Marshall arrived at the hospital and handed a bouquet to Epiphany for sharing her voice with everyone the night before. He peppered her with compliments and said he had a proposition for her. She was visibly confused when he asked her to join his band. He explained that he and the other musicians from the night before had started a band, and they wanted her to be their lead singer. She coldly replied that she didn't have much time outside of work.
Marshall realized that Epiphany had thought that he was going to ask her out. He admitted that he didn't date, he hadn't in a long time, and he wasn't any good at it. However, he clarified that, "If I were to ask out a virtual stranger, I doubt I could aim higher than you." He invited Epiphany, who was in a better mood, to join in on a jam session, and she informed him that it would depend on her schedule.
Chase, Drew, and Curtis, all covered in sweat, moaned and groaned about how difficult the hot yoga class they'd just taken had been. As they gathered their things and left the gym classroom, Maxie and Lucy arrived for the next class. Maxie asked Chase about "Bailey," and he invited her to the Quartermaine mansion to visit.
When Chase was gone, Maxie chattered on to Lucy about work and Sasha, but Lucy wasn't listening. She thought back to the time she'd spent with Martin the previous day and moaned Martin's name. Maxie heard it and demanded that Lucy tell her about it. Maxie was excited for Lucy, and they continued to whisper about it as class started. After being scolded by the teacher, Maxie invited Lucy out for coffee and a chat, so the two left the class.
Curtis and Drew sat down at the café, and Curtis asked how Drew's homecoming was going. Drew replied that he needed to be productive and do something with his life. He continued that he'd been thinking about Curtis' "Marshall project," and he'd thought of a way to look for the man Marshall had pretended to be before arriving in Port Charles. He thought that if he offered Marshall a job too good to pass up, Marshall would need to provide a Social Security number or reference of some kind. He believed that, even if the given information was fake, it was still somewhere to start. Curtis didn't know what kind of job it would be, as Marshall only seemed to do music. Drew replied that music was something his family knew about.
Brook Lynn woke up and saw a sweaty Chase in her bedroom. "Is this hot enough for you?" he asked, and Brook Lynn snapped out of the steamy dream. "I've been single for way too long," she decided. She made her way downstairs, and Ned couldn't remember the last time she'd slept in so late. She replied that she'd been up late with "Bailey," and then she'd tossed and turned all night. She reminded him that he had an appointment with Olivia for Leo's doctor, but he insisted that he could make time for his daughter and her mess of a life.
Brook Lynn wondered if she could go just one week without Ned "coming down on me," and she reminded him that his life was a mess, as well. Ned agreed and kicked himself for not setting a good example for her. He figured that, while he was working things out with Olivia, she needed to think about her situation with Chase so that Chase didn't hold "Bailey" over her head like Valentin had. Just then, they heard Chase clear his throat from the doorway.
Brook Lynn chided Ned for comparing Chase to a Cassadine, but Ned acknowledged that children could show the best and worst sides of people. He advised them to sit down with lawyers so there was less conflict. When he left, Brook Lynn apologized on behalf of her father, but Chase thought that Ned was being smart. He vowed to do whatever it took to keep up appearances, and he added that he would give her whatever space she needed.
At the Metro Court restaurant, Laura sat down with Martin, and he wondered if Laura was going to warn him off Lucy. She clarified that she had no "sisterly advice" for him, and she needed to focus on being a grandmother. When she was gone, Valentin arrived and sat down with Martin. He congratulated Martin on still being alive, and Martin offered his condolences for "Bailey." Valentin wanted to make Brook Lynn pay, so Martin offered to think of ways to "even the score." Victor arrived at the restaurant, and Valentin commented that he had other matters on his plate.
"I don't think so," Anna said as she stopped Victor in his tracks, and the two walked off to talk. Observing the interaction, Martin wondered whether he should be more concerned for Victor or Anna, and Valentin answered, "Victor, definitely." Getting back to business, Valentin wanted to find some "wiggle room" in Mikkos' will, since he actually was a Cassadine, and Martin promised to look into it. He told Valentin about Lucy, and Valentin wasn't happy to hear about it. Valentin thought it was a conflict of interest, so he demanded that Martin choose between Lucy and having Valentin as a client.
Outside the restaurant, Victor asked about Anna's relationship with Valentin, but she answered that it was "none of your damn business." She advised Victor that she'd been following him, and she would continue to be his shadow while he was in town. He acknowledged that her "no-nonsense reputation" was well-earned, but he'd made a deal with the WSB. She informed him that she wasn't beholden to that deal, so she instructed him to behave himself, and she walked away.
At Kelly's, Esme was dismayed that Spencer had a hard time getting excited for his and Esme's trip, as his life would be over when the trip was. Laura arrived, and Spencer poured her a cup of coffee. "Let me have it," Spencer said, expecting her to hate him like Nikolas did. She insisted that she could never hate him, but she needed him to recognize how horrible his actions had been. Esme admitted that she'd helped Spencer when she should have set him straight.
Spencer insisted that he'd learned his lesson, but Laura wasn't so sure, since Spencer was so close to Victor. She instructed that his only job was to make amends. Spencer had to get back to work, so he walked away. Esme assured Laura that there were plenty of people to help keep Spencer "on the straight and narrow" once he got out of Spring Ridge. "Like one big, happy family!" she exclaimed, and she hugged a startled Laura.
As Willow took the oath on the stand, Carly wondered what Scott was trying to pull. Sonny replied that Scott was trying to destroy the district attorney's credibility. Carly thought that Willow would be fine, and Michael replied that Scott wouldn't be once Michael was through with him. Through questioning, Richard learned from Willow that she didn't know much about Michael's donation or their conversations around it. Richard was done questioning Willow, so Scott got up for his turn.
Scott asked more about possible quid pro quo between Michael and Richard, and he reminded her that there was a penalty for perjury. Without getting any new information, Scott wondered if Sonny saw himself as a victim at all. "To my knowledge, Sonny is no one's victim," Willow answered. Scott questioned if there was a reason, other than moving on with his life, that Sonny wouldn't file charges against Nina himself. Nina pleaded with Scott to stop the line of questioning, but he ignored her.
Sensing where the questioning was going, Sonny asked Carly to go out in the hall with him, as he had something to tell her. Carly didn't want to, and she stayed to watch the hearing. After Scott's intense questioning, Willow admitted that she'd overheard a conversation a couple weeks prior between Nina and Sonny in the hospital chapel. She continued that she'd heard Sonny say that disclosure of whatever had happened between him and Nina in Nixon Falls had to "come from me, and it will." Scott inquired what had been between Sonny and Nina. "Love," Willow answered.
At the Quartermaine mansion, Chase shared that Brook Lynn's behavior perplexed him. Sometimes, he said, it seemed like she was happy he was around, while other times, it seemed like he was annoying her and in the way.
Olivia and Ned entered the breakfast nook as they prepared to go to the hospital and hear Leo's test results. Olivia and Ned agreed that they were prepared for whatever news they might receive. Perhaps only partly in jest, Olivia asked Brook Lynn if she was up to the challenges of watching Leo. "You lose a kid once, you can never live it down," Brooke Lynn groaned as she rolled her eyes.
Chase asked Brook Lynn if they could revisit the conversation they had been having before they'd been left to babysit Leo. Brook Lynn reflected on the dream she had had of a shirtless Chase jumping into bed with her. Brook Lynn told Chase that she was not grumpy, just "frustrated." Using action figures that she had bought for Leo as metaphors, Brook Lynn said that everything was in limbo while the "bad guy [was] out of commission." Chase added that if the bad guy were to wake up, he and Brook Lynn might have to play their roles indefinitely.
Brook Lynn admitted that she hoped the "the villain would retire forever, and the city could take down the Bat Signal and Krypton could return to normal." Chase looked quizzically at Brook Lynn and commented that she didn't know much about the "superhero multiverse." Brook Lynn added that if the bad guy did stay out of commission, it would mean that she would have to let go of "Bailey."
Chase vowed to be by Brook Lynn's side for as long as she needed him. Chase brushed aside Brook Lynn's claim that she did not want him to feel obligated. He said that they were friends and that Brook Lynn had seen him at his worst. Brook Lynn countered that she had also seen Chase at his best. "Like the time you saw me N-A-K-E-D?" Chase asked with a broad smile. Leo, who had been seemingly oblivious to the two grownups' conversation, turned around and informed that pair that he could spell. Chase laughed nervously. Brook Lynn told Leo to "W-A-S-H" up for lunch.
Liesl dropped by Britt's office earlier than expected for their planned lunch. Liesl took the opportunity to lay on some motherly guilt over Britt's decision to work on Christmas rather than spending it with her. Britt explained that with Liesl and Scott "joined at the hip," she did not want to be a "third wheel." Liesl said that Britt could also be in love. She motioned to an envelope she had given Britt and said that once Britt opened it, she would never have to be alone again.
Britt opened the envelope and learned that her mother had signed her up for a matchmaking service. It wasn't just any service, Liesl objected. Society Setups, she said, catered to "upwardly mobile professionals." Liesl turned serious as she said that she understood that Britt was hurting. She urged her daughter to use her as proof that love could be found when one least expected it.
Britt repeated her disinterest in finding a new love. Liesl warned Britt that those who tried to take control of their own romantic destiny usually ended up in ein schlamassel, or "a mess." Liesl said that Nina had pinned her hopes on an "unavailable man," and, as a result, Nina's life was unraveling. Britt asked if Liesl knew the man that Nina had fallen in love with. Liesl replied that they both knew the man: Sonny Corinthos.
Things suddenly made more sense to Britt, but she worried about the wrath Nina would face from Carly once the truth got out.
Elsewhere in the hospital, Olivia waited anxiously to speak to the doctor. She choked up as she said that she was not sure how she would handle the news that she might not be able to "provide what [her] child needs."
Dr. Newman approached the couple and asked them to follow him to his office. There, he explained that standard diagnostic tools like blood tests and x-rays could not be used to diagnose developmental disabilities. Based on his time with Leo and the supplemental history that Olivia and Ned had provided, Dr. Newman said that he had determined that Leo was on the autism spectrum.
Ned put his hand on Olivia's knee as she processed the news. Ned asked the doctor what the next steps would be. Dr. Newman said that they would need to discuss the many resources that were available to help Leo. The doctor also suggested that Ned and Olivia take the necessary time to process things.
Dr. Newman told Olivia that she would have to "readjust" her expectations about how Leo would learn and grow to adulthood. He assured her that it was okay to feel emotional about the diagnosis. Olivia started to sob as she shared that she was worried about Leo's life becoming more difficult. The doctor explained that properly diagnosing Leo meant that they would be able to take the appropriate steps to help Leo.
The doctor told Olivia and Ned to think of raising Leo as a road trip, a trip that could have detours along the way. Those detours, he said, could lead to discoveries. Ned asked if those discoveries might involve learning if Leo could ever live independently as an adult. Dr. Newman said that it was definitely possible for Leo to live a fulfilled life. Olivia laughed nervously and put her head on Ned's shoulder.
Out in the corridor, Ned assured Olivia that everything would be okay. Olivia thanked him for pushing through her defenses. Ned told Olivia that it was time to head home and be with their son. Through tears, Olivia mustered a smile and announced that their road trip as a family had just started.
In his new office at the Invader, Shawn told T.J. of his plans "to reboot the Invader as a reputable, credible resource for the inquiring minds." T.J. was thrilled with Shawn's new beginning, saying that nothing could hold Shawn back since the PCPD had cleared Shawn of any wrongdoing in Hayden's shooting.
Shawn asked T.J. why he had skipped out on their plans to watch a football game together. T.J. took a deep breath and sat down in a chair. He told Shawn that Marshall Ashford had shown up in town. Shawn was floored that Marshall was alive. Shawn stated that Curtis had every reason to be leery of Marshall, but he added that T.J. was also free to get to know Marshall.
Marshall unexpectedly showed up in the doorway, asking for directions to the arts and culture department. He claimed he was surprised to see T.J. there. T.J. introduced Marshall and Shawn. Shawn put out his hand, but Marshall announced that he did not plan to shake the hand of the man who was responsible for Thomas' death.
T.J. told Marshall that his reaction was not fair, but Shawn said that he understood it. "You shot my son after you slept with his wife," Marshall snarled. Shawn admitted to having made mistakes, but he argued that Marshall did not have all the facts. "Tommy was not in his right mind," Shawn explained.
Marshall recoiled at Shawn's statement. Shawn assured Marshall that he was not trying to "cast aspersions." Shawn recalled that Tommy had been in crisis, possibly from PTSD, and had pulled a gun on him. Marshall stared off into the distance as he listened to the events that had led up to Tommy's death. "I never thought I'd have to stop him the way I did," Shawn said. T.J. stepped in to say that Tommy's death was not Tommy or Shawn's fault. Marshall agreed. "It's my fault," Marshall said softly.
Marshall said that if he had been around, Tommy might still be alive. He walked out of the office without saying anything else. T.J. apologized to Shawn for the way that Marshall had spoken to him. Shawn said that he understood Marshall's reaction. T.J. expressed his hope that Curtis would let Marshall be a part of their family.
At the café, Curtis asked Stella to help him fill in the blanks about Marshall. He explained that he had seen Marshall playing the clarinet at the hospital and wanted to know more about him. Stella was surprised and noted that Curtis had never asked about his father before -- not even as a child. Curtis said that he had backed off on asking about Marshall because he had always been able to see the hurt in Stella's eyes when Marshall's name had been brought up.
Curtis shared that he and his brother, Tommy, had decided to "go another way" by making up their own stories about their father, stories that had painted their dad as "courageous" and "brave." But Curtis said that meeting his father in person made him realize that his dad was "just a man."
Stella said that what she knew of Marshall was confined to a few years well over several decades prior. She said Marshall had been a very private person who had waited "hand and foot" on Curtis' mother, Irene. She laughed slightly as she told Curtis that Marshall had named his clarinet "Henrietta," and she recalled scolding Marshall for leaving the clarinet case on the kitchen table.
Curtis asked more questions, but Stella told him that he should be asking those questions to Marshall. In between sips of coffee, Curtis said that he had tried. Stella wondered if Curtis had gone about asking his questions in the wrong way. "No one likes to be interrogated," she noted. She urged Curtis to start small and build on that foundation.
In the courtroom in Pennsylvania, Scott asked Willow if she was implying that Sonny and Nina had fallen in love in Nixon Falls. "You'd have to ask them that question," Willow growled at the attorney. Nina closed her eyes as they welled with tears. Carly looked angrily in Sonny's direction as Sonny stared down at the marble floor.
Back in his hotel room, Marshall spoke to someone on the phone about the unfinished business he had left in Port Charles. "The last thing I want to do is set our progress back," Marshall said sternly as he insisted that he was "following protocol." He ended his call abruptly when someone knocked on his door. When he opened the door, he was surprised to find Curtis on the other side.
Sonny grabbed Carly's arm in an attempt to lead her out of the courtroom, but Carly ripped her arm away and declared that she wanted to hear every word. She returned to her seat, with Sonny reluctantly following suit.
Scott continued to grill Willow, asking the witness how she had come to learn of the "love" she said Sonny and Nina had shared. Willow explained that she had heard Nina refer to what she and Sonny shared as "the purest thing she's ever known." Asked if she believed that Sonny reciprocated those feelings, Willow replied that Nina had said "Mike" had felt the same way. She quickly added that those feelings had ended when Sonny had gotten his memory back. Scott noted that Sonny had also decided that Nina was not "legally at fault" for what had transpired in Nixon Falls after he had gotten his memory back. "How telling," Scott said with a chuckle.
Sheridan was given a chance to readdress Willow. He apologized for what she had endured under cross-examination from Scott. Sheridan asked Willow if she had ever spoken to Sonny about the supposed love that he and Nina had shared. Willow said that she had not. Sheridan asked Willow if she believed that Nina's personal feelings for Sonny had led Nina "to fraudulently conceal" Sonny's identity. Scott objected, but the judge said that Scott had opened the door to the line of questioning.
Willow said she could not possibly know what had been in Nina's mind. Sheridan rephrased his question, asking Willow if the man known as "Mike" had been known to be single. Willow, still in shock over how her testimony had gone, confirmed that "Mike" had carried on as if he'd been single.
When her testimony ended, Willow left the witness stand and walked out of the courtroom. Michael took off after her. In the corridor, Willow apologized to Michael for the way that he and his family had found out about Nina and Sonny's relationship in Nixon Falls. Michael asked why Willow had not told him sooner. Willow said that Nina had convinced her to keep quiet because it would protect Michael's family.
Michael angrily told Willow that she had played right into Nina's hands and given Nina exactly what she'd wanted. Willow argued that Nina had seemed to truly want no one to know about the relationship that she had had with Sonny.
Scott stood up and remarked that while D.A. Sheridan had tried to impugn the veracity of what Nina had said to Willow, Sheridan had also not recalled Sonny to the stand to get additional information. The judge agreed and asked that Sonny retake the witness stand.
Once Sonny took the stand, the judge asked him if he had had a "personal relationship" with Nina in Nixon Falls. Sonny, looking up toward the ceiling, shared that he had had many personal relationships during the time that he'd believed he'd been "Mike the bartender." The judge asked Sonny if Willow had perjured herself by intimating that Sonny and Nina had been in a romantic relationship. Sonny said that Willow had told the truth; he and Nina had ended up falling in love.
The judge stated that if Nina's case were to go to trial, Nina could be found guilty of a crime. He asked Sonny if he considered himself the victim of a crime. Sonny fidgeted for a moment, running his hand under his chin and squinting his eyes closed. He eventually replied with a simple, "No." The judge told Sonny that he could step down. Sonny returned to where he had been seated, only to find Carly staring icily at him.
The judge asked Scott and Sheridan to deliver their closing remarks. Scott stood up and spoke first. He noted that Nina was not being accused of using fraud for monetary gain; she was accused of "deliberate deception" to damage a victim. He pointed out that in his own testimony, Sonny had stated that he did not consider himself a victim.
Sheridan argued that it was not "materially relevant" whether or not Sonny considered himself a victim. Calling the hearing a "circus," the district attorney said that Nina had committed a civil and criminal infraction by deceiving Sonny and everyone who knew him.
The judge called a recess while he reviewed the evidence presented. As soon as he banged his gavel, Carly stormed out of the courtroom. Nina called out that she hadn't wanted things to play out the way they had. Carly breezed by an apologetic Willow but said nothing. When Sonny exited the courtroom, Michael angrily asked him what he had done. Sonny swore that he would make things right.
An incredulous Nina asked Scott what he had done. He replied that he had kept her out of "a hamster cage." Nina shook her head and left the courtroom. In the corridor, she found an angry Michael and Willow waiting for her. "Did you use me, Nina?" Willow asked coldly.
Sonny eventually caught up to Carly outside the courthouse. Sonny begged Carly to listen to him "Listen to who?" she snapped. "Mike? Sonny? Or someone else completely?"
At Port Charles University, Josslyn was surprised when she saw Spencer enter a classroom. Spencer explained that he was withdrawing from his classes because he doubted the university had a remote learning platform for students in Spring Ridge. Just then, Alexis entered, looking for Professor Kahn. Alexis had signed up for the professor's seminar on the sociology of crime because Alexis was toying with the idea of a career in mediation or conflict resolution. Josslyn invited Alexis to sit next to her. Josslyn had read a book written by the professor, and the seminar had seemed interesting.
Alexis and Josslyn looked up when Professor Kahn entered the classroom and asked everyone to take a seat. The professor handed Spencer a sign-up sheet as she instructed those in the class to add their names if they wanted credit for the class. Josslyn quickly ordered Spencer to sit and be quiet.
Later, the professor talked about a legal case of a homeowner who had been charged with assault for beating up an intruder. The intruder had been put in the hospital, but the homeowner had been found not guilty because he had been defending his property. Alexis objected when the professor claimed that the case was an example of property being valued over people. Alexis reminded the professor that the homeowner had been defending his wife and child, and the homeowner had been concerned for their well-being and safety, which had been the deciding factor in the trial. Spencer and Josslyn smiled when the professor was forced to agree.
After the class ended and students filed out, Spencer wondered if the professor would write an addendum to her book. Alexis had no regrets. Josslyn had enjoyed the exchange between Alexis and the professor. Moments later, Professor Kahn asked to speak to Alexis privately. After Spencer and Josslyn left, Alexis apologized, but the professor assured Alexis that it was fine. Professor Kahn had recognized Alexis' name, and she knew a bit about Alexis' reputation as an attorney. Alexis was vague as she explained that she'd been considering a career change.
Alexis was startled when Professor Kahn urged Alexis to consider a teaching position. Professor Kahn confided that another professor would soon be retiring. Alexis might be able to start as an adjunct and work her way up. Alexis seemed excited about the idea until the professor mentioned that Alexis would have to pass a background check.
Elsewhere, Spencer reported that he had successfully un-enrolled from PCU. Josslyn was happy for him, but her attention was on her phone. She explained that she had been waiting for news about Nina's preliminary hearing. Spencer reminded her that no news might be good news, but that was not Josslyn's experience. She hated Nina, and she wanted Nina to be sent to jail to await trial. According to Josslyn, Nina was the worst kind of hypocrite who pretended to be sweet and sympathetic but only cared about herself and what she wanted.
Spencer wished that Josslyn felt the same way about Ava. Josslyn assured him that she did, and Josslyn would never forgive Ava for what Ava had done to Morgan, but Ava was also Avery's mother and Trina's mentor. Josslyn had to find a way to "suck it up" and coexist with Ava. Josslyn explained that she had chosen to keep the peace. Spencer regretted that he hadn't talked to Josslyn about his plan to stalk Ava because he realized that she would have shot his idea down -- and he wouldn't be facing 30 days in Spring Ridge.
Josslyn assured Spencer that he was stronger than he thought. Spencer hoped that Josslyn was right. He looked forward to their trip because he welcomed the opportunity to ease tensions and for everyone to get to know each other better.
At General Hospital, Stella entered Portia's office and asked if Portia was busy. Portia promised that she was never too busy for Stella. Stella remained tense as she explained that she had wanted to talk to Portia about Curtis -- and Marshall. Stella assured Portia that Curtis' parents had loved each other, but Marshall had not been the easiest man to deal with. Portia wasn't surprised, since he had abandoned his family for decades. Stella was concerned for Curtis because she had recently learned that, as children, Curtis and his brother had made up heroic stories about their father.
Stella feared that the reality of who Marshall was might crush Curtis. Stella implored Portia not to sit back and wait for Curtis to admit that he needed support. She said it wasn't the time to give Curtis his space; Portia needed to step up and show him that he was not alone.
At the Harbor View Inn, Marshall happily welcomed Curtis. Curtis slowly looked around the motel room as he explained that Stella had told him where to find Marshall. Marshall conceded that his accommodations weren't fancy, but it would do until Marshall had found a permanent residence. Curtis was not pleased that Marshall intended to stay in town, but Marshall wanted to get to know his family. Marshall hoped that Curtis' visit was a good sign, but he also realized that it might take time. Curtis cut to the chase by demanding to know where Marshall had been since leaving his family behind.
"Everywhere, nowhere," Marshall replied. Marshall claimed that he had never stayed anywhere for long, but Curtis resented the vague answers. Marshall insisted that he couldn't give his son a good answer, but he promised to try to work on their relationship. Curtis argued that he needed to know where Marshall had been while Curtis and Tommy had grown up without a father. Marshall apologized and promised it wouldn't have happened if Marshall had had a choice. Curtis' temper flared because Marshall continually alluded to not having a choice without explaining why.
Marshall assured Curtis that leaving had been the hardest thing, but it had been for the best. Curtis wondered how leaving Curtis' mother to raise two boys as a single mother had been for the greater good. Marshall explained that he had known that Stella would help, but Curtis argued that it hadn't been Stella's responsibility to step up for Marshall. Curtis admitted that he barely remembered his father, but Marshall was overcome with emotion as he shared his memories of Curtis and Tommy as young kids riding on their father's back in their superhero pajamas with towels used as capes. Curtis wondered why, if Marshall had cared so much about his sons, Marshall had left.
Marshall claimed that it wasn't easy for him to talk about his past because there had been some bad years that Marshall had nearly not survived. However, Marshall had turned things around, and he was finally in a place to give Curtis the support that Curtis needed. Curtis pointed out that he was a grown man, and what he needed were answers. Curtis revealed that he and his brother had been bullied as children because their peers had not believed that Marshall had died. Curtis had lost count of the number of fights that he had gotten into defending Marshall's name. Marshall felt bad, especially since he had recently learned that Tommy had suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder at the time of Tommy's death.
Curtis wondered why it mattered, but Marshall assured his son that everything about Curtis and Tommy mattered to him. Curtis was doubtful, since Marshall hadn't stuck around. Curtis decided that the visit had been a waste of his time, but Marshall asked Curtis to stay. Curtis explained that Marshall didn't get it; Curtis had grown up lost because he hadn't had a man in his life. Marshall knew that he couldn't change the past, but he begged for the chance to explain.
Curtis wanted clear answers with facts and dates. Curtis advised Marshall not to bother staying in town if Marshall was unable to provide those things.
A short time later, Curtis closed the door to Portia's office. He hoped that his aunt hadn't shared any embarrassing childhood stories about Curtis. Portia chuckled, but she was curious why he had stopped by. Curtis admitted that he had paid Marshall a visit, and he had wanted to see Portia's beautiful face to take his mind off the frustrating encounter. Curtis kissed Portia, but she offered to listen if he needed to talk. Curtis preferred to focus on Portia. He asked if she was ready for New Year's Eve because he had big plans for them.
At the inn, Marshall greeted Stella. He mentioned that he'd seen Curtis earlier, and she admitted that she had urged her nephew to talk to Marshall. Marshall confessed that he hadn't been able to give Curtis the answers that Curtis had needed. Stella warned Marshall that Curtis would not stop until he had them. Stella revealed that she feared how the answers might affect her relationship with Curtis, but Marshall told Stella not to worry. Marshall had no intention of telling Curtis that Stella had always known that Marshall wasn't dead. Marshall knew that Curtis saw Stella as a hero, and he didn't want to take that away from Curtis.
In Pennsylvania, Willow and Michael stood outside the courtroom as Willow accused Nina of using her. Nina denied that she had told Scott anything or had known Scott's plans when Willow had taken the witness stand. Neither Michael nor Willow believed Nina. Michael pointed out that Nina had gotten exactly what Nina had wanted, but Nina disagreed because she had begged Willow not to say anything about Nina and "Mike's" relationship in Nixon Falls. Nina had been privy to Scott's plan to blindside the district attorney and Sonny and to call Willow to the stand in an effort to inflict maximum damage.
Nina insisted that she was innocent. Nina pointed out that her relationship with "Mike" would not have been revealed if Michael hadn't pushed for charges to be filed. Willow was furious that Nina had dared to turn things back on Michael and Willow. Willow clarified that Michael hadn't gone after Nina out of a sense of revenge but rather because Michael had wanted justice. Willow believed what Nina had done to Sonny had been criminal and worse because Nina had watched Sonny's family grieve for months. "It was cruel and selfish," Willow said.
Nina knew that she had acted horribly, and she had admitted as much "a million" times. Nina had remained quiet about the relationship because she had realized that Sonny hadn't told his family about "Mike's" feelings for Nina. Nina claimed that it had been over, and the only reason that anyone knew about it was because Willow had overheard a private conversation. Nina refused to apologize for that. In a huff, Nina stormed off, but Willow was close on her heels.
Scott rounded the corner, and Michael didn't hesitate to berate the attorney for using Willow. Scott pointed out that he'd been defending his client, but Michael argued that there hadn't been any legal defense for what Nina had done to Sonny. Scott reminded Michael that the judge had called Sonny to the witness stand, and Sonny had denied being a victim. Scott was not to blame if Sonny had been having a good time in Nixon Falls and hadn't wanted to return home. Michael's temper flared, and he punched Scott in the face. Scott stumbled back, but he quickly recovered his footing.
Scott warned Michael that the punch had been assault. Michael didn't care, and he invited Scott to arrest him. As Michael marched away, Scott used a handkerchief to clean his bloody lip.
In the courtroom, Willow confronted Nina. Willow regretted that she had given Nina the benefit of the doubt because Nina had repaid her by using Willow to hurt Willow's loved ones. "I am not responsible for your choices," Nina said. Willow argued that she hadn't had a choice in the matter, but Nina disagreed because Willow could have lied. Willow reminded Nina that Willow had been under oath, and Scott had threatened to charge Willow with perjury. Nina insisted that no one would have contradicted Willow if Willow had lied.
Nina knew that she had hurt Sonny in countless ways, but keeping the secret had been Nina's chance to do something good. "And you took that away," Nina said. Stunned, Willow made it clear that she would never put herself at risk to cover up Nina's mess. Nina remained adamant she would have kept quiet if Willow had lied, but Willow pointed out that -- unless Scott was psychic -- she'd had to be honest. Nina snidely congratulated Willow for not getting down in the mud with the rest of them, but Willow's decision to be honest had devastated the family that Willow had claimed to love.
A short time later, Willow caught up with Michael in the hallway. She had heard about Scott threatening to file assault charges against Michael. Michael revealed that he had already spoken to Diane, who was confident that she could argue that Scott had harassed and provoked Michael. Willow was relieved. Michael regretted what Willow had been put through on the witness stand, and he assured her that she was not to blame for anything. He just hoped that the judge would see through Scott's tactics.
Willow was touched by Michael's support, but she was worried about Sonny and Carly. Just then, the district attorney walked up and announced that the judge had made a decision. Everyone filed into the courtroom except for Sonny and Carly, who remained absent. Judge Milford didn't mince words as he informed the courtroom that his job was to uphold the law not to mediate a personal dispute. The judge ruled that the Commonwealth had failed to prove that Nina's actions had met the legal definition of fraud, therefore, the charges against Nina were dismissed. Nina looked over her shoulder, but her expression turned sad when she didn't see Sonny.
Meanwhile, Willow apologized to Michael, but he assured her that it was not over. The district attorney walked up and expressed his regret for failing to make his case. He assured Michael that he wouldn't have filed charges if he hadn't been certain that a crime had been committed. Michael assured the district attorney that ELQ would continue to donate to his campaign. Grateful, the district attorney apologized to Willow for putting her on the stand, but she was sorry that her testimony had cost him the case. The district attorney clarified that Sonny's admission that Sonny was not a victim had been the deciding factor.
At the defense table, Nina asked who had told Scott about Willow. Scott explained that it was what he was paid for, but Nina wasn't satisfied. Scott wanted some appreciation for keeping Nina out of jail, but she admitted that she was too worried about Sonny.
In the courtyard, Sonny called out to Carly because he wanted a chance to explain. Reluctantly, Carly stopped, but she was unable to hide the tears. She didn't know who would be speaking -- Sonny, "Mike," or someone else. Sonny assured her that he was her husband, but Carly only wanted to hear that he was not sleeping with Nina. Sonny promised that he had never slept with Nina because his memory of Carly and the family had returned before it had gotten that far.
"You fell in love with someone else. Where does that leave me?" Carly asked. Sonny insisted that he and Carly belonged together, and what had happened in Nixon Falls had been a result of his amnesia. Carly wondered if Sonny had forgotten his memories of being "Mike," and if not, why he hadn't told her. Sonny assured Carly that he had intended to tell her, but Jason had died, and there had never been the right time. Carly realized that her intuition had been right because she had always sensed that there had been something wrong.
Carly had thought the issue had been with her and had blamed it on losing Jason, but it was because Sonny had lied to her. Carly was furious that she hadn't seen it sooner, and she realized why Sonny had tried so hard to persuade Carly to let things go with Nina. Sonny claimed that he'd lost enough time with Carly, and he hadn't wanted to lose her over a war with Nina. Sonny promised that what had happened in Nixon Falls was over, but Carly accused him of lying to her and himself. Carly wanted to know everything that had happened in Nixon Falls, so Sonny reminded her that he'd had no past and no ties.
Sonny had only had a watch with an engraved message to Mike, which was why he had used the name. Sonny told Carly about Lenny and Phyllis' kindness, and how he and Nina had worked together to save the Tan-O from a con man named Elijah Crowe. Carly speculated that Sonny hadn't wanted to remember her, but he assured her that she was wrong. Carly didn't know what to believe because she had found Sonny and Nina together too many times. Carly asked what Willow had overheard, but Sonny would only say that Willow hadn't understood the conversation between Sonny and Nina.
Carly asked if Nina had made Sonny happy. Rather than answer the question, he told Carly about the dreams he'd had of a blonde woman. He assured Carly that the deepest part of him had always remembered Carly. Sonny had been unable to see the woman's face in his dreams, but he had known that she was his -- and he was hers. "I'm still yours. Can't you see that?" Sonny asked. Carly pressed him about when he had planned to tell her, but he explained that there had never been an opportunity between Jason's death and the heartbreak that Brando and Sasha had suffered.
Carly noticed that Sonny hadn't denied that he'd fallen in love with Nina. Sonny insisted that he wouldn't have given Nina a second look if the blonde woman in his dreams had turned around and shown her face. Sonny assured Carly that she was the woman he loved. Carly pointed out that he'd already said that, but he hadn't said how he felt about Nina. Sonny claimed that he was angry at Nina for letting Scott pull the stunt in the courtroom, but Carly wanted a real answer.
Sonny begged Carly to understand what it had been like to wake up in the woods, alone, scared, and not knowing who he'd been. He saw Nina as "Mike's" friend and confidante, but he also saw what Nina had done to Carly and their family. Sonny admitted that it was all jumbled up. Carly couldn't understand how Sonny could continue to have feelings for a woman who had lied to him. Sonny suggested that they go home and talk, but she wanted time apart. Sonny objected, so Carly invited him to look her in the eye and tell her that Nina meant nothing to him.
When Sonny was unable to do as Carly had asked, she made it clear that she would be going home alone.
It was New Year's Eve. Valentin ran into Anna at Kelly's and informed her that he didn't care about the conversation she'd had with Victor. He wanted to take her out and have a fresh start to the new year with her.
At Elizabeth's house, she and Finn watched as Scott handed gifts to Cameron and Aiden. Aiden was confused, and Cameron explained that they were old-fashioned tapes of some kind. Scott added that they were tapes of Franco's music, and he thought they could listen in order to keep memories alive. Scott handed Violet five dollars, since he hadn't known she would be there.
When the kids disappeared, Scott declared that everyone should live their lives as Franco would have wanted, but they should remember Franco, as well. He urged Finn to "watch your step" because Elizabeth and her family were his family and his heart. They joked about Scott having a heart, and he departed. Elizabeth was glad that Finn was there to help welcome the new year.
Shortly after, as Finn and Elizabeth began to clean up in the kitchen, Elizabeth placed her wedding ring on a shelf over the sink. As the kids got ready to watch the fireworks, Elizabeth apologized to Finn if the presence of Franco had bothered him. She stated that the boys missed him. Finn thought it was nice to share memories. Elizabeth reached for her ring, but it was gone. She realized that it had probably gone down the drain.
As Finn took apart the drain under the kitchen sink, they joked about his skills. He was drenched with water, but the ring was retrieved.
At Carly's house, Josslyn spoke to Cameron on the phone. She explained that she couldn't get away because something had happened with her mother. Michael informed Willow that Dante had been able to locate Sonny, and Michael thought it was best for Sonny to keep his distance. He didn't want to blame Sonny for the problem between his parents, but he believed that Sonny should have told Carly the truth. They found Carly in front of the fireplace, lost in thought and looking at Sonny's Christmas stocking.
Willow was sorry for what had happened in the courtroom, but Carly wondered if it had ever occurred to Willow to tell her the truth. Willow apologized, but Carly was angry. She accused Willow of having had a chance to speak up, and in effect, backing Nina instead of the Corinthos clan. Willow replied that she hadn't wanted to hurt Carly; Sonny loved Carly, not Nina. Carly asked if Nina had requested that Willow remain quiet, and after Carly insisted on an answer, Willow admitted that she had.
Michael and Josslyn were annoyed at Carly for being angry at Willow. Willow asserted that she had known that Sonny and Carly had been happy. "Why change that?" she asked. "Because you knew he was in love with someone else!" Carly snapped. Michael insisted that "Mike" didn't exist and wasn't in love with Nina, but Carly revealed that she had asked Sonny if he still had feelings for Nina. He hadn't been able to answer. She wasn't sure if she believed him when he said he hadn't been cheating. She stormed out onto the patio.
Outside, Carly called out to Jason and asked him where he was. "Why aren't you here?" she asked. Inside, Josslyn couldn't believe what Sonny had done. She declared that it wasn't the crime but the cover-up that was bad. Willow added that sometimes it was worse to shield others. Carly returned and told everyone she was sorry. She loved them all. She reached for Willow's hand. The group shared a moment then Carly donned her coat. She needed time to think.
After Carly was gone, Josslyn announced that she was going out. Michael exclaimed that Carly's guard always went up when things got tough. He wasn't in the mood to celebrate, and neither was Willow. They shared a hug.
"Surprise!" Drew exclaimed when Sam opened her front door. He held a gift bag and announced that it was for Scout. He wasn't sure his daughter wanted to see him, but Sam told him otherwise. "Our daughter adores you," she said. Drew told Scout how happy he was to see her. He revealed his gift: a pair of gold, sparkly, huge, 2022 glasses that he insisted that Scout wear. He handed her a noisemaker, and he had a similar pair of glasses for Sam in silver.
Scout asked Drew if he could stay until midnight, but awkwardly, Drew exclaimed that it was past her bedtime. He offered to give her an airplane ride upstairs to bed instead.
Dante found Sonny sitting at the bar at Charlie's Pub and drinking heavily. Sonny clarified that it had been "Mike" who had fallen in love with Nina, not him. He added that Carly didn't understand and had kicked him out. He was worried that he had lost Carly forever. Dante suggested that Sonny give it some time, and he proceeded to give his father a pep talk. Sonny urged Dante to meet up with Sam, but Dante replied that he had to take care of Sonny first.
Dante understood what had happened. He didn't think that Sonny had done anything wrong, except that Sonny should have told Carly about it. Sonny told him about lashing out at Nina after his memory had returned, and he'd just wanted things to be over. Jason had died as well as Brando and Sasha's son, and he had wanted distance from loss. He had waited too long to say anything. He admitted that he didn't feel sorry for Nina, but he felt something.
Sonny went on to tell Dante how "Mike" was still a part of him and had a small piece of his heart. He felt that the small piece, in some way, belonged to Nina. Dante answered that Sonny couldn't forget his experiences as "Mike" because they had been real. Sonny agreed that it was like a shadow or an echo, but his feelings for Nina had nothing to do with Carly. He compared it to an ex who would slowly fade away. Dante suggested that Sonny not drink into oblivion, but Sonny wanted to continue and reset on New Year's Day.
Again, Sonny urged Dante to go to Sam's place, and Dante offered to drop him off somewhere. Sonny insisted he was fine, and they hugged each other. Sonny thanked Dante for being a great son. Dante assured Sonny that he would keep their talk to himself.
Portia arrived at the Savoy in her New Year's finery and found Curtis in the glamorously dressed crowd. Curtis looked forward to "new beginnings," and they kissed. He admitted that he should have been giving Portia more of his time and energy, but Portia pointed out all the good things he'd done with the club. Curtis praised her in turn. He thought they should be closer, and Portia agreed. They kissed again. Curtis thought about the first time they'd been together and how it had been both wrong and right. He disclosed that he was "falling" for Portia.
Martin and Lucy arrived and sat at a table after Martin asked the hostess if Valentin had a reservation. Martin revealed that Valentin had issued an ultimatum to him: choose either Valentin or Lucy. He thought he'd be safe as long as he and Lucy weren't seen together.
Maxie and Nina, each dressed in glittering black, sat at a table where Maxie heard about the events in the courtroom. Nina was miserable and didn't change when a cheerful Liesl arrived. Liesl confessed that she had been the one to tell Scott about Willow's presumed knowledge of Sonny and Nina, but she wasn't sorry. She said she had saved Nina's life.
Scott arrived, but Nina was still upset with him. She accused him of having used her feelings as a weapon. Scott defended himself, and they began to argue. Nina and Maxie walked away. Liesl thought that Scott had said too much and had rubbed Nina's nose in her mistake. He asked if they were having a "love spat."
Martin and Lucy shared a kiss, and he suggested that they go back to his place. When Anna and Valentin walked in, Martin and Lucy hurried to an assumed back exit to escape. They discovered that it wasn't an exit, and Lucy suggested that Martin fire Valentin as a client. Martin wandered over to Valentin's table. Valentin guessed that Lucy was close, but Martin lamented that he was all alone for the evening and had no one to dance with.
At the same time, Lucy spotted Maxie and asked for her help. As the countdown to midnight began, Lucy donned a hat and glasses. Precisely at midnight, as couples kissed and drank Champagne, horns and noisemakers went off. As Valentin and Anna were making out, Maxie guided Lucy and Martin out of the club. Curtis grabbed Portia's hand and led her out, too.
At Charlie's, Sonny looked up and saw Nina standing behind him. She explained that she had wanted to see Phyllis, but Sonny told her that Phyllis was not around. Nina offered him a ride home, but Sonny told her that he wasn't welcome there. He was obviously drunk and began to look for his keys. They were nowhere to be found. Nina suggested that she drop him off elsewhere, and Sonny agreed. He grabbed another drink from a waiter's tray on the way out. "Let's go!" he said.
Dante arrived at Sam's as Drew descended the stairs. The guys wished each other a happy New Year, and Drew said that he'd see them around. "Anytime, okay?" Sam said as she hugged Drew goodbye. Drew looked forlorn as he put on his coat. After he was gone, Sam began to explain that Drew had been there to see Scout. Dante assured her that she didn't have to explain because he understood. Sam wondered what had taken Dante so long to get there, and he told her that his father had been going through "some things" but had actually opened up to him. Sonny needed some space, and Dante had taken his car keys.
As "Auld Lang Syne" was sung in the background and the fireworks display dominated the town, Portia and Curtis made love. Carly arrived on the footbridge. "Jason," she murmured. She was surprised to hear footsteps and turned to see Drew. Valentin told Anna that they should "do this" more often, and they began to kiss again. Violet, Aiden, and Cameron watched the fireworks on the balcony, as inside, Elizabeth decided to put her ring into a kitchen drawer. She hugged Finn. Cameron was surprised to see Josslyn, and she greeted him with a kiss. Aiden and Violet chuckled.
Due to Near Year's Eve holiday, General Hospital aired an encore presentation of the episode that originally aired February 24, 2021. In the episode, Peter's pursuers closed in on his location. A complete recap of that episode is available in our Daily Recaps Archive. This was a planned schedule change, and there were no "lost" episodes as a result of the rebroadcast. Regular programming resumed on Monday, January 3, 2022, and picked up where the Thursday, December 30, 2021, episode concluded.
