiny pieces in an hour. She said, no way he would okay this. She wanted to talk to him. Pascal said that wasn’t going to happen, and she said he was a dead man. He said he didn’t think so. Regardless, she wouldn’t be around to find out in 59 minutes. If she wanted it to be sooner, just walk out the door.

Tuesday:

Drew woke up and saw Elizabeth. He asked for Willow.

Anna told Dante and Chase to check things out at the hospital. She’d follow up with Alexis. Alexis arrived at Anna’s office.

Michael met Curtis at the PC Grill.

Lulu took Charlotte for a latte at Bobbie’s, and Charlotte said Rocco was meeting her there. Lulu said she’d have to take care of Outback and give her a bath once a week, clean the porches, mulch the flowerbeds, and write a letter of apology to the camp director.

Rocco was outside Bobbie’s with Outback when Jack came by and introduced himself. He asked if Rocco’s mother was there. He needed a quick word with her.

Dubrovnik, Croatia. Britt told Pascal that she was the only one who understood the research. They needed her, but more importantly, he needed her.

Jason struggled with goon #2, when Josslyn whacked the goon guard over the head. Jason and Josslyn stared at each other.

Elizabeth said Willow was with Drew’s daughter and asked if he knew what happened, but he insisted he needed to see Willow. Portia came in and asked about Drew’s vitals, but Drew said he wanted a new doctor. Portia said, in the meantime, he was in her care.

Dante and Chase left, and Anna said she had questions regarding Alexis’s movements the night Drew was shot. Alexis said she was happy to answer as soon as her lawyer arrived.

Michael said he was the obvious suspect, and Curtis said he wouldn’t be surprised. He asked if Michael had an alibi, and Michael said he did, but needed to figure out who she was and where he could find her. That’s where Curtis came in. It was the woman Drew was with the night of the Savoy. Curtis said, body shot (🍷) night? and Michael said he was with her the night Drew got shot. Curtis said he knew where to find her.

Charlotte said she learned her lesson and the punishment felt like a bit much, but Lulu said Charlotte hadn’t gotten in trouble for putting a snake in Ava’s purse. Charlotte asked if there wasn’t a statute of limitations, but Lulu said, not with her mother. It set a pattern of Charlotte not facing consequences and next time she’d think twice before doing something she knew she shouldn’t. Jack came in, and Lulu told Charlotte to start her punishment and go give Outback a bath. Charlotte said Jack was considered a hero while her dad was a villain, but she didn’t buy it.

Jason told Josslyn and Vaughn it would be tough to get out. He was going back for Britt.

Pascal said there were plenty who could take Britt’s place, but Britt said he’d invested a lot of time in her. Pascal said that’s why he was able to convince him that she was more trouble than she was worth, and Britt said he wouldn’t have her killed, but Pascal would. He didn’t sign off on this. Was Pascal going to blow the place up and blame her? He said, either way, she was dead, and left.

Dante asked Elizabeth if he could talk to Drew, when Portia came out. Dante said he was here to question Drew about the shooting, and Portia said Drew was alert and his vitals were stable, but he was recovering from major surgery, so keep it brief. Dante went in and asked Drew if he remembered anything from last night, and Drew said being shot in the back was a hard thing to forget.

Diane said it wasn’t a fishing expedition, and they were only talking about Alexis’s movement pertaining to the night in question. Anna said she wouldn’t waste any of their time, and Alexis said she was at court all day dealing with Stella Henry’s arraignment. If the congressman was mad at you, he targeted a person you loved. That’s why they all voted for him. After court, she drove herself home. Anna said she wanted to back up to when the congressman served Alexis with the restraining order.

Curtis said, when Aurora was investigating Drew, he’d wanted to get the escort’s side of the story. He was hoping she’d confirm Drew brought the drugs, but she’d left town and disappeared. Michael said she was back in Port Charles. He’d been there talking to her last night. Curtis said her name was Jacinda Bracken, when his phone rang. Portia told him that Drew was awake, and Curtis relayed the information to Michael and told him that Drew was talking to the cops.

Outside Bobbie’s, Charlotte told Rocco that Jack was the reason her dad was in prison, but Rocco asked if he didn’t break the law. She said it wasn’t like there, where it was easy to tell the difference between the good guys and the bad guys. In their world, people switched sides all the time. The only difference between Jack and her father was, when Jack broke the rules, he got to hide behind a badge.

Lulu said Charlotte’s attitude was a work in progress, and Jack said the technical term was teening out. She said Charlotte was extremely loyal to her dad, but she was grateful to Jack for saving Charlotte. Jack said that’s why he was here, because of Charlotte’s father. He needed her help with Valentin.  

Vaughn said they didn’t know which side Britt was on, but Jason said Britt was the reason they were alive. He told Josslyn that they had a lot to talk about later, and left. Vaughn asked if he always acted like that, and Josslyn said, pretty much, but his timing was always spot on. Vaughn said nothing was more important than calling this in. They didn’t know what was between them and daylight, so if he went down, don’t come back. She said, same for her, and he said, no matter what, don’t turn back.

Dante asked what Drew remembered, and Drew said he came home from the hospital about 9:30. Dante asked if he was alone, and Drew said Scout was at a camp sleepover. He made himself a drink and went to his safe to get out Willow’s engagement ring. He put the ring on the mantel and stood in front of the fireplace. Then it felt like he got slammed in the back with a sledgehammer. He fell to his knees and started to fall forward and that was the last thing he remembered.

Diane asked what that had to do with Alexis’s movement, and Anna said it pertained to her relationship with the victim. He’d filed orders against Alexis and she was officially served at the Port Charles Grill. Diane said she thought they were here to make a statement, but it felt like a cross examination, and Chase said Alexis wasn’t allowed near Drew’s home. Anna asked, what was her response was to the restraining order? and Alexis said she was obviously upset. She’d been denied access to her own granddaughter. She was pursuing legal recourse, but her petition was denied and thanks to Drew, Scout was now in Willow’s custody.

Curtis told Michael that he had to get to the hospital, but he found out Jacinda worked for Exclusive Models, which was a front for an escort service. Michael helped him when he needed it and he was happy to return the favor. He had Michael’s back. Michael said, likewise.

Portia found Jacinda sitting at her desk, and Jacinda said, Co-Chief, that’s big time. Portia said she needed to leave Port Charles, and Jacinda said she did. Drew offered her $100,000 to stay away, but it turned out she wasn’t good with money. All she needed was a tiny cash infusion to be out of the red and she thought Drew would help her out, but then he got himself shot. So she figured Portia and Nina were the next best thing. They’d hired her to give Drew the night of his life, and she’d come to collect.

Britt worked on her ankle monitor and said, please don’t explode. Jason came back and she said a few things had happened since he’d been gone. Pascal put the explosive device on a timer, and she was going to officially blow up in 21 minutes. Jason said she wasn’t blowing up, and she said it was impossible. He needed to go. They both knew she was living on borrowed time and his kids needed him. Don’t risk his life to save hers.

Charlotte told Rocco that Jack wasn’t to be trusted. He’d double-crossed her dad, and he ended up in prison. She knew Lulu loved her and was trying hard to make her fit in, but she felt like her life was too different. Maybe she knew too much. Sometimes she wished she’d never been found.

Lulu said she wasn’t sure how she could help, and Jack said he’d like Charlotte to visit Valentin. He’d handle the security and clearance, and Lulu could accompany her. Lulu said, that was a no, but Jack said it would be completely safe. She said she wouldn’t allow Charlotte to be used as a pawn in whatever game he was playing, and he asked, what made her think it was a game? His phone rang and he stepped away. He said, talk to me… Were they sure?… Okay. How far out were they?… It was positive they were in the clear?… Good. Let him know when it was done. He came back to the table and Lulu asked, who was in the clear?

Britt said Jason needed to go for Jake and Danny, but he said either they’d both get out or neither of them would. He fiddled with the ankle monitor and she closed her eyes. He got the monitor off and said they had to go. They ran out.

Portia said Jacinda wouldn’t tell anyone that she drugged the congressman. If she did, she’d be admitting assault and look worse than her and Nina. She thought it was best if Jacinda found her fortune somewhere else besides Port Charles, but if she insisted on staying, forget her and Nina. Jacinda said, so much for women helping women, and Portia said, if anyone asked, she was to say Drew hired her to be his escort and brought his own drugs. He would be the one committing a crime and it would keep her out of jail. She had to get back to work. Jacinda left, and in the hallway, her phone rang. She said she’d take the job and keep ‘em coming.

Diane suggested the return to the night in question, and Alexis said she went home after court and was in her driveway by 9 pm. She was wrapping up a phone call with her assistant. They could check her phone records. She went into the house and no one was there, but Curtis came by came by to check how his aunt’s case went. After Curtis left, Kristina came by with Ava.

Dante asked if Drew entered in the front or back, and Drew said, the front. Dante asked if he noticed anyone out on the street, but Drew said not that he recalled. He was focused on getting out of the rain. Dante asked if he closed his safe, and Drew said, no. Was he robbed? Did they take Willow’s ring? Dante said, no. The ring was on the mantel. What else did he keep in the safe? Drew said, files mostly, and Dante said he’d have to be more specific for them to determine theft. Drew flashed back to showing Portia the evidence he had to incriminate her and said it was classified material. The PCPD didn’t have his consent to go through his safe. Dante said he’d relay that to the Commissioner, and Drew said he was getting tired. Dante said, one last thing. Who would he say had motive to harm him? Drew said, Michael Corinthos.

Pascal blocked Jason and Britt’s way and said this was unexpected. He told his goons to kill them both, and Vaughn shot one in the back. Jason struggled with the other, while Pascal took off. (I’m with Britt. Don’t leave this guy in charge of anything.)

Jack said the call was classified, and Lulu suggested he not yap in the middle of Bobbie’s then. He said he understood how she felt, but thought she needed to accept who Charlotte was. She asked what that was supposed to mean. Charlotte was her daughter. He said, with Valentin. Valentin was the heart of intelligence communication, which meant Charlotte was valuable and not just to him. She asked if that was a threat, but he said it was a warning. Someday she might need his help.

Rocco asked if Charlotte was saying she’d rather be on the run than there, but she said, no. She loved being with him and their mom, and there were amazing things about living in Port Charles, but there were aspects of her old life that she missed. She had a lot of independence, and she liked it. He asked if she was mad because Lulu grounded her, but she said their mom was doing her mom job. She could live without most of the things she lost, except her dad.

Curtis arrived at the hospital as Dante came out of Drew’s room. Dante said he needed to get ahold of Michael, and Curtis said he was just with Michael at the Port Charles Grill. Michael was still there when he left. Dante thanked him and left. Curtis asked how Drew was, but Elizabeth said she couldn’t give him medical information. He asked if Drew could have visitors, and she said there was nothing that said he couldn’t. Feel free.

Jacinda went into the PC Grill, saw Michael, and said, it was him. Michael said they didn’t get a chance to introduce themselves, and she said she was Jacinda. He said he was Michael Corinthos, and her eyes lit up.

Diane said who Alexis invited in was her business and she was under no obligation to explain, but Alexis said she was willing to. Her daughter had been at war with Ava for some time and it was a conflict that served no one. She was trying to broker peace. There was no love lost, but they did agree to be civil for Avery’s sake, so she took it. Anna asked how long they were there, and Alexis said, about two hours. Detective Falconari could testify to that. When she was taking out the garbage, he came back to question Kristina and Ava. Anna said he did mention it, but didn’t say it was a group therapy session. Alexis said things had been difficult since Kristina lost the baby and she didn’t want to advertise it, and Diane said it had nothing to do with the investigation. Alexis had been more than cooperative, so the interview was over. She stopped the recorder.

Josslyn said, Pascal got away, but Jason said it didn’t matter. The place was going to blow. Vaughn asked how much time they had, but Britt said she didn’t know, and they all dashed off.

Lulu said, if she didn’t do what Jack wanted, what? He’d refuse to protect Charlotte? He said, no. His protection would continue, but he encouraged her to accept the fact that the parameters of Charlotte’s life were different than that of her brothers, Lulu, and pretty much anyone. He hoped she’d reconsider. He left.

Outside, Jack said, nice to see Rocco and Charlotte again, but Charlotte said there was nothing nice about it.

Anna thanked Alexis for coming in and said she might have a few more questions. Diane told her, check the recording. Further questions were unnecessary. They left.  

Drew saw Curtis and asked what the hell he wanted.

Anna said assuming Alexis’s alibi held up, she was no longer on the list of their main suspects. Chase asked what she thought about it, and she said, the sit-down with Ava and Kristina was implausible, but it was so impossible, it might be true. She took down Alexis’s picture and said she thought somebody else needed to go higher up on the suspect list. She replaced Alexis with Curtis.

Curtis said he heard someone shot Drew, and Drew said he had every reason to think it was Curtis, but don’t worry. He was putting the blame on Michael.

Jacinda asked how Michael knew how to find her, and he said, it wasn’t easy. She asked if he was just interested in getting to know her better, or was it business? He said it wasn’t a job, and she said, it was social then. He said, unfortunately, it wasn’t that either. He didn’t know if she was aware, but someone shot Drew last night. She said she heard, and he said he may need her to say they were together when it happened. She asked if he was looking for an alibi, and Dante appeared. He said Michael was a tough guy to get ahold of. He needed Michael to answer some questions.

Vaughn and Josslyn coughed through the smoke, as he helped her up. She asked if he was all right, and he said he thought so. Better than a few hours ago. She asked if he’d say her first op was a success, and he laughed.

Jason lay on top of Britt in the smoke, and she said, all right. Very brave. Could he get off her now? Jason stood up and helped Britt up. She said there was something she’d been meaning to tell him, and he said, what? She said she really didn’t like his tattoos.

Wednesday:

At the hospital, Chase asked if Willow had seen Drew, but she said, no. To be honest, she was trying to avoid the situation. He asked if she was still planning on getting back together with Drew.

Lucas said Drew was awake and the police were back, and Elizabeth said she was trying to avoid them. Lucas asked, why? Did she know something?

Carly visited Lulu and asked if she was still dealing with the Rocco/Obrecht situation. Lulu said, always on some level, but that wasn’t why she wanted to talk. Carly’s super spy boyfriend was way out of line.

Nina met Jack at the PC Grill and asked if his girlfriend knew he was having dinner with her sworn enemy.

At the station, Michael told Dante that his lawyer wasn’t there, but he left Diane a message. Marco arrived and said Diane had sent him in her place. He would be representing Michael.

Isiah went to Portia’s office and said he heard Drew was awake. She and Lucas should be proud of the work they did to save his life.

At Bad Jen Café, Kai told Trina that Drew was awake, and she said it was good he didn’t die, but what if he could put them in the house when he was shot?

Curtis said he wasn’t surprised that Drew was trying to accuse Michael. Did he have proof? Drew said he had no proof and didn’t see who it was, but he did remember Curtis threatening to kill him. For all he knew, it was Curtis.

Lucas asked if Elizabeth had something to implicate Willow, and she said, maybe Carly. The night of the shooting, she went to Carly’s office to give her a heads up that Willow and Drew were getting back together, but Drew was already there. Things were hot and she heard Carly threaten to kill Drew. Lucas said Carly threatened to kill a lot of people. The only people she hadn’t threatened were her grandchildren and Elizabeth. Elizabeth said if she had to talk to the police, she’d have no choice but to tell them.

Lulu told Carly that Jack wanted Charlotte to visit Valentin in Steinmaur. Like she’d let that happen. He implied she’d be making a mistake because Charlote may need protection in the future from the WSB. Carly asked if he told her why he wanted the visit, and Lulu said she was guessing Jack needed something from Valentin, but that was his problem. She didn’t want Charlotte anywhere near her father.

Jack told Nina that Carly had no reason to believe he was disloyal. This was strictly business. Nina wondered what business they had, and he said he wanted to arrange a meeting between Valentin and Charlotte, but Charlotte’s mother was adamantly opposed. Nina asked why he cared if Charlotte visited her father, and he said he needed something, but Valentin would only cooperate on that condition. Nina said it made sense he’d use Charlotte as a bargaining chip, but how did she fit in? She wasn’t close to Lulu. Carly was Lulu’s cousin. He said he understood Nina and Charlotte had a good relationship, and Nina said they were still close, but she wasn’t luring Charlotte onto a plane bound for Switzerland, especially against her mother’s wishes.

Kai told Trina that Drew had been unconscious. There was no way. She said he could have heard them talking, and he said he’d find out for sure by visiting Drew. If he didn’t check on Drew, it would make Drew more suspicious. As long as Drew thought Kai was on his side, he could use that to protect them.

Curtis said, first, Drew accused Michael, and now him, and Drew said Curtis blamed him for Stella’s arrest. Curtis said he was once where Drew was. When he was recovering, he was groggy and weak. He advised Drew to make sure his head was clear before saying something he’d regret, but Drew said he thought he was seeing clearly. Curtis said Drew needed to understand how vulnerable he was. Who was to say whoever shot him wouldn’t come back to finish the job? Lucas came in with an update, and Curtis said he was just leaving. He told Drew not to rush his recovery. He didn’t want to invite a setback. He left.

Willow told Chase that she didn’t know what to do. Drew cost her her children, but he was also her best shot regaining custody. Chase said, if Judge Haran hadn’t died, he was positive she would have allowed Willow visitation. Maybe the next judge would feel the same way. She had options, but one wasn’t getting back together with Drew.   

Michael said he was expecting Diane and went outside with Marco. He asked, what happened? and Marco said Diane was already representing Alexis and couldn’t represent him too. He knew their fathers didn’t get along and Michael might feel more comfortable with another attorney, but for the moment, he advised Michael not to talk without one. Michael said he’d learned that the hard way, but since he had a lawyer with him, he might as well get it over with. He trusted Diane’s judgement. They went back in, and Anna said she had questions about the night Drew was shot.  

Nina said Jack didn’t want to risk upsetting Carly, and Jack agreed. Nina asked how she figured into all this, and he said he needed her to work on Lulu and help get her on board.

Lulu said Charlotte didn’t know and she wasn’t about to tell her, and Carly said, because she’d want to see Valentin. However Lulu felt, Charlotte and Valentin were close. She was sure Charlotte missed her father. Lulu said, of course (🍷). It was just two of them. After Valentin was gone, at first, Charlotte stayed in her room, but now she was starting to adjust. Carly said it wasn’t a permanent move, just a visit, and Lulu said she thought she was afraid if Lulu saw her dad, she’d end up back in her room, depressed. Carly said, teenagers were tricky, and Charlotte had been through a lot. Maybe it would bring her peace to see that he was okay. Lulu asked if Carly was suggesting she allow it, and Carly said she thought it was worth considering.

Emma saw Trina at the café and asked what was going on. Trina said she had a lot on her mind, and Emma asked if there was anything she could do to help, but Trina said she was good. Emma went to the counter to put in her order.

Portia told Isaiah that she was glad it went well. It felt good saving Drew, even in the light of the horrible things he’d done to people she cared about. He said that’s what made her remarkable. She stepped into a difficult situation and operated on a man she disliked. All he heard was what a miraculous job she did. She said, Lucas too, but he said Drew was lucky she was in the operating room. She said it was another reason she wished she’d stayed in bed with him, but as wonderful as it was, it could never happen again.

Anna asked Michael to take her through the evening of September 3rd, and he said he was at work wrapping things up. Kristina stopped by and he got a phone call from his dad telling him that Judge Haran had died. Selfishly, he was worried that it would affect the visitation hearing next month. Afterward, he went to the Port Charles Grill to decompress. Anna asked if anyone could verify it, and he said he had a conversation with a woman at the bar. Anna asked what her name was, and he said, Jacinda Bracken. She asked if he was aware that she was the escort in the photo with Congressman Cain, and he said, not at the time. She was just a person he was speaking to. Anna said when Dante tracked him down, he was in her company, and Marco said they were only talking about the one night. Anna said she’d observed Michael was with Jacinda two nights in a row, and Michael told her, what can he say? He enjoyed her company.

Lucas told Drew that the first bullet came out neat, but the other was tricker. It was lodged against his vertebrae compressing against his spinal cord. There could be long term effects. He could end up paralyzed.

Lulu said she needed to put a wall between Charlotte’s old life and the life she was building now, but Carly said one visit wasn’t going to change anything. Lulu said she felt like there was a tug-o-war with Obrecht over Rocco, now she was competing with Valentin. She missed so much of Charlotte’s life and now had to figure out how to be her mother. She didn’t want it to stop for any reason, especially not because Jack needed a favor from Valentin.

Nina said she couldn’t imagine Lulu being receptive, and Jack said they had Charlotte in common. She could use it as an entry point. Nina said, ask Carly, but he said it was better of if he separated his personal and professional life. Nina said she had serious reservations about using Charlotte as a pawn. She didn’t know if it was good for Charlotte and would just be a reminder to Valentin’s enemies of the best way to get to him. Jack said it would show Valentin still had powerful connections and a wide reach, and she said she didn’t want to risk anything happening to Charlotte. She didn’t get to raise Willow or Nelle. Charlotte was her first experience at being a mother. She was protective of her. Her daughter told her that she destroyed her life. The last thing she wanted was to destroy Charlotte’s as well.

Elizabeth said she had bad news, and Willow said, Drew? Elizabeth said, no. She got an email that Ric left town for a digital detox retreat, and it was unclear when he’d be back. Willow said, what? He was her lawyer and supposed to help her get her kids back. What was she supposed to do now?

Chase saw Curtis at the hospital and said he’d like to ask him some questions pertaining to Drew’s shooting. Where was he that night?

Lucas did some tests on Drew and said there was no sign of paralysis. Drew said, thank God, and Lucas said, thank Portia. She pulled a miracle. Drew said it was a miracle he didn’t let die. He and Curtis had a falling out… Lucas said Portia was a gifted and dedicated surgeon, who had taken on the duty to provide the best possible care of her patients, no matter who they were. Drew said he sensed Lucas wasn’t a fan, and Lucas said Carly and Michael were family, and he wasn’t obligated to chat. His work was done. Get some rest.

Anna asked how long Michael was at the PC Grill, and he said he got there at 8:35 and left at 10:30. He’d left his phone in the car and saw he missed some calls, then he went home. Anna asked if he stopped on the way, and Michael flashed back to sitting in the car in the rain. He said, no stops, and Anna asked if Jacinda could account for the time at the PC Grill. He said, yes. He was with her the whole time.

Emma brought Trina some tea and said she thought Trina could use the tea and a friend. Consider her Josslyn’s back-up. Trina said she could use a friend. She was in a messed-up situation she was trying to deal with. Her parents’ marriage was in trouble. Her mom altered test results to keep someone in prison.

Portia said her life was complicated, and Isaiah said being his boss complicated it more. She said it did. She was going through a tough time and when she was vulnerable, she turned to him, but she wasn’t sorry. He said him neither. He’d honor her wishes and keep it between them, but if she changed her mind, he was interested.

Kai asked how Drew was feeling, and Drew said, given the circumstances, not bad. He was glad Kai was there. He needed Kai to do a big favor for him.

Dante said, when they asked who Drew thought may have shot him, the only name was Michael’s, and Michael said it was no secret he despised Drew, but he didn’t shoot him. Anna said Drew alleged that Michael physically assaulted him at the MetroCourt on August 15th, and Marco said he wanted to see the complaint, but Anna had nothing. Marco said that was because no one corroborated in that case. His client had nothing to say about the alleged incident or anything else. Anna said Michael was free to go – for now.

Curtis said he was sorry, but he couldn’t help Chase. He used to be a cop and knew he was within his rights to refuse. Chase said he was only putting off the inevitable, and Curtis said he’d come in and answer questions willingly, with his lawyer. He walked to the elevator.

Willow wondered how Ric could leave and not have the decency to tell her, and Elizabeth said it didn’t seem like him. Willow said, what now? She had to find a lawyer. Elizabeth said Martin was back, and Willow said she guessed she had a little time. Elizabeth said, in the meantime, keep proving she’s a reliable and stable mom, but Willow said that wasn’t enough. As much as she hated Drew, she needed him by her side.

Portia said she couldn’t thank Isaiah enough for being there, and he said he was glad to be there. She said, if it only affected them, it would be wonderful, but she couldn’t do that to her daughter.

Emma said, what Portia did wasn’t okay, but she did it to protect Trina, and Trina said it was unethical and illegal. Emma said, Heather killed people. If she thought her child was in danger, she’d do the same. Trina said her mom knew better than to lie to her dad, and when Drew started blackmailing her, it was too late for them to get past it. None of it would be happening if not for her. Emma said this started because of her mom’s choice to keep her safe, and Trina said she was worried she’d make the situation worse. Emma said Trina couldn’t make her parents happy and the only one that could make her happy was her. Trina said, for back-up, Emma wasn’t bad.

Kai asked what favor Drew needed, and Drew asked him to go to his house, open his safe, just grab everything, and bring it to him. Kai said he was sorry, but he couldn’t do that. Drew’s house was a crime scene. No one was allowed in, and he couldn’t remove things. Drew said, just use his key and sneak in, but Kai said he wasn’t comfortable doing that. Drew said he understood, and Kai asked if there was anything else he could do, and Drew said, yes, one thing.

Lulu said it felt like she’d be opening a door better left closed, and Carly said Valentin was in prison for the rest of his life. She wouldn’t be able to cut him out of Charlotte’s heart and to ask her to keep her love for him a secret would be a mistake. She needed to let Charlotte make the choice. If Charlotte found out Lulu stopped it from happening, she was going to resent Lulu big time.

Jack told Nina that Charlotte wouldn’t be in danger. It would just be a meeting between a father and daughter. They may never get to see each other again. Nina said his sincerity act might do better if he didn’t need something from it, but he said they’d all benefit, even her. She and her daughter might be in serious trouble.

Willow told Elizabeth that she knew Drew was using the kids to get her back, but getting her kids back was important. Kai approached and told Willow that Drew said he needed her.

Isaiah said he’d respect Portia’s wishes and keep his distance, but he wouldn’t stop hoping for things to change. Friends? She said, friends, they shook hands, and he left.

Chase said, as a former cop, Curtis knew lawyering up implied hiding something and would make him a top suspect, but Curtis told him that he had nothing else to say without a lawyer present, and got in the elevator. Chase called the station and asked for the exact time Curtis left the station with Stella… 8:40 pm. He guessed he needed to talk to Stella.

Dante said there was one thing bothering him, and Anna said, Jacinda. He said if you could pay for company, why not pay for an alibi? and Anna said she’d have to bring Jacinda in for questioning. They couldn’t rule out Michale as a suspect.

Walking into the PC Grill, Michael told Marco that he had experience with being questioned by the police, and Marco said the next step was to speak with Jacinda. Michael said he’d touch base with her himself, thanked Marco, and went in.

Lucas told Elizabeth, despite what she’d said earlier, he was sure Carly didn’t shoot Drew, but she said they both knew how far Carly would go to protect the people she loved.

Lulu said she was grateful Carly wasn’t just telling her what she wanted to hear, but at the end of the day, she was Charlotte’s mom. She thought it was best to leave the past in the past and for Charlotte to focus on her life there now. She didn’t see any good coming from the visit and no one could convince her otherwise.

Jack said Drew Cain was in the hospital with two holes in his back. It was only a matter of time before the PCPD knocked at Nina’s door and Willow’s. Nina said she explained they were together taking a walk at the time of the shooting, and Jack said, a convenient alibi, but it wouldn’t hold up if the investigation continued. She asked what he proposed, and he said, a mutually beneficial friendship. Convince Charlotte now and the WSB would return the favor when Nina and her daughter were in need. He thought the day was coming soon. Don’t answer right now. Just think it over and tell him what she decided. He left.

Willow went into Drew’s room, drew the blinds, and watched as he slept. He groggily opened his eyes.

Thursday:

Britt slept on Jason’s shoulder on the flight back, but she said she was just resting her eyes. He said, for the last four hours? and she said they couldn’t all sit and stare at a tray table for nine hours. She wasn’t even sure he was human. Maybe he needed a reboot. He asked her to explain what was really going on in Croatia.

Trina went to Portia’s office and said she hated that things were so hard between her parents. She couldn’t stop thinking about Drew blackmailing Portia. She was glad Portia told her, but wanted to know if Drew was the only one who had proof. Portia asked why she needed to know.

Curtis went to Anna’s office with Martin, who asked that her questions be brief and direct. Anna thought Curtis should rethink his defensive position. It implied he was hiding something. Curtis said he’d been a cop and was aware of how messy things could get quickly and had every intention of protecting his rights.

Carly asked Elizabeth what Drew’s room number. She had to talk to him. Lucas wondered how many people knew she’d threatened to kill Drew.

Drew said he was happy to see Willow, and she asked how he felt. He said, better now that she was there, and she said she was relieved he was okay. Did he remember what happened? Did he know who shot him?

Dante knocked at Jacinda’s hotel room and introduced himself. He wondered if he could ask her a few questions. Did she mind if he came in? She let him in, and Michael came out with no shirt on.

Curtis said he and Drew had ended their friendship. Drew’s had deep feelings for Aurora, and he had deep feelings about being lied to, and the lines blurred. Anna said Curtis had accused Drew of abusing his office to target Stella in an insurance fraud investigation. Was Curtis angry enough to kill?

Drew told Willow that he didn’t see who shot him. He’d gone to the safe and taken out her ring. He’d been thinking about how she said she’d come back to him and wanted to give her the ring as a sign of new beginnings. That’s when he got shot in the back twice. She said it was a miracle he’d survived. He had Tracy to thank. She was the one who found him and called 911. He wondered what Tracy was doing there, but Willow didn’t know. He said he wasn’t alive because of Tracy. He survived because he had too much to live for. He had to pull through to be with her and the kids.

Lucas said Carly had Elizabeth to thank for not telling the police about her threat, and Carly told him that she did say she’d kill Drew if he went after Michael, but she didn’t do it. He said he believed her, but she might give the cops the wrong idea visiting Drew. She said she was there to intervene on someone’s behalf.

Lulu asked what she could do for Nina, but Nina said she wanted to do something for Lulu. Agent Brennan told her about Valentin’s request for a visit with Charlotte in person and tried to recruit her to help make it happen.

At the Bad Jen Café, Obrecht saw Outback and made a fuss over her. She said it had been a while, then saw Rocco with Charlotte. She said, and for him too.

Britt said she was working on a research project, and Jason asked, what kind? She said, cold fusion. It wasn’t a big deal. He said it was big enough for the WSB to pay attention, but she said she was just doing a job. He said, a job that almost got her killed, and she said she’d always thought Pascal was annoying, but didn’t know he was an annoying psycho. Jason said she was desperate to get out before the WSB back-up got there and she didn’t want to answer questions, and she said she didn’t want to be left holding the bag for Pascal. He’d done all kinds of illegal stuff, including kidnapping Josslyn and her agent partner-slash-fake husband-slash-maybe boyfriend. He said she still wasn’t telling him everything, like who she was working for.

Trina said she was worried about Portia and trying to figure out how to help, but Portia said Trina needed to stay out of it. Trina said if the evidence came to light, Portia could lose her job and medical license and be arrested. That wouldn’t be happening if she hadn’t wanted to protect Trina. Portia said she would do it again, but she would tell Trina’s father from the beginning. Keeping secrets was a pattern she kept falling into with Trina’s father. Trina said all the secrets were because of her, but Portia said, no. They weren’t Trina’s fault. They were hers and Drew’s.

Willow said Scout would be staying with her and Elizabeth, and Drew wondered why she didn’t take Scout to his place. She said she couldn’t. It was a crime scene. Carly walked in and said, wow. She guessed the rumors were true and Willow was back together with this jerk. Willow said, Drew nearly died, and Carly said, but he didn’t. Drew told her to get to the point, and she said Danny called and Scout left Lila’s Kids again and went to the Quartermaines. She wondered if Scout could stay with them while Drew recovered, since it was clear she’d rather be there. Drew said, not a chance. Danny put Scout’s life in danger. Carly said, what about Alexis? but he said it was better if Scout stayed with Willow. That’s why he made her their legal guardian. Carly suggested he think about his daughter first, but he said she needed to stop worrying about his kid and worry about her own, because if Michael hadn’t been arrested for shooting him yet, he would be, and soon.

Michael said he didn’t expect to see Dante so soon, and Jacinda asked how they knew each other. Michael said Dante was his brother, and Dante said Michael had cited Jacinda as his alibi, and she said she’d be happy to answer any questions. Dante wasn’t surprised.

Lulu said she’d made it clear she wouldn’t let Charlotte see Valentin and asked if Brennan wanted Nina to end run her and talk to Charlotte. Nina said, no, and she wouldn’t. She loved Charlotte and only wanted the best for her, and a huge portion of that was a good relationship with her mom. She would never undermine that or Lulu. As far as she was concerned, their animosity was in the past. Lulu agreed, and Nina said, let her offer Lulu some advice from one woman who loved Charlotte to another. In no way did she condone Jack’s underhanded tactics, but she thought Lulu should consider letting Charlotte visit her dad.

Rocco introduced Charlotte, and Obrecht said they spent time together when Valentin was married to Nina. Now she was a lovely young woman. Charlotte thanked her and said it was nice to see her. It was surprising to find out she was her sort of brother’s grandmother. Obrecht said, technically, that wasn’t accurate, but in her heart, she’ll always think of him as family. She went to place her order, and Rocco said, don’t tell their mom they saw Dr. Obrecht. She was Britt’s mom, and it made their mom uncomfortable that he wanted to know more about Britt.

Britt said she reported to Pascal and had no idea who he was working for, but Jason said he didn’t believe that. The WSB wouldn’t be interested. She couldn’t run from questions forever. Jack Brennan ran the office in Port Charles, and he was relentless. He was smart, strategic, and ruthless. He recruited Josslyn while he was having a relationship with Carly, who had no idea. Britt said she knew they’d circle back to Carly, and Jason said Brennan would use whoever it took to get what he wanted and wouldn’t think twice about screwing her over. If she had a problem with Brennan, call him. Britt said, other than that, she wanted nothing to do with him.

Lulu asked if Nina was here on Brennan’s behalf, but Nina promised she wasn’t. And she wasn’t in it for Valentin. She wasn’t suggesting Lulu do this for Valentin’s benefit, but do it for her own. Brennan needed something from Valentin and if he had to, he’d find a way to contact Charlotte directly. If Charlotte found out that Valentin wanted to see her and Lulu become an obstacle, keeping her from her dad… Lulu said, Charlotte would end up resenting her, and Nina said her advice was to take control of the situation and use it to her advantage.

Charlotte said she thought their mom had calmed down about Obrecht, and Rocco said she was trying, but still didn’t like it. He felt bad, but couldn’t help it if he wanted to know more about Britt. Charlotte said she got it and don’t worry. He said he didn’t want to hurt their mom’s feelings, and Charlotte said that’s why she didn’t bring up her father. It made their mom uneasy. She loved them both, but it was better to keep their worlds separate. Obrecht brought over a dessert for them to share, but she wanted Rocco to eat. He was too skinny. Outback dashed out the door, and Rocco and Charlotte chased after her.

Jason said he was hoping saving Britt’s life and getting her a ticket back would make her cut him some slack, but she said business class wasn’t what it used to be. He owed her for running out to save Josslyn. He said he came back, but she said his priorities were the same. Carly always came first. Anything else was a distant second… which was fine. It wasn’t like they were together. He asked why she was angry, and she said he was acting like she could count on him. Why would she, when she’d just get the rug yanked out from under her. She was better off relying on herself like she always had. He said he was trying to be her friend, and she said he was lousy at it.

Lucas apologized to Elizabeth for Carly being harsh, and Elizabeth said she understood. He thanked her for not talking to the police, and she said, not yet. Drew knew she’d overheard, and she was sure he’d report the incident. Lucas said, of course (🍷). Anything to torment his sister or Michael. She said she couldn’t deny it happened, and he told her that Carly said she didn’t shoot Drew, and he believed her. He hoped nobody got arrested. Drew had pushed a lot of people way too far. It was terrible to say, but he thought Drew brought it on himself.

Carly said Michael didn’t shoot Drew, and Drew said, like Michael didn’t assault him at her restaurant and she covered it up. She said everyone would see that he was doing it to get Michael out of the way so Wiley and Amelia would go to Willow. If he had any proof, Michael would have been arrested. Drew said Michael threatened him and had a history of manslaughter, but Carly said there was a long list of people who wanted him dead. He said, including her. Maybe that’s why she was sure her son was innocent. She said if she’d wanted him dead, he’d be dead. She came to ask him to reconsider Scout’s living situation, so maybe he’d remember her mother’s wishes and do the right thing, but he was beyond hope. And so was Willow. She left.

Curtis said Drew thought he could go through his aunt to get to him, and Anna said he was convinced Drew weaponized his position to open the investigation. He said that was his theory, and she said, then the next question could only be, could he account for his whereabouts the night Drew was shot?

Jacinda said Michael offered to pay for her drink and they ended up talking for a while, and Dante asked what time Michael left. She said, they left the PC Grill around 9:15 and came back there, and Dante said Michael didn’t mention that. Michael said he was trying to be discreet, and Dante asked what time Michael left her room. Jacinda said, around 10:30, and Dante thanked her and asked for a word with his brother in private. She said, of course (🍷). She’d go shower. She left, and Michael said he knew he should have told Dante that he slept with her, but Dante said he didn’t believe that. But he did believe Michael paid her to be his alibi.

Jason asked where Britt was staying, and she said she didn’t know and she didn’t want his help. He said she might need it. From his experience, it wasn’t easy to jump back into life after being dead. There were legal obstacles. She said she needed to have a prescription filled, and he said, she needed to face the people who thought she was dead. She said she doubted she was missed, but he said her mom never stopped grieving. He missed her. She said, on second thought, he could help her. Did he have $20 for a cab? Make that $40. She always tipped. Actually, how much money did he have? He handed her all his cash, and she thanked him and said it was just a loan. She’d pay him back and for the plane ticket. He said there was no need, when their final descent was announced. She said she thought the flight would never end, and he said, whatever she was hiding, she didn’t have to hide it from him.

Rocco came back and Obrecht said he was bleeding. She sat him down, and he said he was chasing Outback and ran into a tree branch. She asked if he caught Outback, but he said, no. Charlotte was still out there, but insisted he get bandaged up. Could she do it? Obrecht said it was a nasty cut and would need stitches.

Nina said if Lulu offered Charlotte a chance to see her father, she’d come out the hero, not the villain. And she’d be part of the process. She could set limits and possibly be at the meeting. Lulu said she didn’t love the idea of Charlotte and Valentin reconnecting, especially now that Charlotte was settling in, and Nina said almost all of their conversations were about how much Charlotte missed her dad. Lulu said she had no idea. Charlotte rarely mentioned him. Nina said she was neutral, and Charlotte knew how she felt about Valentin. She hadn’t forgotten him or left him in the past. If Lulu facilitated a reunion, she’d score major points. Lulu’s phone rang, and she asked Rocco, what’s up? He said, don’t freak out, and she said, too late. He said Outback was off leash and he cut his forehead chasing her. Dr. Obrecht was taking him to get stitches. She happened to be there. Lulu said she’d meet him at the hospital, and asked Nina if she’d come as a buffer between her and Nina’s aunt.

Dante said he knew Michael beelined there to shore up his story. He wasn’t buying it. Michael said he was with Jacinda when Dante brought him in for questioning, and Dante said he didn’t want Michael to be guilty, but it was too convenient. Jacinda was already connected to Drew. Michael said he knew that, and Dante said just tell him the truth. Was Michael really with her the night Drew was shot? Dante’s phone rang, and he stepped away to talk to Lulu.

Trina said Portia saved Drew’s life. Did she think he’d stop the blackmail? Portia said he didn’t seem grateful, and Trina asked if Portia was still worried he’d try to expose her. Portia said, actually, no. She made peace with it and one good thing she learned was that there were some lines she wouldn’t cross, no matter how much Drew pushed. It was surprisingly freeing. She wasn’t living in fear and living on her own terms. If it came to light, she’d face it and deal with the consequences. Trina said she was glad to hear Portia say that and they hugged.

Anna said, when Chase spoke to Stella, she said Curtis dropped her home and left around 8:45. Dante said he didn’t return home until after midnight. Could he clarify where he was for three hours? Curtis said he was with Alexis, discussing his aunt’s case. He got there about 9 and stayed until 10:15. Then he went to The Savoy. Anna asked if anyone could verify that, but Curtis said, no. He came in the back and went to his office. He wanted alone time to decompress. She asked if he went anywhere else, and he said he met Jordan for a drink at the Brown Dog Bar. He arrived around 10:50, stayed until midnight, then went home. Anna said, unfortunately, he was alone at The Savoy at the time of the shooting, and Martin said it wasn’t a crime to be alone. It didn’t make him guilty. Anna said Curtis had training in law enforcement, which enabled him to cover things up. It didn’t make him guilty, but it did put him at the top of the suspect list.

Lulu and Dante arrived at the hospital and Rocco said he was fine, but Charlotte hadn’t found Outback yet. Obrecht asked why Nina was there, and she said she was with Lulu when Rocco called. Why didn’t they let the parents take over and go for a nightcap? Obrecht said she wasn’t thirsty, and Lucas said they were ready to give Rocco stitched. Rocco asked Lulu not to be mad at Dr. Obrecht. If not for her, he wouldn’t have gone to the hospital. Dante thanked Obrecht for looking after their son.

Jacinda asked where Michael’s brother went, and Michael said he had a family emergency. She asked if he bought their story, and he said, no, but it didn’t matter. He still had to report it. She said they barely had enough time to stage their assignation, and he thanked her for helping him. She said it helped them both to have an alibi. If anyone found out she was there to blackmail Drew, they’d try to pin it on her. Michael said, since neither of them could account for their whereabouts, they might as well help each other out.

Curtis went to see Portia and said he was definitely a prime suspect. The good news was, she wasn’t on the PCPD’s radar. Her name didn’t come up. Drew couldn’t talk about their conflict without incriminating himself. Portia said no matter how bad things got, they shared a daughter. After dragging him into this mess, the last thing they’d want is for Trina to get caught in the fallout. Curtis said there was something she could do to help.

Carly went to Anna’s office and said she had a confession. She threatened to kill Drew the night he was shot. Anna asked if Carly needed her lawyer, but Carly said she didn’t shoot him. She knew Anna would hear about it, so for the record, she was with Jack Brennan the whole night. Anna said Jack told her, but Carly’s boyfriend was a skillful liar.

Willow asked if Drew thought Carly could shoot him, and he said, it wouldn’t be the first time she shot someone. Willow said if she threatened him, he should tell the police, but he said that wouldn’t accomplish what he wanted. As far as he was concerned, Michael shot him. Even if it didn’t play to his advantage, he’d have Michael take the fall. Willow asked if Drew was going to frame Michael. He already told the police that he didn’t see anything. Drew said the thing about traumatic memories was that they came flooding back any moment.

Curtis said if it became public knowledge that Drew screwed up their marriage, it would lead to more scrutiny which would lead to Drew’s blackmail. They needed to behave as though their marriage was still strong. Was she willing to do that?

Jacinda said Michael’s brother was already suspicious. What if he found out they were lying? Michael said they just needed to be consistent and commit to their story, and she asked if there were any scars or tattoos she should know about.

Willow said if Drew was going to say Michael was responsible when he wasn’t, the person was still out there to try again. Drew said he was willing to risk it. When Michael was convicted, her kids would come back, and their family would be whole. He knew she didn’t approve… She said it was fine. She’d do anything to get her kids back.

Carly said if Anna was accusing her and Jack of lying, be sure she had proof, and Anna said lying came easily to Jack. It was something Carly needed to know. Carly said she knew Jack lied about work, but when it came to their relationship, they had an understanding. Anna asked if she believed Jack would never lie to her, when they saw Jason at the door.

Britt walked into the hospital, hesitated, then walked through those loud sliding doors. Elizabeth saw her and said, Oh… my… God. Britt? Britt turned and saw Obrecht and Nina, and Lulu said they thought she was… Britt said, dead? Believe it or not, she was back. There were soap faces all around, and Obrecht fainted.

🫔 Friday’s Enchilada…

Brick shows up at Sonny’s office and Sonny says, easy trip? Brick says, no complaints, and Sonny asks if Brick did that thing he asked him to do. Brick says, it’s handled, and Sonny says, so the cops investigating Judge Haran’s murder will find the million-dollar deposit in her bank account. Brick says, it was supposed to look like it came from Sonny, and Sonny says, but it’s going to look like came from Drew Cain. Brick says, that would be true.

At the Bad Jen Café, Emma said, it’s so close, she can taste it, and Gio asks how victory tastes. She says, sweet. Every day, Dalton is trusting her more and more, confiding in her, and adding more responsibilities. He says, awesome, and she says, it’s everything working for since she was back in California. He says, she’s almost there. She just has to get answers and proof. She says, and that piece of garbage will finally get nailed. They’re going to make that happen. He says, yes, they are, together, and they clink coffee cups.

Josslyn and Vaughn come up on a deck from the beach and lean their surfboards against the railing. They go inside to a bedroom, and Vaughn says he couldn’t wait to get back here. She says, really? and they get busy.

Carly says she didn’t know Jason was back in town. How was his trip? He says, eventful, and she says she can’t wait to hear about it, but he says he needs to speak to Anna alone.

Elizabeth tells Obrecht, keep breathing… There she is. Nina asks if she’s okay, and Elizabeth tells her not to stand. She might still be dizzy. Obrecht says she still doesn’t know what happened. Her mind must be playing tricks. Britt says, this isn’t a trick, mutter, and comes into view. Elizabeth says, take it easy, and Nina helps Obrecht up. Obrecht says, this can’t be happening, but Britt says, it is. She swears. Obrecht touches her and says, you’re here. Britt says, yes, and they hug.

Obrecht cries and says she’d been dreaming of this moment. Every night, Britt is standing before her. Right now, how is it possible? Where was she?

Brick tells Sonny, the wire transfer is complete, with account numbers linking Drew with Judge Haran. It was nice and snug in his safe when Brick left. Sonny says, it won’t be hard to believe, given Drew’s public obsession with getting Willow’s kids back to her, and Brick says, exactly.  If the cops haven’t found it already, they will soon. Sonny says, and after that, Drew’s political career is going to tank, and Brick says, unless whoever tried to kill him comes back to finish job first.

Jason asks Carly to give him a minute – please, and she says she knows what he has to say to Anna is probably important, but there’s a lot of things that happened while he was gone. Can’t it wait? He says, no. He’ll find her when he’s done, but he really needs to talk to Anna. Carly says, okay, and Anna thanks her for coming in. She appreciates it. Carly leaves, and Anna says she guesses Jason is going to have to pay for that. Jason says he knows how to handle Carly. He needs to know what to tell her about her daughter. How long has Anna known that Josslyn was in the WSB?  

Josslyn wondered why it was so intense between her and Vaughn, and he says, they almost died last night. Now it’s like everything is in high definition. She says, more vivid, and he says, every touch, every sound, every sensation. Their bodies know how close they came to never feeling any of that again. They start getting busy, round two.

Britt says they have plenty of time to get into all that. Right now, she wants to enjoy the moment; doesn’t Obrecht? Obrecht says she does, but she has so many questions, and Dante says, it’s probably not the best idea to be here right now. Britt asks if that’s code for, how the hell are you? Welcome back. I’m so glad you’re alive. Dante says they can skip the pleasantries, and Britt says she sees he hasn’t lost his holier-than-thou-ness. He says she hasn’t lost her ability to cause a scene, and Nina says, let’s all just take a breath. She looks at Britt and says, oh, hello. How the hell are you? Welcome back. I’m so glad you’re alive. They hug, and Britt tells Dante, see how easy that is? Nina says she’s just happy to see Britt. She’s trying to wrap her mind around it. It’s unbelievable. They missed her so much. Britt says she missed both of them so much, and at the desk, Lulu asks if Elizabeth can do her a favor. Could she please keep Rocco in the exam room while they deal with this? Elizabeth says, yes, of course (🍷), and Lulu thanks her. Britt says, hang on. Ben is here at the hospital?  

Emma looks at the door, and Gio asks if she’s waiting for someone. She says, actually, yes, and he says, ouch. Is his company that bad? She says, Dalton stops by here every night after work, which means he should… Yep. Bingo. He says, that was almost great, and she says, wish her luck. He says, good luck, creepy, and she gets up taking her uneaten dessert. He says, that’s what the cheesecake was for.

Emma sees Dalton at the counter and says, what a nice surprise. He asks if she’s following him, but she says she’s pretty sure she was here first. She knows he loves the pistachio cheesecake. She offers him her slice, and he says, she pays attention to everything, doesn’t she? She says she tries, when Charlotte comes in and asks Gio if he’s heard from Rocco, but he says, no. What happened? She says, Outback ran away, and he asks what she’s talking about. She says they took her off leash to untangle it and this car backfired. She freaked when she heard it and ran away. He asks if Rocco is out looking, and she says, he was, but he cut his head trying to find her and went to GH to get stitches. Gio says, yikes, and she says, it’s not the best night. She promised to find Outback, but so far, no luck. How is she supposed to tell Rocco that she’s worried Outback is gone for good? Rocco loves that dog so much.

Rocco said he wasn’t looking where he was going and ran right into a branch, and Lucas says, it got him pretty good too. He’s lucky it didn’t get him in the eye. Rocco says, Dr. Obrecht made him get checked out, and Lucas says, she was right. He definitely needed stitches. Sorry about his dog. He hopes Rocco finds her soon. Rocco says, him too. His sister is still out looking. Elizabeth comes in and asks how it’s going, and Lucas says he’s just about done. She asks if he remembered to administer the new protocol, the second disinfectant wash on all superficial wounds. She tells Rocco, sorry, buddy. They’re just going to have to keep him a little longer. It’s the new rule. She gives Lucas a look, and he says, right. He thanks her for the reminder and says, new protocol coming up. Sorry about this. It will just take a minute.

Lulu tells Britt that her son’s name is Rocco. She knows that. Britt says, but he’s at GH. Is he all right? Dante says, their son is not her business, and Nina says, it’s a beautiful moment. Try not to tarnish it, please. She suggests Britt and Obrecht come home with her so they can catch up, and Obrecht says she didn’t ask why Britt was here. Is she okay? She can get someone to see Britt right away. Britt says she’s she fine. She just needs to reup some meds. Obrecht says, of course (🍷), and suggests the get them right now, but Lulu says, wait. She’d like to explain the situation to Rocco before… Britt says, before what? Before she kidnaps the kid and runs away with him? Lulu says, before he sees her. This is going to be a shock for him, and she’d like him to hear it from them. Britt says, God forbid the baby she brought into the world gets a glimpse of her. Fine. One night without her meds won’t kill her… she hopes… Come on. That was funny. Obrecht says they’ll take Nina up on her offer, and Nina says, great. They leave, and Lulu asks if Dante heard that. He says, of course (🍷), and she says, the baby she brought into this world. What the hell are they going to do?

Sonny says, Brick was in Drew’s house the night he got shot, and Brick asks if Sonny is telling him, or was there a question in there? Sonny asks if he saw anything, but Brick says he was gone long before the shooting. Sonny knows how he likes to move… Like a ghost. They laugh, and Sonny says, you know, it’s too bad Brick wasn’t there. Then he’d know who tried to off that bastard.

Anna asks if Jason found Josslyn. Is she all right? He says, she’s safe, for now, and Anna says, good. She’s so relieved. He asks how long she’s known, and she says, for a few months. He says, what? How did she find out? She says she was suspicious of Dalton, and Jason says, the PCU professor? She says, yeah. So her granddaughter Emma had this odd obsession with him. She was trying to inch her way into his inner circle, and it suddenly occurred to her, did Emma follow him out here from California? There must be something there. So she started investigating, and in tracking him, she came across Josslyn. He says, because Josslyn was his assistant, but she says, no. She had Dante trailing a courier going between Dalton and a third party, and in tracking the courier, she realized Josslyn was doing the exact same thing. He says, and Dante was sure about exactly what Josslyn was doing? and she says, yes. He saw her put a tracker in the courier’s backpack. That’s when it all fell into place, when she realized Josslyn was on a mission investigating Dalton. Jason says, she should have told him, and she says, of course (🍷) she wanted to tell him. Does he think she didn’t? She couldn’t. Jack stopped her. He realized she was suspicious and getting close to the truth, so he brought her in and told her everything. Every last word was classified. He says, so if she told him, that would be treason, and she says she could be sent to prison and wanted to avoid that. So she motivated him into Josslyn’s orbit. He says, she didn’t motivate him. She manipulated him.

Lulu tells Dante that she only indulged Rocco’s curiosity because she assumed it was harmless and couldn’t lead to anything. Now Britt is back. Dante says they’ve got to learn from their mistake, and Lulu says, what mistake? She’s kidding. He says they’ve got to be up front with Rocco, and she says she knew he was going to say that. He says he doesn’t like it any more than she does, but if they don’t tell Rocco, he’s just going to find out anyway. Lulu says, he will. Brook may just want to spring it on him. He’s right of course (🍷). She just can’t believe this is happening.

Elizabeth looks through the blinds, and Lucas says, all right, Mr. Falconari. The good news is, the stitches dissolve and the sterile strips fall off in about a week. So he doesn’t need to come back, unless there’s an issue, obviously. Rocco says, awesome. Is it cool if he looks for Outback? Is it safe or whatever? Lucas says, yeah, since there’s no concussion. But nothing too strenuous. And watch out for branches. Rocco says he will, and Elizabeth tells him to take care of himself. Good luck with his search. Rocco leaves, and Lucas says, what was that about? Elizabeth says, is he ready for this? and he says he’s not sure. She says, the Britch is back.

Rocco says he got stitches that apparently dissolve on their own, and Lulu says, let her see. Does it hurt? He says, no. Any word from Charlotte? Dante says, not yet, and Rocco says, where’s Dr. Obrecht? Lulu says, she went with Nina, and Dante says, maybe they should get going too. They’ve got something to chat about. They leave.

Nina tells Britt and Obrecht, come on in. Make yourself at home. Britt can stay as long as she wants. She’ll make sure the guest room has everything she needs, and she’ll get Britt a spare key. Britt thanks her… What? Is there something on her face? Obrecht says her face is perfect just as it always has been. She can’t believe Britt is here. Britt says, in the flesh, and Obrecht says, Britt appeared to her in her dreams all the time. She relied on those dreams so much. Britt takes Obrecht’s hands and says, hey, this isn’t a dream. She’s here. She’s home and with her. Nina says they can finally talk about that since it’s just them. Where has she been all this time? What has she been doing?

Carly and Brick hug, and she says she didn’t know he’d be in town. She would have done her makeup. Brick says she doesn’t need makeup, and Sonny says, that’s exactly why he didn’t tell her. She says she loves when Brick is in town. It makes her feel like nothing bad can go wrong. Brick says she knows he loves taking care of his favorite powerhouse. That’s automatic. She asks if he’s still cold plunging, and he says, yes, opening his jacket. Look at him. Does she see him? She says, it’s working, and Sonny asks if this can wait until they’re finished. Brick says, it’s jealousy, and Sonny says he thought Carly had something important to tell him. She says she does. Jason is back. Did he know? Sonny says, yeah, and she says, he’s with Anna. Sonny asks how she knows, and she says she was in Anna’s office when he showed up. And the first thing asked was for her to leave so he could have a private conversation with Anna. Sonny wondered what kind of business Jason had with the Commissioner.

Anna says, Jack tied her hands, but Jason says he doesn’t care. She still should have told him. Instead, she sent him to Croatia blind. She says she couldn’t risk it. Jack would have shipped her off to Steinmaur the first chance he got. Jason says, what about Josslyn? She could have been killed. She says, that’s why she pointed him in her direction, and he says, the WSB in Croatia. She says she doesn’t know why Josslyn would want to go down this path. She wouldn’t wish this on anyone. She was practically begging Jack to pull her out, but he refused. When Jason came to her, he’d said something about seeing Britt at the airport carrying a bag from a resort in Dalmatia. She had to protect Josslyn, so she sent him in.

Basking in the afterglow, Josslyn wonders what happens when they go back to the real world, but Vaughn says, don’t think about that. She asks, why? and he says, Brennan. Is she going to be able to cover? She says, yes, but… and he says, but nothing. Brennan can’t know about this. They start to kiss, but hear something outside the door. They draw their guns and Jack comes in. They slowly lower their guns.

Emma tells Dalton that the report came out today and she went ahead and printed it out. She organized it all and the report is on his desk. He says, incredible, and thanks her. She says he’s welcome. So what’s next? He says, next… well, he supposes he has to let her in on a little secret.

Carly tells Sonny and Brick that she knew it was only a matter of time before Anna heard she’d threatened Drew, so she decided to get ahead of it. She told Anna, yes. She looked in Drew’s face and told him that she’d kill him herself, but she didn’t shoot him. Brick says, smart, but volunteering anything to the police is risky, and Sonny says, unless someone is trying to draw attention to themselves to get it away from somebody else. Brick says, is the someone else her son Michael? Does she think her son shot Drew?

Jason says, Anna shouldn’t have been focused on pulling Josslyn out of the op. She should have been focused on pulling her out of the WSB. Anna asks what makes him think she has any influence over Josslyn whatsoever, and he says, because she knows that life. She knows it cost her everything. It cost her family, her relationships, who she is. You become the lie the WSB makes you live. She says, Josslyn didn’t exactly call and ask for advice before she signed up. She had no idea Josslyn was even considering this. She knows Jason loves Josslyn very much and knows how important she is and her entire family is to him, but Josslyn isn’t a child anymore. She’s a grown woman who makes her own decisions and she’s chosen this life. Anna thinks it was of her own free will. He says he hates it, and she says she does too, but she doesn’t think Josslyn was forced. He says, maybe not forced, but definitely manipulated, and she says, she probably was. They know a lot about that. They trusted and respected people who came into their lives at the exact right moment and started them on a path that they probably shouldn’t have gone down. Who knows what type of people they’d been if they’d been left alone. Jason says, Sonny was there for him. He always has been. Sonny gave him a sense of purpose. The first time they met the guy put cash in his hand. Anna says, the Bureau put cash in her hand too. Because the Bureau, because Sonny, they saw something in them that they recognized. That they would do whatever it takes to belong, to have a purpose. He asks if she’s saying the WSB saw something similar in Josslyn, and she says she thinks Brennan saw something. Something so important, he was willing to risk his relationship to Carly… Oh God. Carly. She can’t even imagine how Jack betrayed her. Jason says, it sounds a lot like what Anna did to him.

Lucas tells Elizabeth, Britt Westbourne is dead. There was a funeral and everything. She says she’s telling him that Britt is here. She saw Britt with her own eyes. Lucas says, it’s not like how it was with Jason. There was a body. Heather Webber killed her. Elizabeth asks him to consider who her parents are, consider who she is. She comes from a long line of really awful… She doesn’t know how to describe them. The point is, she or they or someone pulled it off. He says, so she faked her own death, and Elizabeth says she doesn’t really know what Britt did, but it sure looks like that. He says, now that she’s back, he has to call Brad. He was absolutely devastated when she died. Elizabeth says, that’s the last thing he needs.

Jack says, excuse me, Mr., and Mrs. Nash. He’ll give them a minute. He leaves and they get dressed. Vaughn opens the door and says they know it’s against the rules but… Josslyn says, it won’t interfere with their job. He’ll see. Jack asks what the hell they were thinking, and Vaughn says, they came to Australia… and Josslyn says, to establish her cover story. Jack says, they need to tell him everything that happened at the Five Poppies resort, starting with Britt Westbourne.

Britt says she knows they both have a lot of questions, but it’s really a long story. She promises to get to it, but right now she’s exhausted. It was a brutal flight. Nina says, Britt has been through so much, she’s probably only thinking about a bed and a shower. They can catch up tomorrow. Obrecht says, no. She refuses to wait another moment. She’s waited long enough. It’s been two years, and she mourned every single day. Now Britt is here and she needs answers. She deserves to know what happened to her daughter.

As they go into the house, Rocco says, they were weird the whole ride home. What’s going on? Did they hear something about Outback? Lulu says she’s sorry. They didn’t hear anything, but they have to believe they’ll find her. Inside, Rocco says he thinks he’ll put Outback on Investigate before he goes to bed, and Lulu says, good idea. Dante says, wait. Hold up. There’s some stuff they’ve got to talk to him about. Charlotte comes downstairs and asks if they found Outback.

Elizabeth says, things are going so well for Lucas and Marco. Does he really want to be dragged back into Brad’s drama? Who’s to say he doesn’t already know? She wouldn’t put past Brad to involved with Britt’s cover-up. Does he really want to get tangled up in that mess? Lucas says he really doesn’t think Brad could fake grief like that, but she says she doesn’t know what Brad is capable of. But she does know he lied about Wiley to him, Michael, and Willow every single day for like, two years. He says, Brad did it for him, and she says, maybe. Maybe he lied for Britt. He did love her too. She thinks it’s fair to say Brad could justify pretty much anything. He says, Brad could and has and will again, and she says she’s sorry. She knows it’s not what he wants to hear. He says, it’s not, but it’s what he needed to hear. Who knows how deeply Brad is involved in this? Anything is possible when it comes to Brad and Britt Westbourne and none of it is good.  

Britt says, okay. Before Josslyn was attacked on the pier, she was approached about an intriguing research project out of the country. Obrecht says, and she told them, yes, but Britt says, no. Not at first. But she kept thinking of the heartbreak of Obrecht watching her die of Huntington’s. She didn’t want that for either of them, so when Heather Webber attacked Josslyn, then she… Nina asks if it was all staged, but Britt says, no. The attack was real, but her dying wasn’t. Obrecht asks if she’s saying she’s responsible for this. She’s responsible for making them think she was dead.

Lulu tells Charlotte that they haven’t found Outback yet, but she’s sure they will tomorrow. She’ll help put up fliers and look. Charlotte says, so will she, and Lulu says, right now, she has something she need to tell both of them. It’s about Britt Westbourne. Dante says, they saw her tonight at GH, and Rocco asks how that’s possible. Charlotte says, wasn’t she murdered by Heather Webber? and Lulu says, apparently not. She’s very much alive. She doesn’t know all the details or what happened. Lucas asks if Dr. Obrecht knew she was alive, but Dante says, no. She definitely didn’t. They all saw her for the first time tonight. Rocco asks if Britt was there while he was getting stitches, and Dante says, she was. Rocco asks why he didn’t get to see her. Were they keeping him from her?

Anna says she knows Jason thinks she betrayed him, but she’d hoped in time he’d see that she didn’t. She didn’t have any other choices. Jason says, she had a choice. She picked the easy one. She says she didn’t see any other way. If he thinks it was easy for her to keep him in the dark, he really doesn’t know her at all. He says he thought he did, and she says she’s really sorry. She can’t change what she did. He says, yeah. Whatever. He’s got to focus on Carly. She says, he may not believe it, but she’s been thinking about Carly too, and now that he knows everything, what is he going to do? Is he going to tell Carly the truth?

Carly says, their son is not a violent person, Sonny says, their son would not shoot someone in the back. She says, but Drew is going to do whatever he can to make sure Michael goes down for it, because Drew is obsessed with Willow. And getting her kids back will guarantee she stays with him. What better way to do that? Brick says, if Michael is in prison for attempted murder, and she says, exactly. Sonny says that’s why he wanted Michael to compromise with Willow in the first place. That way, he could have ended this and still had the upper hand. Carly says, it’s too late for that because Drew will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Hell, he’s going to use his own brush with death to do it and he will destroy their son in the process.

Josslyn says she and Vaughn discovered Britt Westbourne was alive and thought it could not have been a coincidence that a doctor with a research background was at the Five Poppies. Vaughn says, a doctor who faked her own death, and Josslyn says, she had to have been involved with whatever was going on and they had an in. She knows Britt. Britt saved her life. Jack says, okay. Did they get anything out of her? Josslyn says, they tried, and Vaughn says, all of a sudden, their cover was blown. Jack says, Colette Moreau, and Josslyn says, hold on. His next in command Colette? That explains the black box. She’s who they were communicating with. They asked about the code to the black box. They knew about it. Jack says he’s confused as to why they’re still alive. Why didn’t they just kill them and be done with it? Vaughn says, they were being kept as test subjects, human guinea pigs for their radiation experiments, and Jack asks how they escaped. Josslyn says, Jason saved them, and Jack says, Jason Morgan?

Carly says she knows Michael didn’t do it, and Brick says, all right. He’ll see what he can do. Sonny says, good. They’ve got to get ahead of Drew’s accusations. Carly says, they need to protect Michael from the fallout that will come when Drew makes it, because he will. She knows this is wrong to say, but Michael, Wiley, and Amelia would be better off if Drew was dead. Sonny says, it’s not wrong, cuz it’s the truth, and Brick says, there’s still time for that. Sonny tells them, Drew can say whatever he wants about Michael, but sooner or later, his word is going to mean jack with the cops.

Looking like he has a headache, Jack says, how the hell did Jason Morgan get there? and Josslyn says she doesn’t actually know. But if she had to guess, she assumes it had something to do with Britt. Jack says, Jason’s not working with her, and Josslyn says, no, but they used to be involved. Jack says, so what she’s telling him is, Jason Morgan found out where Britt was and in doing so… Josslyn says, he found them and saved their lives. Jack says, this was supposed to be a reconnaissance mission and what they’re telling him is that they risked their lives, defied his orders, and have nothing to show for it.

On the phone, Dalton says, they’re coming tonight… No. He’ll be there to accept it. Emma asks if he needs her help, but he says, absolutely not. He can handle it. He’ll see her tomorrow. She says, count on it, and he says, good. Tomorrow, everything is going be revealed. She says, before he goes, he has to tell her what the secret is, and he says, they use sheep’s milk in the lattes. That’s why they taste so good. He leaves, and Gio asks, how’d it go? She says, Dalton just confirmed everything. He’s expecting a new shipment of test subjects and he’s a sick, sick bastard. But she’s finally got him… What’s wrong? Gio says he hates to rain on her parade, and she tells him, just say it. He says, Outback is missing.

Jason says he can’t tell Carly the truth because he made a promise to Josslyn, and Anna says she guesses he was forced to. He says, if she’d been honest with him before he found out, he could have told Carly before he promised Josslyn, and Anna says, okay. It is what it is at this point. She doesn’t know what to say. She thinks they’ve both been in situations before that were far from ideal. She told him everything she knows and answered all of his questions. What went down over there? What happened? Jack said it was a reconnaissance mission. What did Josslyn find and how is Britt even involved in any of this? He says, she wants answers? Go ask her friend Jack Brennan. He walks out.

Rocco says, please be honest and tell him what happened, and Lulu says, when he was with the doctor, everyone was overwhelmed, including Britt. She left with Dr. Obrecht and Nina to work things out as a family. Dante said they wanted to do the same with him, and Rocco asks if they talked to her. Lulu says they did, and Dante says, yeah, briefly. Rocco says, is she okay? What did she say happened? Dante says, she didn’t. This is a lot for everyone. Lulu says they need to take things slow, and Rocco says, yeah, sure.

Britt says, yes, she was in on it. She was protecting Obrecht from the agony of watching her deteriorate. Obrecht says, yes, watching Britt die in her arms was mujch better. Obrecht gets up, and Britt says she couldn’t bear for Obrecht to see her waste away. Obrecht says, so she played God with their hearts and their lives. Britt says she wonders where she gets that, and goes over to Obrecht. She says, please. She’s home and she loves her. She did all of this for her. Obrecht says, please. She was thinking of no one but herself and she tortured the people who loved her in the process. She slaps Britt, and Nina is like, whoa.

On Monday, Anna tells chase that Drew is turner’s problem now: Brennan says Vaughn and Josslyn’s little stunt is going to cost them both: Drew tells Martin to make sure the police never see the evidence; and Britt says she’s the monster Obrecht raised her to be.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

Were they literally waiting for someone else to pass away before they let Monica rest in peace?

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/how-general-hospital-plans-to-honor-the-late-tristan-rogers-and-leslie-charleson/

The latest in Charlottes.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/who-is-general-hospitals-new-charlotte-meet-actress-bluesy-burke-who-takes-over-from-scarlett-fernandez/

Hmm… Sounds like she invested her life in a dude and it didn’t work out. Join the club.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospitals-kelly-thiebaud-shares-i-went-through-a-bit-of-a-midlife-crisis/

Well, we were hoping.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/general-hospitals-cameron-mathison-one-thousand-percent-feared-drew-would-be-killed-off-excl/

It’s more than just turning on your TV. Streaming on October 17th.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/how-to-watch-the-2025-daytime-emmy-awards/

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck

More boatmance nonsense. I’m not sure what’s so great about lazy AF Solène or for that matter, any of the deck crew. Maybe it just doesn’t come across on screen. What is up with spiraling chefs that need to always be coddled, no pun intended. We ended with Chef Anthony saying he didn’t want to do a damn thing, but he did give a great quote: I’m not a f***in’ octopus and not Mary Poppins. Alrighty then. Next time, the finale.

The Real Housewives Of Orange County

Tamra invited Shannon, Gina, and Jenn on an overnight trip and Shannon packed like she was going for weeks. I understand. Fancy Pants Heather interviewed Dylan Mulvaney on her podcast and talked about her mission to foster acceptance, especially since she had a kaleidoscope of kids. Jenn’s fat photo was rehashed again and Tamra continued on her endless apology sorry-not-sorry tour. It was life as usual in the OC.

The Real Housewives Of Miami

As usual, the women didn’t appreciate being on a fabulous trip, this time on a huge yacht. The spa! An 80s aerobics class! In their interviews, everyone talked about what they did in the 80s. The best one was Stephanie, who said she’d been in diapers while her husband was in college. Even though Adriana was shunning birthdays, not wanting to be reminded of her age, a birthday party was thrown anyway. She was a pretty good sport, considering the cake said 32 x 2 – 5 on it. In her interview, she did say she hated the cake.

Random Reality Items

First of all, what’s up with Andy Cohen’s hair these days?

Of course they’re a set-up. I have never once had an overly aggressive fight with someone at a dinner – or any fight for that matter.

On the other hand, there are some real moments. Mary was just so raw last season.

Hey, hookers have to eat too. And what’s white trash about a turkey sandwich? Baloney maybe.

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

Love Con Revenge. Netflix. Along with a detective sidekick, Cecilie Fjellhoy of Tinder Swindler fame chases down horrible people preying on those looking for love. It makes me sick to hear how much money people can be rooked out of by these bad actors. It was somewhat satisfying to watch a few of them get their comeuppance.

https://people.com/where-is-cecilie-fjellhoy-tinder-swindler-victim-now-11805990

https://ew.com/love-con-revenge-scammers-where-are-they-now-11805593

The Endless. Amazon. That’s kind of how I felt about this film, that it was endless. Maybe I’m jaded or maybe I just should have watched something with zombies in it. I was expecting more of a Nope, but not in the way I got it. Apparently, a lot more people enjoyed it than I did, but come on, Lovecraft Country it wasn’t.

https://collider.com/the-endless-movie-lovecraft/

Upload. Amazon. A four-season series with a definitive ending (thank you – Amazon has burned me more than once), I’m only just finishing Season 1, but I’m really enjoying it. Main character Nathan has a rich girlfriend who buys him an upscale afterlife when he dies prematurely in a car accident. How great your afterlife is, depends on how much money you can pump into it. I love the attention to detail, and the show is funny AF. I do tend to agree with the reviewer who thinks there should have been more story about the difference in classes, but you can’t have everything. What’s really weird is, I just read a book called The Uploaded by Ferrett Steinmetz with a similar premise, but more dystopian with wars going on among the living, some of whom want to destroy the system. Even weirder, while I was checking to see if there was any tie between the two, I saw that there is yet another book called Upload by Mark McClelland, but it also has no connection.

https://slate.com/culture/2020/04/upload-amazon-series-review-greg-daniels-good-place.html

https://www.cbr.com/prime-video-upload-season-4-rotten-tomatoes-score/

Daryl Dixon, Season 2 premiere. AMC/AMC+. I nearly forgot about this show, but remembered by Sunday and it didn’t disappoint. Daryl and Carol went from France to London to Spain, encountering zombies and the last man in England. Who says you can’t still be a world traveler during a zombie apocalypse? This is a recap, so all the spoilers.

https://collider.com/the-walking-dead-daryl-dixon-season-3-premiere-recap/

🎃 They’re Creepy and They’re Cooking…

Halloween Baking Championship returns on September 15th and Halloween Wars returns on September 21st. I love these shows. Those who can’t do, watch it on TV.

https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/articles/halloween-baking-championship-and-halloween-wars-new-season

📸 Celebs In the Wild…

My girl, Lady Gaga, and Apt. (another favorite) were big winners.

https://ew.com/mtv-vmas-2025-winners-list-11802732

I’m pretty sure there’s no designer name on FKA twigs because she made it herself.

https://www.eonline.com/photos/37874/mtv-vmas-2025-red-carpet-celebrity-looks

You’re welcome, Canada.

https://ew.com/toronto-international-film-festival-2025-exclusive-celebrity-photos-11804051

🏆 Upcoming Trophies…

The Emmys air on September 14th.

https://parade.com/tv/emmys-2025

And the rest.

https://deadline.com/feature/awards-season-calendar-oscars-emmys-golden-globes-list-1234814076/

🐾 The Famous and the Odd…

🐩 More fans than all of us put together. And rightly so.

https://www.revolt.tv/article/10-celebrity-pets-with-their-own-fan-bases

🐶 Any list with Pilaf on it is okay by me.

https://people.com/cutest-celebrity-dogs-almost-as-famous-as-their-parents-11697141

🐊 Hey, some people carry little dogs in tote bags, others bring sweater donned alligators to Walmart.

https://people.com/mans-emotional-support-alligator-denied-entry-walmart-11808776

🐐 Their vocals are a little disturbing.

https://people.com/maine-officials-respond-to-concerned-call-about-screaming-woman-find-yelling-goat-11805555

📬 Quotes of the Week

Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have a right to do and what is right to do.Potter Stewart

I cannot remember the books I’ve read any more than the meals I have eaten; even so, they have made me. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

If you can’t yet do great things, do small things in a great way. – Napoleon Hill

Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going. – Sam Levenson

Knowledge is different from all other resources. It makes itself constantly obsolete, so that today’s advanced knowledge is tomorrow’s ignorance.Peter Drucker

Beware the fury of a patient man. – John Dryden

It’s the job that’s never started that takes the longest to finish. – J.R.R. Tolkien

I can’t tell you how bad I don’t want to be here. – Isaac Plath, Welcome to Plathville

If you fall, make it part of the dance. – Luann de Lesseps

⌛️ Golden Days Fading…

Until next week, stay safe; stay getting yourself some fun school supplies, whether you’re going back to school or not; and stay never taking your dog off leash outside of your (hopefully fenced in) yard.

November 10, 2023 – Spencer Explodes At Trina, Lolly Lover, Not Gone, Soap Fun, Final Date, The Best, Resilient, VanderNo, Not Yet, Downhill, Dead Revival, Roommates, One More, Nonagon Of Quotes & Battle

Standard

What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

General Hospital

Olivia gets to Eddie/Ned just in time, and extracts him from the tangle of seaweed and netting he’s in. Although I wonder why he’s wearing shoes when he left them at the boathouse.

At the MetroCourt, Alexis says, another precious minute lost. Where are you, Kristina? Blaze comes by and introduces herself as a friend of Kristina’s. She says she was supposed to meet a friend, but it seems fate has other ideas today; they just cancelled. She was on her way out, saw Alexis, and thought she’d introduced herself. Alexis says, that’s nice… Not that Blaze’s friend cancelled, but that Blaze introduced herself. Would Blaze like to join her? Maybe it’s fate. Blaze says, maybe it is, and sits down.

Drew sees Curtis at another table, and says, it’s nice to see him. Curtis says, likewise, and they hug.

Carrying a takeout bag, Trina joins Spencer outside Dex’s apartment, followed by Josslyn and Dex. She says, sorry he had to wait, but they have extra crunchy prawn, and Josslyn says, there was a delay in ordering because someone – she looks at Dex – had to weigh out the whole Marvel movie to catalog Monica’s powers. He says, in the last edition… and she says, yes, she understands. Trina asks Spencer, what happened? and he says, Esme happened. And this time she has his grandmother on her side.

Anna sees Valentin outside of Charlotte’s room and asks, how is she? He says, sleeping. The doctors say she’s going to make a full recovery. She says, thank God. There’s something he needs to know. He asks, what is it? but she says, not here, and they go to the stairwell.

Olivia gets Eddie to the surface and struggles to bring him to shore. She tells him, don’t make this hard. He’s got to be okay. She pounds on him, trying to get him to cough up water, then does chest compression and mouth-to-mouth. He coughs and she asks if he’s all right. He’s alive. He sits up, and she says he’s alive. He says, it’s her. She saved him. She says, of course (🍷) she did. She’d do anything for him. He says he should have always known this, and she says, it’s okay, Eddie, hugging him. He says he’s not Eddie; he’s Ned.

Kristina walks into the MetroCourt and sees Blaze talking to Alexis. She goes to the table and says she didn’t know Blaze knew her mother. Sorry she’s late. Alexis says, only forty-five minutes, and Blaze says her plans were a no-show, and she saw Kristina’s mother. Alexis says, Blaze introduced herself. That was so 1990s. Blaze says, and a lot of fun. She tells Kristina to sit, and says she was grilling Alexis about her job. Alexis says, actually, Blaze was keeping her company while she waited for Kristina… and waited… and waited… Kristina says, okay. Sorry about that. She got caught up with some planning commission things at the youth center. Alexis says, she’s here now and Blaze is here, so why don’t they all have dinner together?

Curtis says, it must be strange, being about to get up and go to sleep when he wants to and turn off his own lights, and Drew says, absolutely. But there are a few things he can think of that he missed more than that. Curtis says he knows that must have been hard. He’s sorry he didn’t visit Drew. Drew says, Curtis had a few things going on. What he went through is nothing in comparison to what Curtis went through. Curtis protests, but Drew says he’s serious. Doesn’t he think it’s silly for either one of them to feel they need to apologize to each other? They’ve been through it. Curtis has been there for him more times than he can count. This friendship is forged in fire. It’s brotherhood born in battle. Curtis says, wow, and raises his glass. To the battle… and to freedom. Drew says, and to survival, and they clink glasses.

Josslyn says, Esme again, and Spencer asks if Josslyn and Dex can give him a minute. Josslyn says, gladly, and she and Dex go into his apartment, Josslyn touching Trina’s shoulder as she passes. Trina asks what Esme did, and Spencer says, it’s nothing that Esme did; it’s what she’s going to do. She’s going to take Ace and she’s going to move into another apartment. Trina says, finally.

Laura looks in the window to Charlotte’s room. Elizabeth is with Charlotte, sees Laura, and comes out. Laura says, she looks so fragile in that bed, and Elizabeth says she knows, but Charlotte’s just sleeping right now. It’s best to let her rest as long as possible because her system is still fighting. But her vitals are excellent. She’s on track to make a full recovery. Laura breathes a sigh of relief and says, that’s fantastic. Where’s Valentin? She can’t imagine he’d leave her alone. (Geez, the poor guy doesn’t even get a bathroom break?) Elizabeth says, no. He’s been here the entire time. In fact, she just saw him walking down the hall with Anna just a little bit ago. Laura asks how Jake is handling all of this. She knows they all went trick-or-treating together, and heard he was the first one back to Anna’s house right after it happened. Elizabeth says she’s never seen him like this. It’s like he’s caught in this loop of feeling upset and feeling guilty that he lost track of her. He promised Valentin they would stick together, and that’s why he went looking for her. And now he’s scared and confused and doesn’t understand how Anna could have shot Charlotte. And honestly, neither can she.

First of all, didn’t anyone notice Charlotte was wearing a huge, dark, hooded robe and the apartment was dark? And on another topic, Jake knows that Charlotte had the keys and what she’d said about them getting her everything she wanted. This hasn’t come up yet, but I’m thinking it might give him a clue she was up to no good.

On a landing in the stairwell, Valentin asks Anna what it is he needs to know. She says, he has to believe her when she tells him, what happened with Charlotte was an accident. She had no way of knowing Charlotte was in that apartment. He says he knows that. She says she’s not making an excuse, because she understands this is killing him, and he says, there’s nothing she could have done. She says, when she left the apartment, she locked it, and when she returned, it was unlocked. So she knew there was someone inside there, and she thought she was going to be ambushed. That’s why she pulled her gun, and that’s when she made a terrible mistake. And she wishes she could make it all go away. When she saw Charlotte lying on the ground like that, and his face when he came in… He says, it was an accident. It was a tragic accident. She says, yes… How did he know to come to the apartment?

Ned and Olivia are dripping wet and sitting on the ground. Olivia asks what Ned is saying. Her Ned? Is it really him? He says, it’s really him. He saw her. He doesn’t even know how it happened. His mind was rushing like a whirlwind. Literally. The next thing he knows, he’s in the water, and stuck. And there she was. And now they’re here. She says, Lois told her that he was depressed. She went to the boathouse and saw his guitar and his shoes(🤷🏽‍♀️), and she thought… She cries, and he takes her face in his hands and says, it’s okay. They made it. She made it. They’re going to be okay. She says she thought she lost him, and he says, but she didn’t. She found him. It was her all along. She says, what? and he says, in the song. He knows how it ends. She asks what he’s talking about, and he says, the siren song. He knows how to finish it. She says, Eddie… Ned, let’s not do this right now, and he says he’s not Eddie. He’s Ned. She says, if he’s not Eddie, how did he remember the song? He says he remembers everything, and they kiss. So is he going to kind of be like Sonny/Mike now?

Spencer says, finally? Trina didn’t really just say that. She says, yes, she did. She knows he’s going to miss living with Ace, but it’s way past time that Esme go live on her own. He yells, who cares about Esme? He’s talking about Ace. Ace is the one he’s worried about in this instance. Josslyn and Dex come out, and Josslyn asks, what the hell is going on out here?

Kristina asks if Alexis knows that Blaze just signed with BLQ Management, and Alexis says, Brook Lynn Quartermaine. Blaze says, makes a refreshing change from that sleaze Linc Brown, and Alexis says she remembers his public takedown at the Nurses Ball. To Catch a Predator anyone? Blaze says, oh, we caught him, and Alexis says, and then he disappeared, and as she recalls, the whole thing went radio silent. She’s curious. How long before the abuse started?

Curtis asks how it feels to be back in the real world, and Drew says, he has no idea. Although he has to say, some things are more challenging than he anticipated. Curtis says, Drew has been out of the mix for a while, but Drew says, compared to when he broke out of captivity in Greece, the life he came back to this time hasn’t changed nearly as drastically. But Curtis’s has. What about him?

Elizabeth tells Laura that she knows Anna would never intentionally hurt Charlotte. Obviously, it was just a terrible mistake. But what was she doing carrying a gun around on Halloween? With people in costumes and kids jumping out at each other, acting all crazy. Laura says, she’s right, and Elizabeth says, and you add a gun in that mix? It only increases the odds that something tragic is going to happen. Yes, Charlotte is going to recover physically, but what about her emotional scars? And Jake is going to have to deal with this as well.

Valentin says he was supposed to pick up Charlotte and the other kids after trick-or-treating. Apparently, Charlotte went off on her own, and according to Georgie and Danny, Jake went after Charlotte in the direction of Maxie’s place, so he thought she was heading there. Anna says, well, he was right. She couldn’t figure out why Charlotte would come to the apartment. The police found her backpack, and in it was the keychain she showed him to Maxie’s apartment. Remember the one that had the shoe on it? In there were also these two cans of spray paint that were the same color that was used to paint the word murderer on her door. He says, Charlotte told him about the keychain; she didn’t tell him about the paint. She says, that doesn’t matter. What she’s trying to tell him is, she’s figured out who’s after her. He says he’s so sorry, and she says, and it is the WSB. Former WSB. She figured out the connection, and it’s a man called Jameson Forsythe. Old guard Bureau. They crossed swords ages ago. He says, no. She doesn’t understand… but she says she does. She found evidence, and Forsythe is trying to discredit, destabilize her, and somehow he’s involved Charlotte. She doesn’t know how he’s done it, but he’s using Charlotte to get to her.

Olivia and Ned go into the boathouse, and Ned puts a towel around her shoulders, then takes one for himself. She says she’s a little behind the curve. He has to catch her up. He’s not Eddie Maine anymore. He says, no. He’s just plain old Ned, her husband. She says, they have to get back to the house. They have to get him to a doctor. He says, you know what? He doesn’t want to go to the house. He wants to stay right here with her because it’s been too long. He just wants to enjoy this moment with her, okay? She says, okay, and they sit down. She says she doesn’t understand. He remembers everything? He says, it’s a bit fuzzy, a little disjointed, but he was here the whole time, like he was on autopilot. Or like playing one of Leo’s video games. He’s Ned, but he’s a little fuzzy. She asks if he remembers his daughter, and Tracy, and Leo. He says, yeah. He remembers everyone. He’s a Quartermaine. They were married in 2017. It’s now 2022. She says, 2023, and he says, right. He told her that things were fuzzy. She says, that’s just the small stuff. The important thing is that he’s here. They hug, and she says she was praying so hard for this, and he came back to her. He says, but she was willing to let Eddie stay, wasn’t she?

Blaze tells Alexis, at first, she was starstruck around all the beautiful people, all the glitz and glamour of the industry. She was so lost in it. When Linc began to overstep, she thought, maybe that’s just the way this world works; maybe he’s that way with all his artists. She didn’t want to seem uptight, so she stayed quiet and avoided being alone with him. Alexis says, Blaze made it her problem, not his, and Blaze says, exactly. One more layer of pressure to being in the public eye. Backstage, where you’re supposed to let your guard down, she was constantly looking over her shoulder. Alexis says, so she’s spending her downtime dodging him, and Kristina says, no one should have to do that. Alexis says, women are conditioned to normalize that kind of behavior, and then that message gets passed down to other artists. Blaze says she gets that entirely. By keeping her mouth shut, she was basically endorsing him.

Curtis tells Drew that his life is upside down for sure. Simple things like walking, running, even standing up, he can’t take for granted anymore. Drew says, but he’s not alone in this. He has family, friends. Curtis says he does and he’s grateful for that, but everything has shifted. The dynamic is different. Hell, he’s different.

They all go into Dex’s apartment, and Josslyn says she gets it. Spencer’s upset. One thing she’s learned about living in the dorms is, you have to be considerate of your neighbors and your own business. The whole building doesn’t need to know what’s going on right now. Spencer asks if she really thinks he cares what the building thinks. He gets louder, and says, Esme just told him that she’s taking Ace and moving into a new apartment, and his grandmother is going to co-sign the lease because they think Ace shouldn’t be a part of his life anymore. And when he comes to Trina with this, saying he’s going to be losing his baby brother, all she can say is, finally.

Anna tells Valentin that this is her past catching up to her. And somehow, it’s caught up to Charlotte, and she never wanted that. Forsythe has gotten to her somehow. Valentin says, there is no Forsythe. At least not the way she’s thinking. She asks what he’s trying to say, and he says his daughter’s been stalking her for months. And he’s been covering for her.

Laura sits next to Charlotte’s bed and says she’s here. How does it feel? Charlotte says her stomach hurts, but not too bad, and Laura says, she’s such a brave girl. Charlotte asks, where’s papa? He promised to be here. Laura says, he’s been here the whole time. He just went for a walk with Anna. Charlotte gets agitated, and says, it’s dangerous. They can’t trust Anna. She’ll hurt him.

Olivia tells Ned, every waking moment, with every beat of her heart, she was fighting for him. He says, no… and she says, he’s got to hear this. He needed to find his way back to them. She couldn’t push him. He needed to choose to come back to them. If he thinks she preferred Eddie Maine… He tells her, stop. She misunderstands. He’s not accusing her of being disloyal. He knows she was supporting him, and he loves her all the more for it. She says, Eddie… and realizes her mistake. He laughs and hugs her. He says he needed that space. After the accident, when he woke up in the hospital, everything was so confusing and unfamiliar, he grabbed the first thing that made him feel safe and comfortable. She says, Eddie Maine, and he says, it was his escape to a time when life was less complicated, and he wasn’t feeling the weight of his family and business suffocating him. To a time when it was just him, on stage, playing his music, no restraints, no judgements, just freedom.

Blaze says she didn’t mean to open a vein here, but Alexis says she’s the one who pried. Old attorney habits die hard. Kristina says, Blaze doesn’t know her mother; this is like catnip for her. Alexis says she’s more than curious. She’s outraged. Her nerve endings are twitching thinking about the lawsuit Blaze could file. Blaze says she doesn’t know… and Alexis says she’s serious. Kristina says, if Blaze doesn’t want to go the legal route, how about collaborating together on a piece about sexual harassment in the music industry? What does Alexis think? A feature with Blaze as the focus? Alexis says she thinks it’s a great idea; shed light on a rampant issue. Is Blaze willing to go on the record? Blaze says, it’s no secret what happened what happened to her. Anyone who was at the Nurses Ball or who saw it on television knows about it, but she wants to move forward with her career. She doesn’t want to go backward. Kristina tells her, what about what she just said? What about all of the artists who could fall into the same trap? Here’s her chance to show that predators aren’t the only way to do business. This is an opportunity for her to break that cycle.

Curtis tells Drew that sometimes he actually feels fortunate. There’s this guy, Devon, his gym buddy. Devon has it way worse than him, but this guy always stays positive. He has the most amazing outlook on life. Drew says, that’s incredible. He’s so glad to hear that. Curtis says, but to be perfectly honest, there are moments, split seconds, where he forgets about his new reality and tries to do normal things like get out of bed and stand up. Then reality slams back, so he’s learning to adjust.

Trina tells Spencer that she never meant to say it was a good thing losing Ace. She just thinks that Esme moving out is healthy for her, and ultimately for him. He says, healthy for him, to be separated from Ace. He’s losing a member of his family, and he thought she would understand that. Josslyn says, it’s not like Esme’s moving to another planet. She’s still going to be in Port Charles and so will Ace. He can see them whenever he wants. Isn’t that a good thing? Dex says, but it won’t be the same thing, and Josslyn and Trina look at him, as I would. Thanks, Dex.

Valentin says, Charlotte’s the one who vandalized Anna’s hotel suite. Security footage showed her breaking into that room with a backpack. Anna says, what? and he says he had Nina delete the footage from the server. She asks why he would have Nina do that. Why would he hide that from her? He says, the moment he saw it, he knew she was the one who spray painted Anna’s front door, that she was the one who set Anna’s house on fire. Anna says, no, but Valentin says, she knew how to get in Anna’s house. Her camp was less than an hour away. She could have gotten there easily. Anna says, it’s not possible, but he says he doesn’t know what Charlotte is capable of anymore. She says, so he knew his daughter was terrorizing her and he just let Charlotte keep doing it? and he says he was protecting Charlotte because he failed her so many times as a father. And he thinks he was protecting himself… She says, what about protecting her? Didn’t she have a right to know?

Laura tells Charlotte, it’s okay. Her father isn’t in any danger from Anna. Charlotte says, she’s wrong. Grandfather Victor warned her about Anna. He told her to protect papa. Laura asks what Victor said about Anna, and Charlotte tells her, he said she was a double-agent, and everyone would know about it soon. He visited her at school and told her to stay there where she’d be safe from Anna. He even wrote her a letter. She grabs her side, and Laura tells her, try to be still. She doesn’t want to reopen the wound. Charlotte says, Laura doesn’t understand. Grandfather told her that Anna was going to use her and pretend to be nice to her so she could trick papa. Laura says, he told her all of this in a letter? and Charlotte says, yes. He said that papa was so in love with Anna, he wouldn’t realize she was using him. Anna’s done a lot of bad things in the past, and made papa take the blame. She’s going to do it again and this time, papa’s going to end up in prison forever. He’ll be killed if she doesn’t keep Anna away from him. Laura says, shhh. It’s okay.

Olivia says she can understand Ned getting nostalgic for the past, for simpler times. So she’s got to ask him. Does Lois figure into this equation? (I laugh because Lois likes math.) He asks why she would bring Lois up, and she says, Lois was the last one he talked to before he jumped in, and everything changed. Is Lois the reason he came back to them?

Kristina says she’s sorry. She didn’t mean to put Blaze on the spot. Her mother can vouch that is something she does. Blaze says, don’t worry about it. She appreciates Kristina’s passion. Alexis says, there’s no pressure here at all. It was a just an idea. She sees Drew and Curtis, and says she sees two friends over there who she’d love to say hello to. She’ll be right back. She leaves, and Kristina tells Blaze, that was not her place. Here she is, lecturing Blaze about her story when she knows better than anyone it’s an intensely personal decision. Blaze says, Kristina’s fire, her commitment to justice is infectious. It’s okay to want to make a difference. The thing she’d hate is if Kristina started editing herself and only told her what she wanted to hear.

Curtis says, Drew told him the whole story. Alexis is one gutsy reporter. Threatening to expose that judge like that? He’s glad it all worked out. They really missed Drew and he’s glad Drew’s back. Drew says he appreciates that, and there are smiles all around.

Ned tells Olivia that he was talking to Lois before he came down here to the boathouse. She was giving him a pep talk about finishing the song. Olivia says she wanted him to finish the song too, and he says he guesses he needed Lois’s no-nonsense bullying, and Olivia laughs. He says, Lois told him to take a leap of faith and go find the siren. She says, the siren, and he says, maybe she knew that was the key to getting him back to his real self. Or maybe not. But Olivia. She’s the one who actually pulled him back. She cries and he kisses the top of her head, pulling her to him. He says, turns out, she’s the siren. Hers is the only voice that could have brought him back. Lois may have had the idea, but Olivia made it a reality.

Dex says he understands where Spencer is coming from. Up to now, he and Esme have been raising Ace together. Obviously, living apart changes that dynamic, like a divorce. Spencer says, yes, a divorce where, if he wants to spend time with his own brother, he’ll have to act like a visitor. And it’s not the same as living together. He tells Trina, it’s just not, and Dex asks, what if they could get shared custody? and Spencer says, Esme’s not going to do shared custody with him, not with grandmother on her side. Trina says, Esme doesn’t have to share custody. He’s Ace’s brother, not his father.

Laura says she needs Charlotte to help her understand. She’s trying to keep her father away from Anna to protect him? Charlotte says, yes. Maybe move to London or somewhere near her granddaughter Emma. Anywhere really, as long as she’s away from papa and papa is safe. Laura says, okay, but this is what Victor wanted her to do, right? Charlotte tells her, he said it was the only way. Anna must have figured out she knew about her. That’s why Anna shot her, so she wouldn’t ruin Anna’s plans. Laura says, no, that was a terrible accident, but Charlotte says, it wasn’t. Anna saw her in the apartment. She knew it was her. Anna shot her on purpose. Anna wanted to kill her. Just like she’ll do to papa.

Valentin says he loves Anna, but Charlotte is everything to him. He couldn’t bring himself to tell her that Charlotte was targeting her. She says, so he just lied to her over and over again, and he says he wanted to tell her the truth. She says, but he didn’t. What did he think? That he could fix this? That he would just stitch this whole mess together and they would live in separate worlds, and it would all work? He says he was hoping by moving her into the house and giving her a home with him, that for once it would end her destructive behavior. They met with Doc. She was willing to have… Anna slaps him in the face, then pushes him, and says, shut up. If she’d known Charlotte was the one after her, she never would have pulled a gun. She shot a child. His child. She has to live with that for the rest of her life. She’s never going to forgive him. She storms out, and he can’t believe how stupid he is.

Ned and Olivia leave the boathouse, and he picks up his guitar. He says he thinks he knows the way the song ends now. She says she can’t wait to hear it, and they look out over the water, his arm around her. He says, she saved his life – literally and figuratively. She says, they save each other. That’s what love is. They kiss.

Drew and Curtis’s food comes, and Alexis says, that’s her cue to leave. She has to get back to her dates over there. It was such a pleasure to see Curtis, and he says, good to see her too. Drew says it was good to see her, and she leaves. Curtis tells Drew, sometimes it is so hard to just have a conversation without everyone trying to help when they know good and well they can’t. So that’s why it’s good to just hang out with a good friend who gets it. Drew says, any time, and Curtis asks what he thinks of the Nets’ chances this year, but Drew says he’s not falling for that. Curtis got him last time. Although they do have some good games coming up. Curtis agrees, and says, Boston tomorrow. Drew says, Curtis’s couch, his beer? and Curtis says he’s in… Portia may have other ideas. Drew says, then he’ll have to bring some wine, and Curtis laughs.

Alexis sits down, and Blaze says she’s decided. Kristina says she doesn’t want Blaze to feel pressured, but Blaze says, she’s in. A complete interview; nothing off limits. Alexis says, really? and Blaze says, yes. Kristina brought up some really good points. She can’t complain about what happened to her on one hand and not do everything she can to change it on the other. This is something she can do to stand up for those coming after her. Her contribution to their art, and to their voices. Kristina says she didn’t put it nearly as poetically as that, and Blaze says, that’s what collaboration’s all about. Someone comes up with an idea, someone comes up with the words, put it together, you’ve got magic. She has to make a quick call, but they can talk details when she gets back. She excuses herself and leaves, and Kristina asks what Alexis thinks. Alexis says she thinks Blaze likes Kristina, and Kristina says she likes Blaze too; she’s cool. Alexis says, no. I mean she likes you likes you.

Spencer says, Trina… but Trina says, no. Let’s unpack this. The only way he gets to be Ace’s father is if he’s with Esme, in a relationship. If the two of them are a couple, then they get to raise him together. That is a sure-fire way to solve his problem. Is that what he wants? He says, no, of course (🍷) not. He doesn’t love Esme; he loves her. But he also really loves his little brother, and he knows in his heart that Ace needs to be in his life. Trina says, he will always be in Spencer’s life, just not in the house, but Spencer says, no, because that would be abandoning him, and she knows he’s not going to do that. She says, then he knows what the solution is for that, but where does that leave them? He tells her not to ask him to choose between her and Ace. She’s not going to like the answer. She says, don’t worry. She’ll save him the trouble. She grabs her bag and walks out.

Laura tells Charlotte, don’t worry. She’ll make sure Charlotte’s papa is safe. They’re going to figure all of this out. Charlotte says, Anna can tell that she knows she’s bad. That’s why Anna shot her. Papa can’t trust her. Laura has to tell him. Laura says, it’s going to be all right, she promises. Close her eyes and get some rest. It’s going to be okay. She kisses Charlotte’s forehead and leaves.

In the hallway, Anna says she really needs to talk to Charlotte, but Elizabeth says, it’s only family. Anna says, it will only take one minute, but Elizabeth says, it’s not possible. Laura comes out of Charlotte’s room and Elizabeth goes in. Valentin comes out of the stairwell, and Laura tells Anna that Charlotte’s just fallen back to sleep. Anna says, she doesn’t understand. It’s imperative that she speak with Charlotte right now. Laura says she really thinks Anna should wait… but Anna says, it can’t wait. She has to tell her… Laura says, Anna can’t go in there. Charlotte is terrified of her. She thinks Anna shot her on purpose. Anna cries and says she didn’t, and Valentin hangs his head, as he should.

On Monday… they show scenes from several days ago, so I’m not sure what that means. Either it’s a mistake, or we’re going to be forced to watch news-not-news.

💣 He’s Just Misunderstood…

They’ll have to dig deep to find some redeeming qualities.

🍕 Didn’t Think So…

What would the Q mansion be without her? My money’s on her coming back for Thanksgiving pizza.

👻 Fun And Games…

The kids always look like they’re having a good time off-camera.

🏆 For Real This Time…

As predicted, the main event of the Daytime Emmys will be aired on December 15th.

👖 It’s Not The Pants…

I knew there was a reason I liked Sutton so much. This is it.

👠 Bouncing Back…

Hopefully, she can keep the momentum going. Talk about making (hard) lemonade out of lemons.

https://extratv.com/2023/11/08/ariana-madix-on-fan-support-at-bravocon-and-her-resiliency-exclusive/

🍸 Her Calendar Is Full…

Why would she come back? Just to be harassed by Erika and get offers of fake friendship from Kyle? It’s not like she has nothing to do.

And while we’re on the subject.

🌁 Lasting Long Enough For Last…

2025? Really? Although I can hardly blame Pedro Pascal.

https://ew.com/tv/the-last-of-us-season-2-everything-we-know/

https://collider.com/gladiator-2-filming-start-pedro-pascal-last-of-us/

🛟 Like They’re On A Water Slide…

The short answer: yes. The golden years with Captain Lee and Kate are over, but we’ll always have Couch Talk.

⚰️ A Diabolical Plot…

Of course, he’s not against reviving the original series. It’s got to be a billion dollar franchise by now. And brilliant idea to merge all the Deads into one big kumbaya Dead.

🦥 This Guy…

I’m obsessed with 90 Day Fiancé and all its spin-offs. I don’t include it here because I already give it too much time. If this guy’s mother wasn’t living in the closet, it might be fun to live there. For about a week. I love the annoyed chihuahua.

https://people.com/90-day-fiance-clayton-introduces-5-roommates-including-two-guinea-pigs-exclusive-8386660

🐩 You Didn’t Think I Was Done…

Oh, come on, just one more.

https://www.homecrux.com/celebrity-pet-halloween-costumes/181675/

🍿 Quotes of the Week

Never trust humans just to let things be. – David (Mike Colter), Extinction

I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion. – Alexander the Great

Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow. – Ronald E. Osborn

It is never too late to be what you might have been. – George Eliot

It is good to have an end to journey towards; but it is the journey that matters, in the end. – Ursula K. Le Guin

With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts. – Eleanor Roosevelt

Many things—such as loving, going to sleep, or behaving unaffectedly—are done worst when we try hardest to do them. – C.S. Lewis, Studies in Medieval Literature, compiled in Words to Live By

Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time. – Thomas Edison

An idea is a fart your brain makes. But if you patent an idea, it’s an asset. – Rufus Griswold (Michael Trucco), Fall of the House of Usher

🍠 Keep Your Yams To Yourself…

On Sunday, stop the scaries by dropping in for some Fear. Until then, stay safe, stay considering going out for Thanksgiving dinner (nothing says Thanksgiving like Oysters Rockefeller!), and stay toasting to the battle, freedom, and survival.

August 1, 2023 – Cyrus Goes To the Great Beyond, Doubletake, Returning, Her Story, NYC Chat, She’s Open, On Holiday, Horror Show, Name Reveal & New Month

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

General Hospital

Sonny says he’s been dealing with a high-level security firm lately. Has Anna heard of Pikeman? She says she has, and he doesn’t want anything to do with him. He says, too late, and she asks, how involved is he with them? Dante comes out and asks if he’s interrupting, but Sonny says, it’s always good to see him. Dante says he realizes he hasn’t seen Sonny since his boy Dex called in a dead body outside of GH.

Carly says she’s so happy Avery is having a sleepover with Donna, and she has somebody to make cookies with besides the moss bowl🎍. Avery says, because Donna’s too little to bake, and Carly says, she is. There’s knock at the door, and Avery says, mommy! She lets Ava in, and asks why she’s here. She’s spending the night with Mama Carly and Donna. Carly says, that’s a good question. What’s going on? Ava says she just wanted to see her little girl.

Gregory is sitting in Alexis’s office when she walks in, and he says, don’t tell him. She called him here because there’s a big story about to break. Or maybe a scoop she can’t trust anyone else with. Political? International? Alexis says, nothing like that, and he says, don’t keep him in suspense. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work. She says, it’s not about work, and he asks what it’s about. She says, him and his ALS. Someone else knows about it.

TJ says he’s home, and asks how Molly is holding up. She says, today’s been good for a lot of reasons, and he says, let’s hear one. She says she’ll give them to him. Her foot is feeling so much better… and this. She shows Valiant to him, and he laughs.

On the phone, the prison guard asks where the doctor is. They need him in the library now. Drew tells Cyrus to stay with him, and Cyrus sees a bright white light. He opens his eyes, and he’s in a suit, lying on a cot in a single cell. A bell clangs, and he gets up. He finds the door is locked, and says, this is wrong. He doesn’t belong here. Laura says, of course (🍷) he does, and he sees her standing outside the cell. She says, this is exactly where he deserves to be for eternity.

Dante says, Dex is literally in the wrong place at the wrong time again, and Sonny says, Dex was just throwing something away in the dumpster in the alley at GH, and sees a body. Can he imagine? A body? He’s a good citizen and made a call. Dante says, Dex told him the same thing, but normally, Sonny’s people don’t call his people, so it’s a little weird. Sonny says, they do what they can. He just hopes they find whoever did this. Dante says, they’re working on it, when Kristina joins them. She gives Sonny a kiss, and asks what he and Anna are doing together. Anna asks if Dante brought her here, and Kristina says her car broke down on the way home and she just had it fixed. She called Dante to give her a ride and he offered to buy her a drink, so here they are. Sonny asks if everything is all right, and Kristina says, all good. Sonny says he’s glad Dante was able to pick her up, and Dante says, maybe Kristina just has to figure out what roadside assistance is. Kristina says, that’s hilarious, and he says, let’s go to the bar. Kristina says, the bar is crowded. Let’s just pull up a chair – she brings a chair over to the table – and sit with dad and Anna. Dante gets a chair, and they sit at the end of the table. Kristina asks if they’ve figured out why they almost got shot.

TJ says he loves that after eleven years, he’s still learning new things about Molly. How did this reunion between her and… She says, Valiant, and he takes the stuffed horse, saying, how did this reunion between her and Valiant happen? She says her sister, and he says, Sam? She says, no, Kristina.

Gregory asks what Alexis is talking about, and she says, Tracy Quartermaine called her. He says he had dinner with Tracy tonight. It was pleasant. They didn’t fight, and got along pretty well. He wonders why Tracy would have called her about him, and she says, because when he went to get the check, she noticed that his hand froze or shook, and he wasn’t able to pick up the card from the table. He says he passed it off as a symptom of old age; too many years of writing on a blackboard. Alexis says, unfortunately, she wasn’t convinced. She’s very self-absorbed, but she’s blunt and doesn’t miss a trick. She called and specifically asked Alexis if there was anything wrong with him.

Carly says, this is a surprise. Is Ava here to pick up Avery? Avery says she wants to stay. Please. They just made cookies, and she and Donna are going to watch the movie Frozen. Ava says, of course (🍷) she can stay. She wouldn’t steal Avery away from her movie. Carly gives Avery a plate of cookies, tells her, share with Donna, and Avery runs out. Ava says she’s sorry for dropping by unannounced, but she had to see Avery and the moss bowl🎍. Carly asks, what’s going on? Does this have anything to do with Avery’s new nanny?

Drew says, Cyrus has lost consciousness, but he’s still got a pulse. How long before the doctor gets here? The guard says, they’re on partial lockdown. A fight broke out in C-block, and the doctor can’t get through. Drew tells Cyrus, it’s okay; hang in.

Cyrus says, no. This isn’t real. It can’t be. He’s hallucinating. Laura says, he’s not hallucinating. He’s dying. He says, no. He won’t accept that. He’s not done. Not even close. Inside the cell with him now, she says, he spent his whole life wanting everything his way, and using any means possible to get it, but there are some things he can’t control. No matter how determined, how powerful, or how ruthless he may be, in the end, they’re just mortals. He says, this can’t be the end – we see she’s outside again – not like this. She says, he built this prison. From his own selfish ambitions, his cruelty to other people, and his lust for power. If he didn’t want to see this as he’s passing from one world to the next, he should have made different choices. He says he tried.

After they order drinks, Kristina says she’s going to freshen up. Sonny and Anna aren’t off the hook. She wants to hear everything when she gets back. She leaves, and Dante says, she’s not going to let up. Sonny says, she’s a force of nature, and Anna says she likes that. Dante says, she’s got good instincts too. Were they talking about the shooting? Did they learn something new? Sonny says, they’re just throwing things around, and Anna says, they didn’t arrange to meet or anything. She was having a couple of glasses of wine, and his father joined her. Dante says, this is as good a time as any to talk about the fact the WSB might want Anna dead. He looks at Sonny and says, or someone else wants to kill him.

Kristina is drying her hands in the bathroom, when Trish walks in, and Kristina thanks her. Her brother and dad were exactly where Trish said they’d be on the terrace. Trish says, of course (🍷). Just doing her job. Kristina says, she’s very good at it. Would she like to be on the Board? Trish is an excellent host. Kristina’s not just saying that either. She’s in the hospitality industry. Trish says, that’s right. She works at Charlie’s. Is she still going to be able to work at Charlie’s when she opens up this youth center? That is what she’s doing, isn’t it? Opening up a youth center for LGBTQ+ kids?

Gregory asks what Alexis told Tracy, and they sit down. She says she told Tracy that as far as she knows, he’s in good health, which they both know is a lie. He says he’s sorry. He knows she’s not comfortable with the situation, but he appreciates her covering for him. She asks how much longer he thinks he’ll be able to cover this up.

Ava tells Carly that she just wanted to give her daughter a kiss goodnight. Now that she has, she’ll be on her way. Carly says, come on. Sonny calls her out of the blue and asks her to take Avery for the night, which is no problem; she loves having Avery. But the timing of this coincides with Sonny’s random decision to get Avery a new nanny, which doesn’t make any sense, because Pilar is capable of taking care of both girls. Ava says, there was an incident at the park involving Pilar, and she and Sonny decided to replace her. Carly says she knows what happened at the park. Sonny told her. Pilar’s a wreck about it. She feels awful for taking her eyes off Avery. Ava just looks at her, and Carly says, Avery told her about her new nanny, Betty. Avery says she’s really nice. Ava says, she is, and Carly says, really? Because Josslyn ran into her at the pool and she doesn’t agree. So who’s telling the truth?

The guard asks how Cyrus is doing, and Drew says he can’t get a pulse. He’s going to start CPR. Again, I’m no medical professional, but shouldn’t he have done this by now? He starts to pump on Cyrus’s chest, and tells the guard that they need a defibrillator.

Cyrus says he tried to be better for Laura, and she says, you know how you used to quote those Bible verses? They contained so much wisdom. Wisdom about what really matters in life. Does he remember the one, the greatest of these is love? He says, of course (🍷). First Corinthians, 13:13. Inside with him again, she says, how many times did he quote that? and he says, a lot. Back outside, she asks if he understood it. Really understood it. Because he’s been given so many opportunities to love and be loved, and he threw them all away. He says, the one he regrets throwing away the most is with her. He wanted to love her.

Ava tells Carly that she can’t imagine why Josslyn doesn’t like Betty. Avery thinks she’s great. Carly asks if Ava does. Does she like Betty? Ava just looks at her, and Carly says, yeah. When she saw Ava in Sonny’s office, she seemed really tense, and she doesn’t seem any more relaxed now. Ava says, it’s really none of her business, but Carly says, Sonny made it her business when he called her. What’s intriguing to her is, Ava and Sonny didn’t appear to be fighting, and that says a lot. Ava tells Carly that if she has something to say, say it, and Carly says, Ava and Sonny aren’t fighting. Ava brought in a new nanny no one likes, and instead of Avery spending the night with the new nanny or Ava, Sonny wants her to stay with Carly. You know what that tells her? That Ava’s up to her old tricks.

Anna says, Dante’s father came up with an interesting theory, and Dante says, let’s hear it. Anna says, the releasing of all of her WSB files, along with the information that she was a double agent, could be more than just a sick, posthumous revenge tactic of Victor’s. Dante says, they have to figure out what more there is to it. Victor was hellbent on revenge. He was director of the WSB for a lot of years, and he had access to Anna’s file, which he obviously could have read. Sonny says, the timing seems too convenient, and Dante asks, how so? Sonny says, somebody in the WSB pool released all that information to make her look bad. They want her out. She’s a good agent, and they don’t want her looking around. Dante says, that explains a lot.

Kristina tells Trish, yes. She’s starting up an LGBTQIA+ youth center here in Port Charles. The idea is to provide temporary housing. Why does she ask? Trish says, Nina was telling her about it. She brags about Kristina all the time. She thinks the work Kristina is doing is amazing. Kristina says she didn’t know Nina felt that way, and Trish says, for what it’s worth (🍷), Nina and her dad are really proud of her, and she thinks what Kristina is doing is great. All the lives she’s going to touch and save… Kristina says she doesn’t know about saving lives, but she’s hoping to create a safe space where people can just be themselves. They don’t have to worry about being bullied or judged or worse. Trish says she wishes a place had existed like that for her brother. His name is Teddy, and when he was fifteen years old, their parents threw him out of the house. Kristina says, that’s terrible. Does Trish mind if she asks what happened? Trish says, he was guilty of being himself. Then one day, their parents caught him fooling around with a boy, and their dad went ballistic. He said, Teddy, no son of mine is gonna be gay (I doubt that’s the word he would have used, but this is daytime), and they forced him out of the house. Kristina says, at fifteen; that’s terrible. Does she know where he ended up going? Trish says, he took off for the city, and they never heard from him again. Last she heard, he was living on the streets. She doesn’t know if he’s safe or if he even has money for food. This is why it’s incredible that Kristina’s opening up this center. It’s so important. Kristina thanks her, and Trish says she’s got to get back to work. She thanks Kristina for all the Teddys of the world, and it personally means so much to her. So good luck to her, and don’t forget to invite her to the opening. Kristina says, she’s got it, and Trish leaves.

Molly says she knows Kristina isn’t TJ’s favorite person right now, but she really seems to be trying. It was nice of Kristina to come over and check on her. TJ says he can tell the visit brightened Molly’s day, and she says, it did. It was really nice to just hang out together again. He wonders if Kristina asked about being their surrogate, and she says, not a word. They talked about old times together and the youth center she’s starting. He says, but Molly was thinking it, wasn’t she? and she says she has to admit, she’s been thinking about a lot of different things, and she wants to talk them all out with him. Because whatever happens next, they have to be on the same page.

Drew continues chest compression, and tells Cyrus that he has to fight. On the phone, the guard says, they have to get lockdown lifted and get the doctor through. They need a defibrillator in the library… If you don’t get it down here, this man will die!

Cyrus says he was so careful. He made sure to leave Laura breadcrumbs that he knew she was smart enough to follow, and they all led straight to him and the realization that he was her brother. She says, him and Martin, and he says, and Martin. He was always the good son, but he had his faults… They all do, but Marty never made the big mistakes, the life-altering ones that he and Laura did. She sits on the cot and says she definitely made her share of mistakes. He says, yes, and the more he dug around in her history, the more he felt like they were kindred souls. They’re so much alike, and if she could just recognize that, maybe he wouldn’t feel so alone anymore. He’d have someone to confide in. Someone who cared about him, and in return, he’d have someone to take care of, his little sister. She smiles and says, he could have just told her that she was his sister. Instead, he manipulated her because he wanted to control the situation, but those manipulations led to his ruin. And eventually, they led him to hold her hostage. He says, but he would never have hurt her, and she says, it’s just the two of them now. There’s no need to lie here. There’s no point anymore. He created all of this with his pride, with his anger, with his hurt feelings. Isn’t that what’s really at the bottom of this? She hugs him, and says, all of that pain, all of those hurt feelings. He starts to cry, and she says, because hurt people lash out, and hurt other people. She steps away and is outside again, and says, but nothing like he’s capable of. He says, the night he held her hostage, there was a moment where he thought he was going to die, and he was going to take her with him so he didn’t have to be alone… But then he looked at her and couldn’t do it. He knew the police were out there, and gave them the opening, and they stopped him. He did it for her.

Alexis says, Gregory told her weeks ago what might happen to him – the cramping, the slurred speech, the imbalance. She’s already seen evidence of those things. He says he knows she has, and she says, no matter how hard he tries to cover this up, his body is starting to betray him. How much longer does he think he can hide this?

Carly says she’s right, isn’t she? Ava’s in trouble, and Sonny’s helping for Avery’s sake. Ava asks how far Carly is going to push this, and Carly says, Ava came by just to say goodnight. Is Ava going to tell her that’s all this is? Ava says, if the only way to end this interrogation is to take Avery home, then she’ll go get her daughter. Ava heads for the kitchen door, and Carly says, if Ava does that, she’ll tell Sonny that she came by and grabbed Avery. The girls will be disappointed, but hell, they’ve seen Frozen a thousand times. Go ahead. Take Avery.

Dante says, the only thing they know for sure is the gun that was used should have been locked up in a WSB facility in Berlin, and Anna says, and the only people with access to it would be inside the agency. Dante says, there they have it then. It’s got to be an inside job. Whoever it is knew Victor had her followed. Maybe they gave the files to him. Sonny says, they knew once it was released, that Anna would be disgraced and arrested. She says, they got one part right. She was certainly disgraced. Dante says, but she wasn’t arrested. She got in front of it, and resigned from the WSB. She says she was forced to, and he says, be that as it may, she’s walking around free. She says she doesn’t know if looking over your shoulder every five minutes is free, and Dante says, that explains the shot at her. Whoever it is thinks she’s a threat. They either took the shot themselves, or had someone else do it. Kristina comes back, and says, do what themselves? Take a shot at Anna?

Kristina tells TJ to be honest. How is he feeling about all this? Does he really want to be a father? He says, more than anything, and she says, does he want the child to have his DNA? He takes her hands, and says he’d love their child no matter what, and he knows they’ll make the best parents a kid ever had, regardless of their DNA. She says she knows he’d love their child no matter what, but he didn’t answer her question. Does he want their child to have his DNA? He says, would that be his preference to have their child be biologically his? Yes, he’d like that. She asks how soon down the road he’s thinking. A year? Two? Three? He says he’s ready now, and she says she is too. To all of it. She wants a baby, she wants him to be the biological father, and the sooner the better. They kiss, and she says, which means, they need to find a surrogate. He says, which leads to the next question. Will it be Kristina?

Gregory says, Alexis is right. His symptoms have gotten more frequent and they’re getting more severe, which makes whatever time he has left that much more precious before Chase and Finn find out he has ALS. She says, he has one son that’s a doctor and one son that’s a detective. How long does he think it’s going to be before they figure it out? He says, these might be his last days, even weeks, before they notice, and they have to start being afraid of him. She says, they’re not going to be afraid of him; they’re going to love and support him. Gregory says, once they know, all they’re going to see is his disease. Right now, they look at him and still see their dad, not someone whose terrible decline is looming on the horizon and wondering if his end is near. She says, if it makes him feel any better, for what it’s worth (🍷), none of them really know how much time they’ve got left. He says, she’s right, but he wants to enjoy what little time he has left without them worrying about it getting cut short, and his ending will be terrible. So he just wants to stop and savor these good times while he still can, while he’s still able to. Is that so wrong?

Dante says, they’re just speculating, and Sonny asks if he can talk to Kristina for a second. They step away, and Dante asks Anna, what’s going on? Something tells him that if he hadn’t stopped by, she wasn’t going to call and fill him in. She says, fill him in on what? Speculation? He asks if they weren’t supposed to be working together, and she says, when there’s something to work on. He says he thought she wanted to be bait and try to draw out the shooter, and she says she thinks she’s reconsidered. She’s not on a mission. She’s not undercover. She doesn’t have a badge. She’s a private citizen, and she happens to be one who can protect herself. He asks if she’s sure about that. What happens if his old man’s theory turns out to be right, and it is someone inside the WSB? Someone who wants her out of the way.

Inside, Sonny says he has a problem with Kristina driving a car that’s not reliable, but she says, it’s fine. It’s in the shop; it’s getting fixed. He says he’s going to buy her a new car, so she doesn’t have to worry about it breaking down, but she says, he’s not. He’s already done enough for her as it is. He’s getting the youth center up and running, and that’s way more important to her than a new car is. So no. She’s not letting him buy her one.

Inside the cell, Laura says, Cyrus let the police shoot him for her? and he says he didn’t want anything to happen to her. He needed to protect her from him. She looks startled, and he says, she doesn’t believe him, does she? She says she does believe him. He made a very brave choice that night to let both of them live on. She thanks him for that. And in doing so, he gave them both the opportunity to do better. He laughs and says, she doesn’t need to do better, but she says, of course (🍷) she does. She was angry with him and let her anger blind her at times. She was quick to judge him and turned her back on him, when she should have been reaching out to him and trying to help him. So that leaves a lot of room for her to do better. He says, but she couldn’t have redeemed him. That doesn’t fall on her shoulders. She says she knows that now, because in the end, they all have to save themselves. But does he want to? Outside again, she says, because he’s the only one keeping him locked in here. She walks away, and he begs her not to go. He pushes on the door, and it opens.

Cyrus opens his eyes, and begins to breath. Drew says, there he is. Come on. Hang in there. The doctor’s on his way. Cyrus grabs Drew’s wrist, and Drew says, all right.

Gregory says, it wasn’t fair of him to put Alexis in a position to keep his secret, but she says, it wasn’t fair of her to put him in a position to tell her his secret when he wasn’t ready. It’s his diagnosis. He tells someone when he’s damn well ready. He says he appreciates that, and he intends to tell Chase and Finn, he promises. But in the meantime, he’s going to enjoy every minute he has left living a normal life. He’s grateful for her confidence and their friendship. She smiles.

TJ helps put Molly’s foot up on the coffee table, and she says she’s been thinking about this a lot, and she talked it through with her mom. She doesn’t want to ask Kristina to carry their child. He asks if she’s sure, and she says, yes. Although she’s certain Kristina would do it for them, she doesn’t think Kristina fully understands the demands or the commitment it would mean for her. He says he’s honestly relieved. Kristina doesn’t need the added weight of being their surrogate while she’s trying to get the youth center started. He thinks it will be better for all of them if they register with a service. Work out the legal and monetary arrangements, and start interviewing candidates that actually know what to expect. She asks how he knows so much about this, and he says he started doing some research just in case they ended up going this route. She asks why he didn’t tell her, and he says he didn’t want to pressure her with this right away. She says she doesn’t feel pressure at all. They both want this, and that means they feel hopeful. She snuggles on his shoulder, and he says, so we’re having a baby, and she says, yes. She asks if Valiant heard that; they’re having a baby.

Kristina asks if Sonny knew that Nina was bragging about her, but he says, no, but it doesn’t surprise him. Nina is proud of her. She says, Nina told Trish about her starting up the Corinthos-Davis House, and he says, now Nina can see for herself that Kristina is going to change the world. Kristina says she kind of thinks she’s starting to see that for herself too. Admittedly, she still has her doubts… He says, everyone has doubts. Does she know what you do with doubts? You just move through it. She hugs him.

Anna tells Dante, if Sonny’s right, and she’s being targeted by someone inside the Bureau, the bodyguards aren’t going to do her any good. He asks why she says that. Because no one can beat the big bad WSB? She says, because they’ll never come at her the same way twice. Sonny comes back with Kristina, and says he’s going to take her home. He thanks Dante for dropping her by, and says goodbye to Anna. They leave, and Anna tells Dante, if she’s being targeted, the shooting at the MetroCourt pool was a one-off. If it had worked, fine; she’d be dead. But it didn’t work. And if her enemy is indeed inside the Bureau, then they’re not going to want to call attention to themselves, and they’re going to go underground and wait months, a year maybe, before they try again. Does he really want to be glued to her side for that amount of time? He says, yeah, and she says, it’s going to play havoc with his job, not to mention his personal life… He says, she’s driving this point home pretty good; he thinks he gets it. She says, here’s another point. As she mentioned, they won’t use the same method twice. The Bureaus got a lot of dirty tricks up their sleeve, and it’s impossible to safeguard against all of them. Even if someone was glued to her side 24/7, which they’ve agreed he won’t be. He says, all right. He’ll stand down, but if something changes, she has to let him know. She says, he’ll be her first call. He has her word.

Carly says she thinks Sonny wants Avery here because she’s safe, and so does Ava. Avery comes in and says, they paused the movie. She and Donna need more cookies, and Carly says, all right, taking the empty plate. Ava says, while Mama Carly is getting the cookies, why doesn’t Avery give her the biggest hug ever? Avery says, ever? and hugs Ava. Ava says she’s going to take it home and keep it all night. She loves Avery so much. Avery says she loves Ava too, and Ava says she’d do anything for Avery. Carly gives Avery the cookies, saying, no more. Avery runs off, and Carly says, whatever Ava and Sonny are up to, she hopes they know what they’re doing. Ava thanks her, and leaves, giving a nod to the moss bowl🎍 as she passes.

Cyrus is receiving oxygen on a stretcher, and a paramedic says he called ahead to GH. They’re expecting them. Let’s go. They take Cyrus out, and the guard says, that man’s alive because of Drew. Drew says, not just because of him. The guard could have refused to let Drew help him. He had a big part in that too. The guard’s phone rings, and he says, the paramedics just took him to GH… Got it. Drew is about to leave, and the guard asks where he thinks he’s going. Drew asks what he means, and the guard says, he was busted for fighting. He’s taking Drew to solitary. Drew says, is he kidding? but the guard hustles him out.

Tomorrow, Brook says she’s not willing to risk it for Tracy; Chase wants to ask Austin a few questions about Gordon; Sonny says he came here to make someone an offer they can’t refuse (he’s required to say that at least once a year); and Cyrus needs someone to give all his money away.

📖 An Open Book…

Well this is kind of interesting. I don’t remember a TempBrando, but regular Brando has become a dim memory already, so…

👧🏼 Baby Come Back…

The old Charlotte is the new Charlotte.

🛌🏼 Filling In Blanks…

In case you were unfamiliar with Charlotte’s mom.

🗽New York Minute…

I had high standards too. It’s a shame they weren’t realized. I love how they act like they’ve brought something new to the franchise table, when nothing could be further from the truth.

https://www.etonline.com/rhony-newbies-erin-jessel-brynn-shut-down-fan-concerns-about-reboot-we-had-high-standards-exclusive

This one needs to run away from the franchise now before the body snatchers come.

https://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/a44692143/jenna-lyons-real-housewives-of-new-york/

While I appreciate a stinger at Singer, if this one takes one more picture of her food, I might scream. Or I could just eat my feelings.

https://www.dexerto.com/reality-tv/rhony-season-14-newcomer-sai-de-silva-rips-into-og-ramona-singer-2232055/

🍑 Whether They Asked Or Not…

Apparently, the mortgage payment is coming up. Hint to NeNe: It had nothing to do with your complexion.

🏝 They’re Tripping…

The show that proves once again lavish vacations are wasted on Housewives. I love their valet or whatever he is, Pepsi. I’m pretty sure he’s the font of all wisdom, or at least will be able to write one helluva book one day.

👺 Oh the Horror…

The latest season of AHS.

https://screenrant.com/american-horror-story-season-12-plot-repeat/

If they say so.

https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/us-celebrity-news/kim-kardashian-proved-a-bonafide-30579828

🐕 One… Two… Squee…

Nothing cuter than the tiniest of tinies.

https://people.com/paris-hilton-reveals-new-teacup-puppy-royal-name-7567356

My Tiny Guy, El Wray

🐶 Dog Days Approaching…

U-turn back tomorrow for soap and blatant disdain of the OC. Until then, stay safe, stay mindful of how much fragrance you wear, and stay just moving through your doubts.

December 21, 2021 – Laura Lights the Rice Plaza Tree, Charlotte Looks Different & Never

Standard

What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

General Hospital

At the MetroCourt, Violet plays with a snowglobe, and tells Finn that she loves making the snow fall. He says, it was a very thoughtful gift from her Uncle Chase, and she asks where Anna is; she wants to show her. Finn says, she’ll be here. She’s almost never late. Violet folds her arms, and says, she was late for his wedding, and he says she’s right. Anna runs in, and kisses Violet, saying, she hopes she’s not late. Is she? Violet and Finn laugh.

Drew walks into Kelly’s, and Elizabeth goes to him. She says she heard he was back. She heard he was alive. He says he’s so happy to see her, and hugs her. Sitting at the counter, Trina smiles.

Brook tells Bailey that she loves the little tree. She knows it’s smaller than the rest of them in the house, but there’s something charming about it. Maybe it’s because it’s the one Drew decorated with his daughter. This time next year, Bailey will be celebrating Christmas with Maxie. She’ll be fine… just fine. Valentin knocks, and asks if they can come in. Charlotte has a gift for Bailey. (Please note, new Charlotte. See below.)

Outside Kelly’s, Nikolas tells Trina, beautiful scarf. Knowing her taste in art, he’s not surprised.

Ava orders a vodka martini at Charlie’s; dirty, healthy. Victor puts his shopping bag down on the chair next to her, and says, make that two.

Dressed like an elf, Spencer tells the kids at the hospital that it looks like they’re ready to meet Santa Clause. He’s going to be here soon. He tells Cameron that he’s all for costumes. Cameron should have seen his wardrobe when he played Hamlet, but he’s feeling more preppie than Santa’s helper right now. Cameron says he’s got to get into the holiday spirit. Just be grateful he’s missing his shift at Kelly’s to volunteer. Spencer says he needs to find something else to motivate him, when Esme comes out, and twirls around in her short elf dress. She asks if he likes her outfit, and he says he thinks he knows what he wants for Christmas. She says, that depends on if he’s nice or naughty, and Lucy joins them. She tells them, places please. Santa is about to appear. They get in position, and Lucy tells the kids, guess what time it is? May I introduce, direct from the North Pole, the one and only Santa Clause. Doc comes out in a Santa suit, and says, ho-ho-ho! Merry Christmas! He wants to know what everyone wants in their stockings or under the tree. Laura comes in, and says, hey, Santa, got anything in that bag for me?

Finn says, Anna is right on time. Isn’t she, Violet? He winks at Violet, and she says, right on time. She shows Anna the snowglobe, and says, look what happens when you shake it. Anna says, it’s so magical, isn’t it? Her daddy is so good at finding things like this. Violet says her Uncle Chase gave it to her, and Finn says, Chase is a good guy. What he did was book the special holiday tea for two. He knows how much they love high tea, so he’s leaving Violet with Anna, but will be back in plenty of time to take her to the tree lighting in Rice Plaza. Violet asks why he doesn’t stay; it will be more fun with the three of them. Please.

Lucy tells Laura, that was certainly a splashy entrance. Welcome back, but Santa has a job to do. Doc says, the kids will be fine for another five minutes, and puts his arm around Laura. He says he’s thrilled to see her, but why didn’t she let him know she was coming home? She thanks the woman Victor called Mayor Ashley, whose name is apparently Eileen, for minding the store while she was gone. Eileen says, it’s a gift to the people of Port Charles to have Laura back, and leaves.

Drew asks Elizabeth how Jake is doing. He’s been thinking about Jake because of Jason. He’s got to be having a hard time. She says, Jason’s death hit him really hard. Even though he wasn’t a hands on day-to-day dad, Jason was still a presence in Jake’s life. Jake always knew he was there, and now he’s not. He says he wouldn’t blame Jake, or her for that matter, for resenting him because Jason died trying to save his life. She says, Jason was the kind of man who always ran toward danger, not away from it. He died a hero. Even if Jake can’t appreciate it right now, one day he’ll see the amazing legacy his dad left for him. It’s just really bad timing; almost a year to the day the boys lost their stepdad. He says, that’s a lot of loss, the kind that makes kids grow up fast, probably too fast, and she says, it’s been rough. What about him? Not only did he lose Jason, he and Franco were close when they were boys. He says, it’s a lot to wrap his head around. He’s incredibly grateful to be home with his daughter, but to lose Jason and Franco, it’s a lot.

Valentin tells Brook, relax; it’s just a friendly visit. He and Charlotte have discussed it, and Charlotte knows Bailey was never his daughter. Charlotte says, Bailey’s not her sister, but that doesn’t mean she’s stopped loving her. Funny thing is, when papa first told her that she was going to be a big sister, she wasn’t excited. She didn’t like the idea of having to share her father. But then, Bailey was born, and she couldn’t help but fall in love with her. Brook says she knows the feeling. Bailey is just lighting up at the sound of Charlotte’s voice; Valentin’s too. Charlotte says, she bought this when she thought Bailey was her sister, and still wants her to have it.

Trina says she’s sorry, but she doesn’t have time to talk to Nikolas. She has to get back to campus. He says, please. Just five minutes. That’s all he’s asking. She asks what he wants, and he says, Ava values her judgement. He has a choice to make, and he’s not sure which is the right one for Ava’s Christmas present. He takes out two boxes, and says, the emeralds or the rubies. He shows her two bracelets, and asks, which one says Ava?

Ava says she’s changed her mind; forget the drink. Victor says, not on his account. He wishes she wouldn’t. After all, it is a festive season and they are family. Shouldn’t they be getting to know each other a little better? She asks if he followed her there, and he says he did. He’s not going to lie. He was going to drop by Windymere and leave these gifts under the tree, but since his last reception there, he thought maybe he could just leave them with her.

Laura says she’s glad to be back with her family, and wants to hear about Cameron’s freshman year at PCU. And Spencer… She hugs him, and he says he knows; he’s a disappointment. She says, not at all. Doc told her that Spencer made some mistakes, and he’s taking responsibility for his actions. She’s proud of him for that. Esme tells Laura, welcome back. She’s not sure if Laura remembers her, but Laura says, how could she forget her grandson’s special someone? Lucy comes back, and says she loves family reunions, but just a gentle reminder, there’s a line of kids waiting to see Santa. So could they hurry up a bit? She’s going to pass out Deception samples to the parents to buy time. Could Cameron, Spencer, and Esme entertain them? Juggle, throw things, just do something to make them happy. The elves leave, and Doc tells Laura, he hates to disappoint anyone, but Santa could use some one-on-one time with Mrs. Clause. She says, her too, so she brought Santa’s understudy. She motions with her hand, and another Santa comes out, saying, ho-ho-ho, and a bowl full of jelly and all that. It’s Martin, and he tells Doc to beat it. He’s got this.

Violet asks Finn if she can go see the gingerbread house. It’s even bigger than last year. He says, it is, and tells her to go have a look, but don’t touch. She leaves, and he calls out that he’s watching her. Anna says, come on. Violet knows better than to stick her finger in the gingerbread, especially since she has him wrapped around it. He says he’s not going to try denying it. His daughter found a place in his heart he never knew existed. She says, it’s lovely to see. He’s made a lovely home for her. He says Violet has given him more than he could ever give back to her, and she says, that’s what kids do. No one is ever going to replace Robin for her. But they do grow up and have children of their own, and sometimes even their own Christmas tree. He asks if she’s trying to make him sad thinking about Violet as an adult, and she says, it’s inevitable, whether he likes it or not. It makes her wonder, who’s going to sit by the fire with Finn on those long winter nights? Or has he already found her?

Elizabeth says she knows if Franco were here, he’d say Drew repaid him ten times over for him protecting Drew when they were little boys. He says, all he did was offer his friendship, and she says, to most people, Franco was still an outsider, and Drew always treated him with respect and kindness, and that was everything. Drew says he’s just sorry he got stuck in that prison in Crete. Maybe if he’d escaped earlier, he could have stopped Peter from doing his worst. The boys would still have their stepdad, and Jake would still have his father. She says, at least he’s back home, and it’s over, thank goodness, and he says, it’s his fault for looking backwards. He told himself that in coming home, he would not be a prisoner of the past. She says, sounds like a very smart idea, and he says, what about her? Is it too soon, or is she ready to turn the page and find someone special?

Brook asks Charlotte to put the gift under the big tree in the foyer. She’ll make sure Bailey gets it Christmas morning. Valentin says, they have another gift as well, and puts a bottle of champagne on the kitchen island. Brook says he didn’t have to do that, and he says he didn’t. It’s for Monica from Yuri. Brook says, how sweet. She guesses Yuri didn’t realize, Monica doesn’t drink. Charlotte asks if she can give Bailey a ride in her stroller. She promises not to go too fast. Brook says, sure. She thinks Bailey would like that. Charlotte says she’s going to show Bailey the big tree and teach her how to say Merry Christmas in French. She takes Bailey out in the stroller, and Valentin thanks Brook for letting her spend time with Bailey. She’s putting on a brave face, but it hasn’t been easy for her letting go. Brook says she knows the feeling, and he asks if she’s sad. He doesn’t know why, because this Christmas, she has everything she could ask for, doesn’t she?

Trina tells Nikolas, if money’s not an option, don’t break up the set. Nothing says Christmas like red and green. Nikolas says Trina not only has Ava’s taste, but her nerve. No wonder Ava likes her so much. And she’s right. Ava can wear one on Christmas, and the other on New Year’s Eve. He thanks her, and starts to leave, but Trina says, wait. He said there’s nothing he wouldn’t do for Ava, so why can’t he do the same for Spencer?

Victor is glad Ava didn’t cancel her drink. He doesn’t blame her for being skeptical, but the best Christmas gift he has isn’t in the shopping bags. Ava says, he’s leaving town? and he laughs, saying, she’ll have to wait and see. It’s a surprise, but if it brings peace and good will to men, it’s the perfect gift for the whole family. Unless of course (🍷) she thinks it’s in Nikolas’s best interest, and her own, for Spencer to remain at odds with his father. She says, that’s between Nikolas and Spencer, and he says she knows better than that. Nikolas is torn between his love for his wife and his love for his son. He’d hoped she could see past Spencer’s transgressions. Chalk his theatrics up to being part of his Cassadine DNA. She says, he used her little girl. That’s more than a transgression as far as she’s concerned. He says, call it a mistake, call it a bad decision, but that young man has a lot of potential. The real crime is letting it go to waste. From where he sees it, it’s up to his elders to do what’s best for him. She says, the way he did his best for Hayden and her mother?

Spencer tells the kids to be good while they’re in line. It’s almost time, and they don’t want to be added to the naughty list this late in the year. Cameron says, it seems like Spencer’s talents are being wasted at Kelly’s. He has a bright future as a traffic cop. Esme says he heard what Mayor Collins said; Spence has a bright future ahead of him. Spencer says, if Victor comes through for him, she might be right, and Cameron asks what he means. Lucy comes by, and says, will they look at Doc. He’s really giving it his all. She thinks this is the best year ever. Cameron says, she should know that… and Lucy says, treats. They’re almost out of Christmas goodies. Could they dash over to Kelly’s and grab a few, in case the kids want to stampede? Anything. Candy canes would be really nice. They leave, and Lucy watches Santa, smiling.

Doc and Laura kiss, and she says, why Santa, what’s come over you? He says, Rudolph’s nose isn’t the only thing that glows, and she laughs. She says she still has her civic duty to do. She has to light up the community Christmas tree, and he says, he knows, but how is it that she was able to come home now, after all this time? She says, as it turns out, the safe house – she closes the blind on the door – wasn’t so safe. There was an attempt on their lives. He says, what? and she says, the FBI has the woman who attacked them, and they say it was just a one-off, and that there’s nobody else out there who’s coming after them. But yesterday, she took a little trip to the Midwest, and went to see Cyrus in prison, and confronted him. He swears he had nothing to do with this. He told her that he’d found God. Doc says, of course (🍷) he did; he’s lying… He’s not lying? She says she doesn’t know. He was really convincing. She can’t be sure, but Cyrus isn’t the only threat out there. There’s another one looming, and it’s right inside their own family.

Finn says, Violet is so fascinated with the gingerbread house, she forgot about her dessert. Anna says he forgot to answer her question, and he says, what’s the question? She says he’s a wonderful doctor. He could be a genius actually, but when it comes to his feelings, he’s a little clueless. She told him that she was really glad he and Elizabeth didn’t have Peter’s death on their conscience, not to mention any of the legal ramifications. It really is a lousy way to start a relationship. He says, awkward first date. In that sense, he and Elizabeth don’t have a relationship. She says, okay. Sorry. She misread the signals. It’s really none of her business. Finn says, in the spirit of full disclosure, that could change if and when Elizabeth is ready. She asks if he’s ready, and he says, are they really going to do this? Is that where they are? Exes that talk about their current love life? He doesn’t know if he’s ready for that. How about her? Is she over him? She looks over him. So is she seeing someone new? She says they were talking about him and Elizabeth, and he laughs, saying, now who’s dodging the questions?

Elizabeth fiddles with her wedding ring, and tells Drew, she has her hands full at work, not to mention, being a single mom to three brilliant, willful, slightly impossible boys. He says, in other words, there is someone, and she says, there might be if she was looking, but she’s not looking. Around Christmas and New Year’s there are so many reminders of Franco. He says, she’s doing it again, and she says, what? He says, what they claimed they wouldn’t do; look backwards to the past. She tells him, he said that; she never did. He says, her wedding ring says it all for her. Speaking as someone who knows what it’s like to love her and to be loved by her in return, whoever it is doesn’t know what he’s missing.

Brook tells Valentin that she’s emotional because of Christmas. Hasn’t he heard? For some people, it’s the most depressing time of year. He says, maybe for those people. They don’t have a beautiful daughter like Bailey. She says, don’t get her wrong, she knows how blessed she is, but seeing the hurt on Charlotte’s face… She just hates knowing she’s responsible. Believe it or not, she hates knowing what she did to him too. He says she got the ELQ shares, but she says she didn’t do it for the shares… She did, but it’s not the only reason. He asks, what other reason? Maybe it would make sense if Bailey’s father was dangerous, was a threat, and Brook lied to protect her. Chase is about as upstanding a man as she’s going to find, so what is her other justification for convincing him Bailey was his daughter?

Trina says, Nikolas once said he was glad Spencer had a friend like her, but he’s the one Spencer looks up to. His approval means the world to Spencer, and his disapproval crushes him. So while he’s giving out Christmas presents this year, why not give Spencer what he really wants; a second chance. Spencer comes by with Esme and Cameron, and asks what Nikolas is doing here. What’s going on?   

Victor says he takes care of his family. Doesn’t Ava do the same, whatever it takes? He’s no threat to her, only to those who threaten the people they both love. Ava says, he’s good, a little too good for her taste. She drains her drink, and says, if he’ll excuse her, she’s off to meet Nikolas for a little harmless holiday cheer. He says, the tree lighting at Rice Plaza. He’s headed there himself. Perhaps she’ll allow him to escort her. She says, she’ll be fine; it’s a short walk. He says, come on. They’re headed the same way. What’s that quaint phrase you American’s have? There’s safety in numbers? It may be a festive season, but danger still lurks behind every corner. She says, tell her about it. By the way, the British accent is a nice touch. He thanks her, and says he worked hard to achieve it, as he does everything else.

Santa/Martin tells a little girl that he’s not sure he can get everything on her list, but he and his reindeer will do their best. He tells her to go back to her mother and father. They’re going to need all the help they can get. There are no more kids, and Lucy says, finally, Santa baby. She sits on his lap, and says, guess what she wants for Christmas?

Laura says, so it’s true Victor’s been released, and Doc says, apparently he made a deal with the WSB, and traded information for freedom. She says, no surprise there; he’s a clever negotiator. He says, from what he hears, Victor has been ingratiating himself with both Nikolas and Spencer, and she says, that’s what she was afraid of. He asks if she thinks Victor is up to something other than reuniting his family, and she says, experience has taught her, when the Cassadines are playing nice, that’s when they’re the most dangerous.

Lucy says, wait a minute. There’s something very different about you, Santa. She pulls down his beard, and Martin says, do tell. She says, you are not Kevin.  

Eileen knocks at the door, and tells Laura, the tree lighting. Laura says she’ll be right there, and Eileen leaves. Doc says, if she’s right about Victor, maybe she should sit this one out until they know more, but she says she’s done hiding. She was away from him and her community for too long. Victor is going to think he’s untouchable, and she’s going to let him think that until she knows what game he’s playing. Eileen stands outside the door.

Brook asks if Valentin hasn’t done the wrong thing for all the right reasons. She was trying to protect Bailey. He says, is Bailey in some kind of danger? when Charlotte comes back. She says she helped the baby nurse put Bailey down for her nap. She forgot how much she enjoyed doing that. She asks Valentin if they can go now, and Brook says, don’t let her hold them up. She tells Charlotte that it was sweet of her to get the gift. She has something for Charlotte, but it’s on backorder. Valentin says, this conversation isn’t over, and she tells him, merry Christmas.

Anna says, Finn is right. She shouldn’t be asking about his personal life any more than he should be asking about hers. He says, so she has one, but she says, not at all. Since they broke up, she’s been halfway around the world and back, trying to bring Peter to justice. She’s had no time for anything else. He says, from what he understands, she’s been able to spend time with Valentin. He was with her on her search for Peter, and he knows she didn’t leave Valentin’s bedside after he was shot. She says she was concerned about him. He says, she knows what he thinks of the guy, but it doesn’t matter. He probably doesn’t think anyone is good enough for her. It would seem she and Valentin have been circling each other for years. Maybe she wants to take some time to figure out why.

Cameron sees Drew in Kelly’s, and Drew says, Elizabeth can’t tell him this is Cameron. Cameron tells him, do not say it. Drew doesn’t get to tell him how much he’s grown. Drew says he wouldn’t dream of it, and they hug. Cameron says he’d love to catch up, but as Drew can see, he’s currently in the service of Santa, and the North Pole is dangerously low on treats right now. Elizabeth says, if she knows Monica, she has Drew locked in for Christmas dinner at the Quartermaines, but if he wants to come by their house for dessert, Aiden’s baking up a storm. He says he’d love it. In the meantime, merry Christmas. Cameron says if he were Drew, he’d leave by the back entrance. He wouldn’t want to get caught between Spencer and his dad right now.

Trina tells Spencer that his dad was just asking her opinion, and Spencer says, about what? Him? Where he’s living? Where he’s working? She says, no. He was asking about a gift for Ava. Spencer says, of course (🍷) that’s what it’s about, because there’s no pleasing him. Esme says, Trina does have fabulous taste, and Nikolas thanks Trina again. He says, he’s off to see Ava at the tree lighting, and Spencer says he guesses Nikolas is going to see her. Nikolas says, Ava? Yeah. But Spencer says his grandmother is back. She called to let him know, and probably would have done the same with Nikolas, but she’s siding with him. Pair that with Great Uncle Victor, and Nikolas is outnumbered.

At Rice Plaza, Victor’s phone rings, and he tells Ava, this must be about the surprise he mentioned. He answers, and Eileen says she has news. She thought he should know she’s back, and on her way to the tree lighting in Rice Plaza. He says he sees. So they’re in for quite the holiday reunion. He goes back to Ava, and she says, problem? He says, nothing he can’t handle.

Valentin and Charlotte walk into the MetroCourt, and Anna runs up to Charlotte and hugs her. She says, Violet was just here, but they’ve gone to Rice Plaza for the Christmas tree lighting. Charlotte doesn’t want to miss that, does she? Charlotte says, they were just at the Quartermaines, delivering a Christmas gift to Bailey, and Valentin says he doesn’t think either one of them is in the mood for a crowd. She says she understands. Merry Christmas. It’s good to see them. They go to a table, and Anna starts to leave, but turns back.   

Cameron tells Elizabeth, GH is fully stocked with Christmas goodies. Does she want to go to the tree lighting? She says she’s on call, but go have fun with his friends. He says, she’s pulling a double shift? and she says, Christmas is the perfect time to make some extra money. He asks if that’s the reason she’s doing that, or is she hiding from the crappy year they just had? Just like Jake is hiding in his room, and Aiden is pretending to be happy when he really isn’t. That leaves him, happy with his girlfriend, but how can he be happy when the family he loves isn’t? She says, please don’t do that. It’s his first holiday season with a girlfriend. He should be happy, and none of them should be prisoners of the past. He says, if she really means that, there’s a way she can help with that.

Esme tells Spencer, just because his dad is going to see the tree with Ava doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy themselves. It’s not Christmas in Paris, but it sounds all-American and quaint. Spencer says Trina should come with them, and Esme says, the more the merrier. Trina says, what about Cam? Are they going to leave him deal with getting the treats back to GH? Spencer says, he loves it. Some people are just cut out to be elves.

Cameron tells Elizabeth, they both know the best way to let Jake and Aiden know it’s okay to be happy, is for them to be happy. She says she told them that, but he says she hasn’t shown them that. They’re following her example. Trina comes in, and says, good, Cameron is still here. He says he just got back, and she says, we’re going to the tree lighting. Does he want to come? Elizabeth tells him, go; be with his friends. She promises to think about what he said. He tells her that he loves her, and she says she loves him too, and he leaves with Trina.

Drew goes back to the Quartermaines, and sees Brook looking at the little tree. He says he knows it doesn’t compare to the huge one in the foyer, but he decorated it with Scout, which makes it his favorite. She says, Scout is lucky to have her dad back, and he says, back atcha. Bailey is lucky to have her as a mom. She looks sad, and he says, that was a complement. What’s wrong? She says, nothing a little champagne won’t fix. Poor Yuri got it for Monica. He didn’t realize she doesn’t drink. Besides, she needs it more than Monica.  

Nikolas arrives at Rice Plaza, and Victor says he’s glad Nikolas could join them. He and Ava just had the most illuminating chat. Laura and Doc join them, and Nikolas says he heard rumors Laura was home, and hugs her. Ava says, it’s so nice to have her back, and hugs her too. Doc says, amen to that, and Laura says, hello, Victor. For a dead man, his timing is impeccable. He says she’s looking lovely as ever. He just wishes he’d gotten there sooner. He calls to Spencer to bring his friends over. He has news to share. He just got word from the prosecutor, and may have found a way to solve Spencer’s legal problems. Spencer thanks him, hugging him and saying, he knew Victor wouldn’t let him down. Laura says, don’t be too excited just yet; she’s sure there’s a catch. Victor says, no catch. All Spencer has to do is change his plea to guilty, and perform just 500 hours of community service, make restitution to the victim, and here’s the best part. He’ll only have to serve 30 days at Spring Ridge. Soap looks all around.

Brook says, this will be a first; champagne from Belarus. Cheers. They take a sip, and he says, not bad. Can he see the bottle? He looks at it, and says, non-alcoholic. She laughs, and says, Yuri really does now Monica. Oh well. Beggars can’t be choosers. Here is to better times. They clink glasses.

Anna tells Charlotte that she just had the Bûche de Noël; it was so delicious, to die for. Charlotte says she was just telling papa that, and Valentin says she and Anna have something in common. Anna says, so it seems, and Charlotte asks if she wants some more. Anna says, it couldn’t hurt, and Valentin pulls up a chair, saying, have a seat. She thanks him.

Violet tells Finn that she can’t wait to see the big tree lit up, and he says, they say you can see the lights for miles. She asks if her mommy can see it, and he says, maybe; he hopes so. Violet says, but she can see it, can’t she? He asks if she means Anna, and she says, Anna is nice, but so is Aunt Elizabeth.

Martin says he hopes he wasn’t too much of a disappointment, and asks if Lucy will join him for dinner. She says, he was actually very, very good, and she was very impressed. But what about that belly and his beard? He says, what about them? They’ll probably guaranteed to get them the best table in the house. She takes his arm.

Spencer says, he’s going to prison? and Victor says, hardly. It’s a month in a minimum security facility. It was the best deal he could make. Trina says she knows a month at Spring Ridge seems scary, but think of the alternative; one to five years at Pentenville. Esme says they visited Spencer’s aunt at Spring Ridge. He knows it’s not that bad. And she’s interning there. They’ll get to see each other all the time. Spencer says, Laura is the mayor. There has to be something she can do to help him out here. Laura says, she’ll always do whatever she can to help him, when Eileen gets on the microphone, and says, happy holidays, everyone. Before they light the tree, she wants them to give a big welcome to their mayor, Laura Collins. Everyone applauds, and Laura tells them, may she just say to her family and friends, and to all the citizens of Port Charles, she’s so grateful to be home for the holidays. It’s a time for old memories, and new beginnings. A time when the world lies in darkness, only to be graced by a light from above. The tree is lit, and she says, may that light glow among all of them. Doc walks over to her, and she says, not just today, but always. Everyone smiles.   

Tomorrow, Chase says he’s all for that, Shawn asks Alexis if she’s ready to be surprised, Michael says that’s what he likes to hear, and Brando asks Sasha to come home with him.

👧🏼 Who’s That Girl…?

I was pretty surprised when I saw a new Charlotte. At first, I thought maybe she was a temp, and Scarlett Fernandez was sick or something, but when that happens, they usually have a voiceover telling you. The articles are vague as to why, but it sounds like it’s because the family moved. It’s definitely not because they’re aging her up, so at least I didn’t have to wonder who on earth she was, like I did with Spencer. It’s a shame though. Scarlett was very good. The jury is still out for the new kid.

🏃🏽‍♀️ Dashing Through No Snow…

That’s it for today, but join me tomorrow for soap and what’s going on in the OC. It looks like Bravo has movies on Thursday, and I think GH is a rerun this Friday (Christmas Eve). So until the morrow, stay safe, stay not letting the media influence your holidays, and stay always double-checking before you sit on Santa’s lap. Or not.