General Hospital Recaps: The week of January 8, 2024 on GH

Lucas returned for Bobbie's funeral. A reporter with special ties to Bobbie and others shared news about Bobbie. Carly and Felicia decided to finish what Bobbie had started. After Esme was arrested, Spencer figured out that her memories had returned. Nikolas paid Spencer a visit. Curtis underwent surgery. Sonny ordered Dex to kill Cyrus.

Elizabeth comforts Carly

Monday, January 8, 2024

by Marissa PD

At Deception, Felicia admitted to Cody and Maxie that she had crossed the line by getting another DNA test done on Cody and Mac, and she explained how she'd gotten it done. She refused to apologize for looking out for her husband, and Cody countered that Mac wasn't the only person involved. Sasha arrived, and Cody updated her on what was going on, as she knew about the original test. Felicia continued that her instincts were wrong "this time," and she asked for Cody's forgiveness. "We're good," he promised. Maxie decided to take the afternoon off to spend some time with Felicia, and the two of them left.

Sasha informed Cody that she'd been tailing Felicia the entire day at Home & Heart, and she'd been able to switch out Cody's hair sample with her own. He scolded her for making herself an accessory to his crime, but she thought it was a minor risk after all he'd done for her. He hated lying to everyone, and he kicked himself for letting Scott talk him into the WSB lawsuit. She promised that he wasn't alone anymore, and he called Sasha his "partner in crime."

Maxie and Felicia arrived at B.J.'s grave, and Felicia put down a bouquet of flowers on the grave. Felicia advised B.J. to take good care of Bobbie. Maxie thought it was a small comfort to think of the two together, but it did help. They cried and hugged. Felicia assured Maxie that they had their memories to get them through, and they had each other, which would make it hurt a little less.

At Caf Cherie, Lucy was on the phone, ordering flowers that she knew were out of season, but she begged the florist to find them for Bobbie's memorial service. When she was off the phone, Scott admired Lucy for trying to make the service great, even though she and Bobbie hadn't been friends. Lucy admitted that she had deserved the vitriol from Bobbie, but Bobbie hadn't been a saint, either. After making a pinky promise with Scott that he wouldn't tell anyone, Lucy confessed that she'd been jealous of Bobbie. She wondered if they would have been friends if she'd told Bobbie that, and Scott believed they would have. Lucy reminded Scott that, after the service was over, they had to get back to their plan to marry him off to Tracy.

At the Port Charles Grill, Brook Lynn was trying to talk about Deception numbers with a clearly distracted Tracy. Just then, Martin arrived, and Tracy made a beeline for his table. She demanded to know where Lucy was, as Lucy's assistant had told Tracy about Lucy's lunch date with Martin. He replied that Lucy hadn't been in the mood for a lunch date with news of Bobbie's death. He added that she was planning the memorial service with Scott. Tracy commented that no good could come from Lucy and Scott together. Tracy thought that Martin would run if he knew Lucy's whole story, and she warned that he would be collateral damage of Lucy and Scott.

Tracy returned to Brook Lynn, and she briefly updated Brook Lynn on Lucy and Scott trying to "put one over on me." "If you cross me, I destroy you," Tracy stated, adding that Lucy and Scott would be digging their own graves. Brook Lynn knew that Tracy missed Luke, and she hoped that everything going on wouldn't distract Tracy from dealing with those feelings. "What are we working on?" Tracy asked as she grabbed some paperwork.

Willow arrived at Carly's and hugged Josslyn, who was glad that Willow was there. She cordially greeted Michael, and Josslyn left to check on Avery and Donna. Willow hugged Michael and expressed her condolences. She informed him that she would have visited the night before if he'd called, and she wanted to wait for him to tell the kids together. Michael replied that he'd hated being away from her the night before. He promised to do anything he could to make things right, but Willow talked about how much he'd hurt her. While she said she would be there to support his family, she reminded him that she still needed space. She promised to take the kids over for a visit after she got off work, and she left.

Josslyn returned, having heard "enough," and she wondered what he'd done. He confessed that he'd known about Nina calling the SEC and keeping it from everyone. He explained to a livid Josslyn why he'd kept it to himself, and he reasoned that she couldn't understand his position. "Haven't you ever lied to protect someone you love?" he asked her. She told him that, while she didn't agree with his decision, it was time for the family to stick together, and she hugged her brother.

Sonny was handcuffed to the table in the interrogation room when Dante entered. "You know I don't talk to cops," Sonny grumbled, but Dante was there to inform him about Bobbie's death. Dante insisted that he was there for Sonny with everything going on. "You had me arrested," Sonny reminded Dante, who replied that Sonny had assaulted someone. While Dante was sometimes a cop, he assured Sonny that he was Sonny's son all the time, and he was worried about Sonny. Diane arrived and asked for time with Sonny, so Dante left.

A short while later, Diane ended a phone call and informed Sonny that Cyrus was going to make a full recovery. She figured that she could get Sonny out on bail because of Cyrus' history of violence and incarceration. Once Sonny was released, Diane wondered if he wanted her to begin divorce proceedings. Sonny just wanted to get out, and he added that Nina wasn't a priority at that moment. She left to start his release paperwork.

Later, Diane and Dante returned to the interrogation room, and Diane declared Sonny a free man. She advised him to go home, deal with what he needed to deal with, and then call her so they could "circle back to our previous conversation." Diane left the room, and Sonny insisted that Dante didn't have to worry about him. They exchanged "I love you's," and Sonny left. When he was gone, Diane asked Dante to look after his father.

Carly sat in Kelly's alone and looked around while thinking about Bobbie. There was a knock on the door, and Carly called out that the restaurant was closed. There was another knock, so Carly got up to answer the door and saw that it was Elizabeth. Elizabeth expressed her condolences. She didn't want to intrude, but she'd wanted to be at Kelly's, where she felt closer to Bobbie. Carly invited her in for some coffee.

Carly walked to the back, and Elizabeth heard her exclaim, "Dammit!" Elizabeth walked around to the kitchen, and Carly talked about the sink that kept backing up. Elizabeth asked for a wrench, and Carly handed her one. Elizabeth whacked the pipes a few times, and the water went down. Elizabeth reminded Carly that she had worked there in the past, and it had always been a problem.

Back sitting at the counter, Elizabeth talked about knowing Bobbie the entire time she'd been in town and how Bobbie had been there for the darkest moment of her life. She continued that she'd felt safe at Kelly's with Bobbie, which was why she was there. Elizabeth went on that Bobbie had left an incredible legacy, which was how she would live on. Carly thanked Elizabeth for talking with her about Bobbie, as it had been just what she'd needed. Carly hugged Elizabeth, and Elizabeth left.

Alone in Kelly's, Carly thought back to finding out about Luke's death with Bobbie, who'd advised Carly that they would get through it together. She turned the lights off and looked around. "Mom, how am I supposed to do this alone?" she asked tearfully. She walked outside and was surprised to find Sonny there.

Ava has Esme arrested

Tuesday, January 9, 2024

by Steve Holley

At the Port Charles Police Station, Ava learned from Dante that Esme had broken into Wyndemere. Dante and Ava joined Esme and Laura in the interrogation room, where Esme told Ava that she gone to the mansion because she had been desperate to regain her memories. Ava's face showed skepticism when Esme apologized for having broken into Wyndemere. Ava asked if Esme had regained any memories. Esme lied and said that she still didn't remember anything from her past.

When Laura asked Ava to drop the charges, Ava asked Dante what the average sentence was for breaking and entering. Dante implied that he didn't believe Esme should be prosecuted. Ava smirked when she said that she wanted to press charges against Esme. "What?!" Esme asked. "Did you not hear me?" Ava asked pointedly.

Laura pleaded with Ava to reconsider. Esme claimed that she was sorry. "Uh-huh. Maybe you had a hard Christmas. Maybe a little depressed about your unremembered life? Well, I really don't care. You are still the girl who drugged Trina Robinson. You filmed and posted revenge porn of Josslyn Jacks and Cameron Webber, and you never paid for any of it. As far as I'm concerned, a slap on the wrist isn't nearly enough. But it's a start," Ava said sharply before leaving the room.

Laura ran after Ava to ask her to reconsider. Ava reminded Laura that, because of Esme, Trina had been charged and tried for a crime that Trina hadn't committed. "So, it does not seem out of proportion that Esme be punished for a crime she admits that she committed. Now, maybe Esme doing a short stint in the hoosegow is a small comfort in the grand scheme of things, but it's something," Ava said firmly.

Laura weakly tried to imply that Esme shouldn't face punishment because Esme was a mother. "Laura, you have a generous heart. But trust me. A leopard does not change her spots. And neither does that..." Ava began before catching herself. "Esme," she continued before walking away. After Ava left, Esme grew hysterical when Dante placed her under arrest. Esme cried that Laura had said the police would let Esme go. Esme wept as she was led away in handcuffs.

At Kelly's Diner, Sonny offered condolences to Carly over Bobbie's death. Carly ran into his arms for comfort. Sonny asked how Carly was holding up. Carly said that she had gone to Kelly's to feel closer to Bobbie. Sonny called Bobbie "a force of nature," and Carly laughed when Sonny said that Bobbie hadn't always been his biggest fan. Sonny said that Bobbie had doubted that Carly could have a happy life with him.

Carly said that she and Bobbie had argued many times over Carly's relationship with Sonny, but she added that Bobbie had accepted Sonny. Sonny said that he had cared about Bobbie. Carly said that Bobbie was "the most sensitive and open-minded person" that Carly had ever known. Sonny said that he owed Carly and Bobbie.

"I probably should have said this a long time ago, and I'm sorry I didn't, but I owe you and Bobbie. I saw how hard you worked for your forgiveness. And then in the end, you guys had this beautiful relationship. And if I didn't witness that, there's no way I would have been able to be there for my dad. So, you and Bobbie showed me that it was possible," Sonny said as his voice trembled.

Carly said that she was glad that Sonny had made peace with Mike. "Hopefully, Mike is welcoming my mom right now," Carly said. "Well, you know how much my dad loved the ladies," Sonny quipped as he and Carly began to laugh. Carly spotted the bruises on Sonny's hand, and she asked what had happened. Sonny said only that he had lost his temper. Carly asked if Sonny's outburst had helped. Sonny said that it hadn't.

"Sometimes it never does. And sometimes... someone shows up who knows you and understands you and makes you feel a little less alone. And that's what you did for me tonight. Thank you," Carly told Sonny as she placed her hand over his. Sonny told Carly to take care. On his way out, Sonny complimented Carly on the job she had done with Kelly's. Sonny added that Bobbie would be proud of Carly, and he left. Afterwards, Carly locked the door behind Sonny, and she stood in the diner alone. "I love you, Mom," Carly said as fresh tears began to well in her eyes.

At the hospital, a doctor reassured Curtis that he was an ideal candidate for the experimental surgery that could help him walk again. The doctor left to allow Portia and Curtis time to decide if they were having second thoughts about the procedure. Curtis surmised that Portia wanted to call it off.

Curtis said that he wouldn't have the operation if Portia didn't feel it was a good idea. Later, when the doctor returned, Curtis had decided to call off the surgery. Portia interjected that she and Curtis had decided to go through with the operation.

In the waiting area of the hospital, Stella expressed hesitation over Curtis undergoing an experimental surgery. Marshall grew visibly angry, and he snapped at Stella for being unsupportive. T.J. approached Marshall and asked Marshall what was bothering him. Marshall admitted that he was terrified that something could go wrong during the surgery. T.J. reassured Marshall that things would be fine.

Nearby, Trina told Stella about her plans to go to Paris to study at the Sorbonne. Trina was surprised when Stella told her to carry through with her plans. Stella assured Trina that Curtis would be fine with having Stella, T.J., Marshall, Portia, and others to lean on. "We got this, girl. You better go to Paris and have a wonderful, life-changing experience," Stella gushed as she hugged a relieved Trina, who smiled.

Marshall approached Stella to apologize for being out of line earlier. Stella accepted Marshall's apology, and they began to smile. A short while later, Curtis was wheeled on a hospital bed toward the elevators. Trina, T.J., Stella, Marshall, and Portia gave encouragement to Curtis as they joined one another in an emotional moment. Portia and Curtis said that they loved one another before Curtis was wheeled onto the elevator.

At the Invader, Alexis flashed back to having kissed Gregory on New Year's Eve. Gregory entered, and he said that the kiss was all he'd been able to think about. Gregory surprised Alexis when he apologized for kissing her in the thrill of the moment. Alexis noted that she had reciprocated the kiss. Gregory asked Alexis to be his "constant" and friend. Alexis said she would always be a friend to Gregory.

Family and friends gather to say goodbye to Bobbie Spencer

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

by Elisabeth

At General Hospital, Laura's eyes brimmed with tears as she looked at a photograph of Bobbie on the memorial wall. She kissed the tips of her fingers and gently touched the frame of Bobbie's photograph just as Spencer walked up. Overcome with emotion, Laura hugged her grandson tight.

At Harborview Towers, Sam and Dante exited their penthouse and joined a solemn-faced Sonny at the elevator. They exchanged quiet greetings and entered the elevator together.

At Maxie's house, Maxie was getting James ready to help Cody out at the stables when Felicia and Anna arrived to pick her up for Bobbie's funeral. Everyone was somber as they exchanged hugs.

Meanwhile, Josslyn opened the door to her mother's home and greeted a grief-stricken Lucas, who revealed that he had arrived in town just an hour earlier. After he exchanged hugs with both his niece and his nephew, Michael offered his condolences to his uncle.

In the master bedroom, Carly sat at her vanity and looked at a photograph of Bobbie that had been taken at the Nurses Ball. Carly's expression filled with sadness, and her eyes welled up with tears as she set the photograph down and picked up a necklace to finish getting ready for her mother's funeral. A short time later, Carly entered the living room, where Drew was waiting. Just then, Lucas, Michael, and Josslyn entered from the foyer, and Carly ran over to greet her brother with a hug.

"How are we going to do this?" Carly asked. "I don't know, but we will," Lucas replied. When Carly's phone rang, Carly excused herself and answered it. It was Elizabeth.

In Kelly's courtyard, Elizabeth was surprised when Carly walked up. Elizabeth held two broken pieces of Kelly's iconic sign as she explained that the overnight storm had knocked the sign down. Carly was brokenhearted because the hand-painted sign had been commissioned by Aunt Ruby decades earlier. Elizabeth assured Carly she need not worry because Elizabeth would take care of everything. Carly was touched when Elizabeth offered to paint a new sign. "Kelly's means so much to this community -- just like Bobbie did. Just like she always will," Elizabeth said.

Later, Carly arrived at All Saints Chapel, where Drew, Michael, Josslyn, and Lucas were gathered in the entrance. She apologized for keeping everyone waiting, but Michael was more concerned about Carly and how she'd been holding up. "I'm taking it minute by minute," she admitted. Lucas told her to take it second by second, if necessary; it was what he did. Grateful, she told her brother that it was good to see him. Lucas smiled because it wasn't the first time that she had told him that.

Everyone walked into the church, where a large photograph of Bobbie was displayed on an easel stand. White candles were lit throughout the church as guests began to trickle in. After Carly greeted Sonny, Dante, and Sam, Dante told Carly that he had always thought highly of her mother because Bobbie had been an incredible person. Sonny waited until Dante and Sam walked away to speak privately to Carly. He told her that he had loved Bobbie and would miss her.

When Laura arrived, both Carly and Lucas greeted her. Carly thanked Laura for agreeing to give Bobbie's eulogy, but Laura insisted that Bobbie had been like a sister to her. Nearby, Spencer and Trina offered Josslyn their condolences. Trina hugged her friend, while Spencer acknowledged that Bobbie had always been good to him. Josslyn agreed that her grandmother had been good to everyone -- unless someone had gotten on Bobbie's bad side.

A short time later, Tracy approached Carly. Tracy became choked up with emotion as she admitted that Bobbie had been a force to be reckoned with. Carly thanked Tracy for being with Bobbie when Bobbie had flown to Amsterdam to settle Luke's affairs. Tracy confessed that she had admired Bobbie immensely because Bobbie had been loyal to those she had loved -- especially Luke.

After Tracy walked away, she spotted Lucy by the entrance. Tracy made a beeline for her, but Lucy warned Tracy that she had no intention of arguing with Tracy. Tracy explained that she had approached Lucy to suggest that they call a truce for the day out of respect for Bobbie. Lucy agreed, and she mentioned that Bobbie had been Luke's "ride-or-die." Tracy conceded that the same had been true for Luke.

Maxie, Felicia, and Anna entered the church and stopped when they saw a large picture board with snapshots of Bobbie's life. Felicia tearfully suggested that Bobbie was with B.J. and Tony. Maxie admitted that she had vivid memories of her uncle Tony after the heart transplant, but she knew they couldn't be real because she'd been unconscious. Felicia and Anna wanted to hear more about Maxie's memories, so Maxie revealed that she recalled her uncle resting his head on her chest to hear B.J.'s heart beating inside of her. To Maxie's surprise, Felicia confirmed that it had happened, and she told her daughter that the memory was a blessing.

When Maxie, Felicia, and Anna continued in, Maxie spotted a stranger in the crowd. The young woman was focused on her phone. Meanwhile, Willow greeted Michael and apologized for running late. Willow explained that Monica had been under the weather, and it had taken some cajoling to persuade Monica to stay home.

Nearby, Alexis lit a candle as she and Kristina remembered Bobbie and how Bobbie had been a source of strength and support when Kristina had been recovering from an abusive relationship with Kiefer Bauer. Alexis recalled a particular conversation that she'd had with Bobbie when Bobbie had opened up about surviving both an abusive father and an abusive husband.

Elsewhere in the church, Laura checked on Scott, but he confessed that he had no idea what to say about Bobbie when it was his turn to speak. After everyone took their seats, Maxie saw the mystery woman seated at the back of the church. Maxie asked if Anna recognized the woman, but Anna had no idea who the woman was. Anna reminded Maxie that Bobbie had touched too many lives to count, so the woman might have been one of Bobbie's patients.

Moments later, everyone stood as Bobbie's casket was carried to the front of the church by Lucas, Michael, Felix, Spencer, Kevin, and Drew. Carly's eyes filled with fresh tears as she watched. After the priest opened with a prayer, Laura stood to speak. Laura admitted that she and Bobbie had been more than sisters-in-law; they'd been friends. Laura recalled Bobbie always leading with her heart, being unfailingly positive, and having a knack for seeing the good in everyone.

Scott was the next to speak, but he admitted that he was at a loss for words. "How do you memorialize someone as complicated as Bobbie?" he asked. Scott reminded everyone of Bobbie's eclectic group of friends, which included an Aztec princess and fitness guru Richard Simmons. Scott talked about Bobbie's kindness and generosity, and he conceded that he had only recently realized that he and Bobbie had been meant to be the best of friends, even though he had loved her.

Elizabeth followed Scott, and she acknowledged that it hadn't been a secret that Bobbie had grown up with a lot of trauma, yet it had never broken Bobbie's spirit or held her back. Elizabeth explained that Bobbie had harnessed her past and turned it into strength, wisdom, and healing because that was who Bobbie was. "She was a healer," Elizabeth said. Elizabeth shared that Bobbie had helped her through many difficult times, and she had always been the first person to help, so Elizabeth hoped to honor that legacy and make Bobbie proud.

Finally, Carly thanked everyone for attending her mother's funeral. She held back tears as she talked about her rocky relationship with Bobbie and how she hadn't met her mother until she'd been an adult. Carly assured everyone that Bobbie had been a wonderful mother and that Bobbie had mentored and understood Carly. Carly talked about her mother's acceptance and credited Bobbie with teaching her to open her own heart. Carly admitted that she had been a mess when she had first arrived in Port Charles. "I was a schemer and not in a good place," Carly said.

Carly insisted that Bobbie had been one of the two people who had turned things around for Carly because her mother had had a capacity for forgiveness and acceptance. Carly acknowledged that she and her mother had seemed different on the surface, but in truth, they had been very much alike. "I love you, Bobbie Jean Spencer. The world's a very different place without you," Carly concluded.

As people began to file out of the church, Maxie approached the mystery woman to find out how she had known Bobbie. The woman introduced herself as Angela Brighton, a reporter from "AP" who had been writing a story about Bobbie.

Meanwhile, Lucas stopped to light a candle for his mother. Felix walked up to greet Lucas and offer his condolences. After they exchanged a hug, Felix shared his memories of Bobbie from the Nurses Ball. Felix recalled that Bobbie had always looked on the bright side of everything, even when things had gone awry. Touched, Lucas thanked Felix for sharing his memories.

Nearby, Felicia told Carly that the service had been beautiful. Carly thanked Felicia for attending and for having been a great friend to Bobbie. As they talked, Maxie and Angela walked up. Maxie revealed that she had something important to tell Carly.

Later, Carly, Felicia, Maxie, and Angela were seated inside Kelly's as Angela revealed how she'd known Bobbie. Angela explained that she'd been working in Amsterdam until recently, and she'd been working on a story with Bobbie because Bobbie had been devoting time to a charity organization. "Your mother was helping young women escape human trafficking," Angela told Carly. Both Carly and Felicia were stunned, and both women had questions.

Angela explained that Bobbie hadn't put herself in the direct line of danger, but she had used her time and resources to help women make their way out of Europe and to the United States for asylum. According to Angela, Bobbie had opened up to Angela about her teenage years as a prostitute. "Bobbie herself was trafficked," Angela said. Carly, Felicia, and Maxie were surprised when Angela revealed that Bobbie had been working with a young woman at the time of her passing. However, Angela didn't have any details as to the woman's fate because Bobbie hadn't revealed the identity of her point person in the organization.

Angela went on to explain that Bobbie had expressed concern about the woman's safety. Overwhelmed by what Angela had told her, Carly excused herself and went outside for fresh air. Felicia soon joined Carly. Carly explained that everything suddenly made sense because she hadn't been able to understand why it had taken her mother so long to settle Luke's affairs. Carly realized that Bobbie had delayed her return home because of her work with the charity. Carly wanted to know what had happened to the young woman, so she decided that it was time to talk to Tracy.

Later, Tracy arrived at Carly's house. Carly explained that she had asked Tracy to stop by because she needed Tracy's help. Carly quickly filled Tracy in about Bobbie's charity work in Amsterdam. Tracy was stunned because she had been completely unaware that Bobbie had been helping women escape human trafficking. Carly and Tracy talked about Bobbie's past with Luke and their Aunt Ruby. Tracy assured Carly that Luke had loved his sister and had always tried to protect her, but Carly questioned that because he had never gone to the police.

Tracy explained that -- in those days -- Bobbie would have been the one who would have gotten in trouble. "They didn't know better then," Tracy said. Carly argued that they should have. Carly was curious if Tracy recalled Bobbie mentioning someone that Bobbie had met. Tracy didn't recall a name, but she remembered that Bobbie had talked about a cabin that Luke had owned in Ontario. Tracy also revealed that Bobbie would often take off on her own, so Tracy had once followed her to a caf down the street from Luke's place. Tracy admitted that Bobbie had gone there quite a bit.

After Tracy left, Carly announced that she was headed to Amsterdam to finish what Bobbie had started by tracking down the young woman that Bobbie had been helping. Josslyn and Drew tried to talk Carly out of it, but Carly's mind was made up.

Outside Kelly's, Felicia remembered talking to Bobbie after learning that Bobbie and Tony had donated their daughter's heart to Maxie. Just then, Maxie and Angela walked out to check on Felicia. Felicia pushed the memory away and tearfully told them that she hoped that Bobbie knew how much she had meant to Felicia and that Felicia would have done anything for Bobbie. "I'm sure she did," Angela said. "I know she did," Maxie added. After Felica decided to walk home, Maxie and Angela returned to their table in Kelly's.

Maxie and Angela talked about Angela's story on Bobbie, and Maxie offered to set up interviews with a few of Bobbie's friends. Angela was grateful for Maxie's help and agreed to meet Maxie at Kelly's in the morning.

Meanwhile, Carly left her house, but she stopped short when Felica called out and walked up dragging a suitcase behind her. Felicia explained that Drew had called to let her know about Carly's plans. Carly was surprised when Felicia asked to accompany Carly to Amsterdam. Felicia was relieved when Carly agreed.

Port Charles residents share their memories of Bobbie Spencer

Thursday, January 11, 2024

by Steve Holley

At the hospital, Robert joined Anna in front of the memorial shrine honoring past doctors and nurses at General Hospital. "Hardly seems right, does it? You know, I always thought Bobbie would outlive all of us," Robert said. Anna agreed. "This year, we've had to say goodbye to people who were there for our daughter when we couldn't be, you know? It just doesn't seem fair," Anna said. Robert and Anna put their arms around one another as they stared at a photo of Bobbie.

At a caf in Amsterdam, Felicia and Carly waited to hear from a contact that had known Bobbie from her work at the rescue organization. Felicia encouraged Carly to be patient, and she reasoned that the contact would join them shortly. As two people stood nearby, Felicia whispered to Carly. "I think we might have just found your mom's contact," Felicia said.

Carly spotted a woman with curly red hair. After some hesitation, the woman admitted that she was in charge of the organization where Bobbie had been volunteering. The lady said that Bobbie had wanted to do more to help stop human trafficking after reading about a trafficking sting in the months before her death. "She opened up to me about her own past, how it was something she was still processing. Bobbie wanted to do more to help," the redheaded lady said.

The lady added that she was part of a group who helped shelter young people that had managed to escape human trafficking. Carly said that a reporter that had been working with Bobbie had told Carly that Bobbie had been helping a young woman. The lady said she was surprised that Bobbie would have shared that information because "secrecy is key in our organization." Felicia asked if the lady knew anything about the young woman that Bobbie had been helping. "Yes, her name was Cornelia. Bobbie got close to her. We were concerned that the people she was running from would find her in Amsterdam," the redheaded lady said.

The lady revealed that she had arranged for Cornelia to board a freighter to Canada. She assumed that Bobbie had successfully secured entrance for Cornelia into America. Carly noted that Bobbie had passed away in Amsterdam. Carly and Felicia deduced that Cornelia was still waiting for Bobbie in Canada and that Cornelia had never received word of Bobbie's passing.

Felicia said that the news meant that Bobbie had never officially secured asylum for Cornelia. Felicia phoned Anna to ask if Anna and Robert had any contacts at the State Department that could help someone seeking asylum in America. Felicia told Anna and Robert the story of Bobbie's efforts to help Cornelia. Robert agreed to make some calls on Felicia's behalf. Felicia thanked Robert.

Carly worried that she and Felicia might never find Cornelia. The redheaded lady said that, for Cornelia's safety, the only person who would have known where Cornelia was stationed was Bobbie. When the lady mentioned a wooded cabin in Canada, Carly had a realization, and she said that she knew where Cornelia was.

Later that night, in a car traveling on the roads of Ontario, Canada, Felicia confirmed that she and Carly were headed to Luke's old cabin in the woods. As Felicia and Carly spoke, Carly wondered aloud why she and Felicia had never spent much time together, given that Felicia and Bobbie had been close friends. Felicia didn't respond. Just then, Carly yelled for Felicia to look out as the car began to swerve.

Felicia and Carly stepped out of the vehicle after Felicia swerved to avoid hitting a moose that had wandered into the road. Felicia observed that Carly had a noticeable gash on her forehead. When Carly said that she would be fine, Felicia asked for Carly's help in changing a flat tire. As they changed the tire, Felicia said there was a reason that she and Carly had never grown close. Felicia recalled having been in Port Charles when Carly had first arrived in town in 1996.

Felicia added that Carly had destroyed Bobbie's life at the time. "And not for nothing, but Tony was my family, too. So, you didn't just break up a marriage. It was two people that I considered to be my home base... When Bobbie was so distraught about the affair you had with Tony, it was my shoulder that she cried on. And it was really hard for me to watch my friend have her heart shattered," Felicia said.

Felicia admitted that she had felt resentment toward Carly, and she said that it had been hard to let go because she'd always had a protective streak. Felicia then apologized to Carly, who said that she wasn't "blameless." Carly added that she had also judged Felicia for having left Port Charles when Maxie had been young. Felicia said that she and Carly should forgive one another, and they both began to smile.

A short while later, Felicia and Carly arrived at the cabin in the woods. Carly asked Cornelia to open the door, and she called out that she and Felicia were friends. After opening the door, Cornelia ran at Carly and Felicia with a shovel. Carly pleaded with Cornelia to drop the shovel. Carly tried to assure Cornelia that she was safe. When Cornelia spotted Bobbie's necklace on Carly, Carly told Cornelia that Bobbie was her mother. Carly then showed Cornelia a photo of her and Bobbie together.

Cornelia began to cry, and she said that she didn't understand why Bobbie hadn't met her at the cabin. Carly told Cornelia that Bobbie had died. Cornelia slowly dropped the shovel, and she buried her head in Carly's arms as the two hugged. Felicia then phoned Anna at the hospital. "You know the favor that you and Robert called in? I think we're ready for it now," Felicia said.

At Kelly's Diner, Angela joined Maxie, who quipped that she had started to feel she had "dreamt up" Angela. Maxie said that many of Bobbie's friends would join Angela at the diner throughout the day to share their stories of Bobbie for Angela's story in the Associated Press. Laura was the first to join Angela and Maxie.

Angela said that she wanted to write about "all of Bobbie." Laura recalled that she and Bobbie had had some rough patches, especially early on in their acquaintanceship. Angela asked why. "Oh, it's really the oldest story in the world. We were fighting over a boy," Laura reminisced.

Laura flashed back to having gone to Scott's room after her talk with Bryan Phillips many years earlier -- only to find Bobbie taunting that Scott had turned to Bobbie for comfort. "I would invite you in, honey, but considering what Scotty and I have in mind for tonight, three is definitely a crowd," Bobbie had gloated. Laura said that Bobbie had always said what was on her mind.

Laura's voice softened when she said that she wished there were more people like Bobbie. Laura said that Bobbie had been able to listen with a sympathetic ear while also providing a reality check. Laura then flashed back to Bobbie strongly encouraging Laura to tell Luke that Laura was pregnant with Nikolas years earlier. "Why do you always wait until the house is burning down before you call 9-1-1?" Bobbie said in the flashback. Laura smiled when she said that Bobbie had never been afraid to be honest with her. "I loved her for that," Laura added.

Lucas then joined Angela and Maxie. Lucas recalled that Bobbie had eventually warmed toward calling him "Champ" after she'd heard Tony use the nickname. Lucas added that B.J. had started calling him "Champ" and had done so until B.J. had died in 1994. "My mom was a very principled and strong-willed person. She had no problem standing up for what she believed in or for her family," Lucas said.

Lucas flashed back to Bobbie having warned that she would "bitch-slap" Tracy "all the way to the Canadian border" many years earlier. "Guess that makes my mom the champ. She was always the one you wanted fighting in your corner," Lucas said.

Michael and Willow followed Lucas. They said that Bobbie had blessed their wedding. Scott and Lucy followed, and Scott said fondly that Bobbie had never taken any guff from him. "Not her bosses, not anybody that looked down at her... and she certainly didn't take it from me," Scott said.

Scott flashed back to Bobbie having confronted him for his role in the Meditech scandal at the hospital many years earlier. In the flashback, Bobbie yelled for Scott to never touch her again. "Bobbie, she did mellow over the years, but she ended up being the best -- best damn nurse at General Hospital. However, she could still throw words around," Scott said. "Oh, I can attest to that," Lucy quipped.

Lucy flashed back to having confronted Bobbie for getting involved with Scott again in 2014 after Noah Drake had broken up with Bobbie. In the flashback, Lucy recalled Bobbie saying that Lucy's marriage to Kevin was over. "So, this, Lucy, is karma," Bobbie had said. Angela said that it sounded as if Lucy and Bobbie were "the original frenemies."

Lucy agreed with Angela's assessment, and she said that Bobbie's daughter B.J. had been very special to her. "You know, I've heard it said that if you want a true test of someone's character, it's not in taking stock of their friends. It's taking stock of their rivals. So, if I have walked through this life with Bobbie Spencer as my worthy adversary, then I guess I am one very lucky woman," Lucy said as she fought back tears.

Next, Elizabeth joined Angela to talk about her memories of Bobbie. Elizabeth recalled that she had been raped on Valentine's Day 1998. "And Bobbie came to me and took care of me because that's who she was. Kind and compassionate and always ready to offer her empathy," Elizabeth said.

Elizabeth said that Cameron, Aiden, and Jake didn't know about the rape, and she asked if Angela would keep the details hidden. Angela agreed. Elizabeth recalled that Audrey hadn't known how to "deal" with Elizabeth's rape. Elizabeth flashed back to Bobbie caring for her on the night of the attack.

"When a woman has been raped, she needs very special, very specific attention paid to her feelings, because she's been traumatized. And her body, because she may have been hurt. That's the most important thing. I came prepared for any eventuality because I promised my nephew that I would take good care of you," Elizabeth recalled Bobbie saying.

Elizabeth said that Bobbie had never made her feel ashamed. Elizabeth added that she was glad that Bobbie had been there to help. "She was the one who told me, even though I had survived something traumatic, that I was the one in charge of how I let that define me. And she offered me love and support, and it inspired me to send that love back out into the world by helping others," Elizabeth said.

Elizabeth continued. "When I was younger, I thought I was going to be a painter because I loved to paint. I still love to paint, but my true passion became healing others -- just like it was Bobbie's. I never take for granted, walking across GH's tenth floor, that I'm walking in her footsteps," Elizabeth said.

After Elizabeth finished, Maxie escorted Angela out of the diner as night descended over Port Charles. Angela said that it had been great getting to know Maxie, who said that she hoped Angela would stay in town for a while longer. "I think we have a lot in common," Maxie said. "My bosses said I could only stay in Port Charles for so long. But I promise you, you'll be seeing me around," Angela said with a smile.

As Angela turned to leave, Maxie's phone rang. Nearby, Angela stopped, and she turned to look back at Maxie. Maxie saw that the call was from Felicia, and she called out for Angela to wait. When Maxie turned around, Angela had vanished.

A short while later, Felicia and Carly arrived at General Hospital. Maxie was relieved to see Felicia, and she threw her arounds around her mother. Elizabeth noted the gash on Carly's forehead, and she escorted her to an exam room. In the exam room, Elizabeth revealed that Robert and Anna had told her about Carly and Felicia's adventure.

Elizabeth was happy to learn that Carly and Felicia had helped Cornelia, and she said that Bobbie would be proud of them. After tending to Carly, Elizabeth announced that Carly was free to go. As she prepared to leave, Carly recalled that Elizabeth had offered to paint a new sign to hang above Kelly's. Elizabeth said that the offer still stood. "I have something else in mind," Carly said as she seemed struck by an idea.

The following morning, Felicia awoke in Maxie's house. Maxie said that she had misplaced Angela's business card. Maxie added that she wanted to contact Angela with the news that Felicia and Carly had found the woman Bobbie had been helping. Felicia suggested that Maxie do an online search for Angela. "I did that already. There's no mention of her online anywhere," a confused Maxie said. Felicia agreed to try to track down Angela, and she stepped outside.

Outside the house, Felicia phoned the Associated Press office in Amsterdam to ask if she could send a message to a reporter named Angela Brighton. Felicia was surprised by what she heard next. "I'm sorry, ma'am. I've been here for years, and nobody by that name has ever worked here," a woman's voice told Felicia.

At Kelly's Diner, Carly stood next to Laura, Elizabeth, and Lucas as she held a new, green sign that Elizabeth had painted. Laura, Carly, and Lucas agreed that the sign was perfect. "This place has always been a comfort to everyone and a safe haven for anyone who needs it. And now that (Bobbie's) gone, people need to know that that's still true," Carly said as her voice filled with emotion.

Lucas told Carly that he had a flight to catch and needed to leave. Carly and Lucas wrapped their arms around one another, and they said that they loved each other. As Lucas stepped outside the diner, he encountered Angela standing nearby. "You know, people are looking for you. Your tip helped my sister and Felicia save the day," Lucas said.

"I would love to celebrate with them, but I've got to go back home," Angela said softly. Lucas thanked Angela for everything she had done. "Anytime... Champ," Angela said after Lucas had turned his back. When Lucas looked back, Angela had vanished. Lucas continued to stare as he looked in the direction where Angela had been standing.

At the same time, back at Maxie's house, Felicia flashed back to having held B.J. in her arms many years earlier. Felicia then burst into tears. "Oh! Oh, my God. Brighton was Barbara Jean," Felicia realized. At the same time, Maxie wondered how Angela couldn't have any online presence. As Maxie stood up, she placed her hand over her chest. "B.J.'s heart," Maxie realized as her breath grew heavy. Felicia and Maxie began to sob in one another's arms. Maxie placed her hand across her chest before Felicia also added her hand to Maxie's chest.

Back at the diner, Laura asked if Carly would like some company. Carly thanked Laura, but she said that she wanted some time by herself. Laura and Elizabeth left together. Alone in the diner afterwards, Carly spoke aloud. "Oh, Mom. You lived such an incredible life. And you're an amazing woman. I hope I brought you some peace... because that's what you gave me. And everyone else," Carly said as she placed her hand on Bobbie's necklace.

Carly flashed back to telling Bobbie that she was grateful for the relationship they had developed through the years. A montage of flashbacks of Bobbie appeared on screen, including Bobbie kissing B.J. on the forehead as she prepared to say her goodbyes to B.J., as well as some of her many romantic adventures with Scott.

After the montage ended, Carly stepped outside the diner, and she smiled proudly when she took another look at the new sign that Elizabeth had painted. As Carly headed back inside the diner, the new sign over the diner was revealed. "Bobbie's," the green sign read.

Sonny orders Dex to kill Cyrus

Friday, January 12, 2024

by Steve Holley

At the Jerome Gallery, Nikolas caught Ava by surprise when he stepped out from around a corner. Ava informed Nikolas that Esme was in jail and that Esme's hearing was scheduled for that day. "I wish I could bring popcorn," Ava smirked. When Nikolas and Ava heard footsteps, Nikolas hid behind a wall as Nina appeared.

Ava asked how Sonny had learned that Nina had tipped off the SEC over the fact that Drew and Carly had committed insider trading. Ava added that Sonny was "downright dangerous" when he felt betrayed. Nina worried that Sonny hated her. Ava disagreed, but she said that Sonny went to dark places when he felt hurt.

Nina was stunned to learn that Sonny had viciously attacked Cyrus. Ava told Nina that Sonny was facing assault charges, and she added that Cyrus wouldn't drop his vendetta against Sonny. Ava noted that the PCPD had been trying to take Sonny down for years. "They're not gonna miss this chance," Ava surmised.

Nina blamed herself for Sonny's predicament. Nina said that she had to try to help Sonny, and she left. Afterwards, Nikolas reappeared. Ava said that Nikolas wouldn't have to worry about Ace being cared for once Esme was behind bars. "Then I guess this is goodbye," Nikolas said, to Ava's surprise.

Nikolas noted that he was a wanted man, and he said that he believed it was too soon for him to make amends with Spencer, Laura, and others. Nikolas added that he felt he no longer had a "place" in Port Charles. Ava seemed sad, and she approached Nikolas when he'd turned to leave. "I'm really glad I didn't kill you," Ava said with a faint smile. "You say the sweetest things," Nikolas said with a smile. Nikolas and Ava told one another to take care, and he left.

In the interrogation room at the Port Charles Police Station, Spencer visited Esme, who rambled about Ace. Spencer asked why Esme had jeopardized Ace's care by breaking into Wyndemere. Spencer deduced that Esme had gone to the mansion in search of regaining her memories.

Esme scoffed at the notion, and she said she had no desire to be "the most hated person in Port Charles again." Spencer noted that "the old Esme" had had a similar "persecution complex." Esme changed the subject by asking Spencer to bring Ace to the courthouse. Spencer agreed.

Esme huffed that Ava couldn't let things go. Spencer reminded Esme that she had broken into Ava's home, and he added that actions had consequences. "Yeah, says the person who's skirted consequences his entire life," Esme spat. Spencer's ears perked up. "Wait. You remember, don't you?" Spencer asked a nervous Esme.

Esme denied that she had regained her memories, and she claimed that her comments about Spencer were based on things she'd learned about the past from Laura and Kevin. A guard appeared, and he told Esme that he was ready to take her to get dressed for court. On her way out, Esme thanked Spencer for having visited. "I really need you on my side, Spence," Esme said as she left.

Immediately after Esme left, Spencer flashed back to having an argument with Esme at Wyndemere in 2022. Spencer recalled Esme having referred to him as "Spence." "Spence," Spencer repeated aloud with a knowing look on his face.

At Laura and Kevin's penthouse a short while later, Spencer flashed back to another occasion where Esme had referred to him as "Spence." "She was lying. She remembers everything," Spencer said to himself. Just then, Spencer heard a knock at the door. Spencer was taken aback when he opened the door to Nikolas.

In Curtis' room at the hospital, Curtis awoke from his operation. Portia said that Curtis had pulled through "with flying colors." Stella and Trina joined Curtis and Portia. Trina told Curtis that she had been accepted to Sorbonne University in Paris for the spring semester. Curtis, Portia, and Stella all encouraged Trina to take advantage of the opportunity.

When Trina expressed reservation, Curtis asked to speak to Trina in private. After Portia and Stella left the room, Curtis insisted that Trina go to Paris. He was less than thrilled when he learned that Spencer planned to accompany Trina. Curtis said that Paris should be about Trina and the woman she wanted to become, and he added that Spencer would still be in Port Charles when Trina returned.

When Portia and Stella reentered, Curtis encouraged Trina to attend Esme's hearing. Curtis said that he was glad that Ava had pressed charges against Esme. Trina said that she still didn't trust Esme. After Trina left, Portia and Curtis agreed that they didn't like the idea of Trina going to Paris with Spencer.

At the dorm room, Josslyn second-guessed herself for having informed the dorm's resident advisor about Adam being drunk on New Year's Eve. Josslyn wondered if she had done the right thing, and she said she had only wanted to help. When Adam knocked on the door, Josslyn welcomed him inside. Josslyn said that she had asked someone for help with Adam. When Josslyn opened the door to Kiley, the resident advisor, Adam called Josslyn a "snitch."

Adam yelled at Josslyn for having involved Kiley, who said that she had spoken to the campus' health services to arrange for Adam to speak to a counselor. Josslyn encouraged Adam to talk to the counselor, and she even offered to go with him to the appointment. A furious Adam told Josslyn that his problems were none of her business, and he stormed out after yelling at Josslyn to leave him alone.

At Cafe Chrie, Robert and Diane talked about Sonny's assault case. Robert gloated that he had DNA evidence to send Sonny to prison. Diane said that Robert wasn't the first public servant to be giddy at the thought of taking Sonny down. Diane offered that Sonny would be a more appealing figure to a jury than Cyrus.

Robert noted the irony of Cyrus having been beaten "within an inch of his life" in a church after Cyrus had claimed to find religion. Robert admitted that he wanted to take down Sonny, and he asked what Diane would do if she lost Sonny as a client. Diane quipped that, whatever she did, she wouldn't be busy with Robert. Diane left.

At Sonny's office at Pozzulo's, Sonny said that he needed Dex to do something important for him. "And, uh, once you do this for me, there's no looking back," Sonny said cryptically. Sonny then said that he wanted Dex to scare Cyrus "to death." Sonny added that Dex had proven his loyalty and that there was one final step Dex had to take. "You do this for me, you'll be with us for life. We'll be with you. We'll always have your back. Won't ever have to ask for anything. I'll always be there for you. Cyrus is an old man! Nobody's gonna be surprised when his heart gives out on him," Sonny said.

When Dex seemed hesitant, Sonny told Dex to speak his mind. Dex said that killing Cyrus wouldn't necessarily erase the assault charges against Sonny. Sonny said that Robert's case would fall apart if Cyrus was no longer there, and he added that there had been no witnesses or cameras when he had attacked Cyrus. "I want to send a message. Nobody crosses Sonny Corinthos. I want people to remember that," Sonny whispered angrily.

Sonny surmised that Dex still had reservations about following through with Sonny's order. "Disappointing. If I can't ask you to do something for me, that means you don't trust me, which means that I can't rely on you. I've told you from the beginning... that I need loyal men by my side. Are you loyal... or not?!" Sonny demanded.

Dex swore that he was loyal to Sonny, and he said that his loyalty included protecting Sonny's interests and speaking up when he saw potential problems. Sonny said that he heard what Dex was saying. "But this is something you need to know. I'm going to make this happen, and I thought that you were up to the job. And it's just a shame that you're gonna fall short of my expectations... So, let's just erase any doubts that we have here. Are you with me?" Sonny asked as he leaned in close to Dex.

Dex agreed that Cyrus was dangerous. Sonny said he had no doubt that Cyrus would target the people closest to him, including Josslyn. "When do you want me to do it?" Dex asked. "Immediately. Cyrus is weak, and he's exposed. Anything can happen in a hospital," Sonny said. "Okay. How do we make it happen?" Dex asked.

A short while later, Sonny stared at papers as he sat at his desk. Sonny reached for a pen as he turned a portrait of Nina on his desk facedown. When Frank entered, Sonny said that he believed he had everything under control.

At the same time, Dex stood at the hospital, where he phoned Josslyn. "No matter what happens to us, I love you, and I always will," Dex said in a voice message. Dex received a text from an unknown number. "Room 1002," the text read. As Dex began to approach the nurses' station, he froze when he saw Nina. Nina asked a nurse what room Cyrus was in.