Episode 2 of "Apple Cider Vinegar" kicks off with an enchanting introduction to the Hirsch Institute, an ultra-exclusive Mexican cancer hospital where conventional wisdom takes a backseat. At its helm stand Walter, the visionary founder, and his daughter Alma, who champion a holistic approach to battling cancer, resonating eerily with the beliefs espoused by Belle. Lucy, our narrator, reminds us that truth is seldom one-dimensional or untainted, her words mirrored by her acceptance of chemotherapy's drawbacks after suffering an arterial rupture.
Flashback to 2014, where Chanelle, burdened by guilt, opens up to journalists. She regrets introducing Belle to real cancer patients, describing Belle as a friendless parasite, adept at seeking out hosts—people she deems useful, whom she attaches herself to by making them feel unique, as if she alone can discern their unspoken potential.
Cut to 2015, where Belle, following a meeting with Hek, grapples with an anxiety attack amidst a string of cancelled Uber rides. Reluctant to impose, she nonetheless accepts Hek's offer of a ride home. Once there, she extends an invitation for a drink, forging a bond over their shared parenthood. A series of intimate scenes unfold, showing Belle showering Hek with food and beverages, all the while insisting that her sole desire is to aid others.
Back in 2014, Sean underscores the need for concrete evidence proving Belle's deceit. Justin, eager to oblige, dives into her digital footprint, spanning back to 2010. Belle's Facebook journey leads her to Milla, a figure of admiration and awe. She showers Milla with friendliness, though Milla, while sweet, does not reciprocate with the same enthusiasm. Following the birth of her son, Belle finds herself with a forgetful, lazy partner named Nathan. Desperate for income, she steals baby clothes from her workplace and launches "Organic Baby," an online store that struggles to gain traction among skeptical mom groups who view her as too inexperienced.
This revised narrative brings depth and vividness to the unfolding story, painting a picture that is both engaging and insightful.
She attends a tech conference for her website, where she strikes up a friendship with Clive, an unsung IT expert who often goes unnoticed. Meanwhile, Nathan persists in his jerkish behavior, prompting Belle to seek comfort in Milla. However, when Milla suddenly disappears from her life for a spell, Belle turns to Clive in a moment of vulnerability and they share an intimate night together.
On Milla's front, she gains admission into Hirsch, albeit at a steep cost that makes her father waver in his support. Desperate, she appeals to her mother, who sides with her and finances her application.
Fast forward to 2015, Hek is astonished to find Belle still entangled with Clive. In a fit of passion, Belle kisses Clive but abruptly discards him to join Hek in a drunken revelry. While Clive meticulously cleans up after them, Hek introduces drugs into the mix.
It's late 2010, and Instagram has just made its debut. Milla instantly becomes an influencer, while Belle struggles to gain traction with her meager following. Time passes, and Milla undergoes a transformation, emerging as a wellness influencer showered with interviews, events, and even a book. She becomes the envy of all, including Belle, whose admiration is tinged with jealousy.
In 2011, Brisbane prepares for Milla's book launch, while Clive and Belle journey to the city for Belle's mother's wedding. Natalie has found love with Andy, a fellow hippie. Their house is awash with cat fur, oblivious to Belle's severe allergy. The sheets are worn and grimy, forcing Belle to take charge of the cleaning.
At lunch, Natalie regales Clive with tales of baby Belle and her once grand dreams of becoming an actress. In a backhanded compliment, she remarks that it's fortunate Belle has abandoned such ambitions for a happy, ordinary life.
In private, Belle vents to Clive about her ordeal with changing the sheets and asserts her extraordinary nature, having survived Natalie by fleeing at 12. The next morning, she decides to attend Milla's book launch, immersing herself in a sea of positivity and spiritual energy as Milla preaches about listening to one's body and embracing nature.As Tamara's mother, Milla's gaze falls upon the scene, her thoughts drifting back to her conversation with Alma. Though she harbors doubts about Alma's intentions, the latter manages to win her over by recounting how Tamara's own mother had succumbed to the illness despite undergoing chemotherapy. Further cementing her trust, Alma offers Milla a coveted position as a brand ambassador, deeply impressed by the impact of her blog.
Post the event launch, Belle approaches Milla, bearing sustenance and eager to meet Tamara. Milla, though polite, is engulfed in a whirlwind of activities, her attention divided. She hastily excuses herself, leaving Belle feeling somewhat miffed. As Belle departs, her eyes catch sight of the man who had taken her in during her trying times at the age of twelve, a memory that lingers in her mind.
Elsewhere, Natalie is distressed by Belle's abrupt absence from her wedding. Clive comes to her defense, explaining that Belle suffers from severe attacks and migraines. Natalie counters by revealing Belle's astonishing acting prowess, recalling how she once faked a heart attack after a breakup, convincing even the paramedics of its authenticity.
Clive remains silent as Belle collects him and they drive back home. His mind wanders back to the day he visited the hospital to give Belle her forgotten laptop, only to discover that the hospital didn't have a chemo center and she was nowhere to be found.
Back in the car, Belle insists that Natalie's penchant for lies stems from a desire for attention. Clive, torn between conflicting emotions, attempts to steer the conversation towards their future plans. However, Belle veers off course, reminiscing about how Milla had rejected her food earlier. She reveals her ambition to launch 'The Whole Pantry,' an innovative app designed to track meals for cancer patients and survivors.
Flashback to 2014, Justin visits Lucy during her chemotherapy sessions, warning her about Belle's deceit. Lucy turns a deaf ear to his warnings, prompting Justin to plead with her doctor to intervene. The doctor explains that desperate patients seeking alternative hopes often shut out medical logic. She concurs that it's impossible to cure stage 4 brain cancer with just healthy food, as Belle claims. Determined to expose such frauds, Lucy agrees to collaborate with Justin on his expose.
In 2015, Belle successfully persuaded a tipsy Hek to take on her case. With a triumphant smile playing on her lips, she watched him hail an Uber to make his way home at the conclusion of Episode 2 of "Apple Cider Vinegar."
