Previously on DALLAS:
-------------Tracey and Tripp clashed over the McKay family's continuing feud with the Ewings.
------------Amanda begged Cliff to let her out of their agreement, but Cliff told her no, she had to help him find something to use to destroy the Ewings. Later, Amanda pushed John Ross away.
------------A mysterious young stranger, Randall McCoy, showed up at Southfork and Bobby hired him as a ranch hand. Randall sparked an immediate attraction with Emma.
------------Lucas told a stunned Margaret that Bobby, not Ray, is his father.
------------Ray confessed to Bobby that there are problems between himself and Jenna.
------------Ann and Sue Ellen discussed Sue Ellen's loneliness, and against Bobby's advice, Ann decided to play matchmaker by searching for Sue Ellen's long ago love, Dusty Farlow.
------------Rejected by Amanda, turned away by Jillian, and unable to reach Sue Ellen or Emma, a lonely and drunken John Ross went to his father's grave and poured his heart out to J.R.
Southfork....morning
"Since we haven't had much rain in a while, one of our creeks is starting to dry up," Christopher says. "So we gotta move these cattle from Two Stick Pasture over to section 20."
"Just how big is this ranch, Christopher?" Randall asks.
"Around ninety thousand acres or so," Christopher replies.
Christopher smiles. "Word of advice.....when you're out workin' alone, and you'll have to eventually, always carry a cell phone with you, and try to remember stuff to help you remember how to get back. Like, a certain tree or somethin'. It's real easy to get lost out here on all this land."
"Tell me about it," Randall says. "I'm usually good with directions though."
"Randall, where're you originally from?"
"Grew up in Florida. Moved around a lot when I was a kid. Worked here and there."
"What about your family?" Christopher asks. "Where are they?"
"Don't got no fam'ly."
"Oh, I'm sorry. An orphan?"
"Yep."
"No brothers or sisters?" Christopher asks.
"Nope. Only child," says Randall.
As they pass near the family cemetery on Southfork, Christopher notices John Ross's car parked at the cemetery. Curious, he holds back as Randall rides on ahead.
"Hey, Randall, hold up," Christopher calls out.
Randall stops his horse. "Whats up?"
"John Ross's car. I'm gonna check it out." Christopher gallops his horse over to the cemetery, stopping the animal near John Ross's car. Randall follows. Getting off his horse, Christopher sees John Ross laying beside J.R.'s grave. "Oh my God," he says. As Randall watches, Christopher runs over to John Ross and touches his shoulder. "John Ross," he calls. "Hey, John Ross?" Christopher shakes his cousin.
Slowly, John Ross begins to wake up. He opens his eyes, the brightness of the morning sun causing extreme discomfort. "Wha......Christopher?"
"Yeah, it's me. You okay?"
With Christopher's help, John Ross sits up and rubs his head. "Yeah. Just got the hangover from hell."
Christopher picks up the empty bourbon bottle on the ground beside John Ross. "Looks like you really tied one on last night. But why here? It's a miracle you didn't freeze to death last night."
"Okay, come on. I'll get you to the house. Randall, help me."
Randall walks over and he and Christopher help John Ross to his feet. "I'm freezin'," John Ross says.
"No wonder," says Christopher. "Randall, can you wait here? I'll drive John Ross home in his car and have someone bring me back out here."
"No problem, Christopher."
Christopher leads a swaying John Ross to his car, helps him into the passenger seat, then gets in the driver's seat.
As a smiling Randall watches, Christopher and John Ross drive off in John Ross's car toward the house. After the car is out of sight over the ridge, Randall walks his horse closer to the Ewing family graves and looks down at the graves of Miss Ellie and J.R.
Southfork....
"Nothing," Christopher replies. "Everything's fine."
"Christopher, you don't have to follow me," John Ross says. "I can make it from here."
"John Ross, what's up with you?" Christopher asks. "Why'd you get that drunk last night and sleep in the cemetery?"
John Ross rubs his face, then takes a seat on the stairs. "Because I had nowhere else to go."
"Now what does that mean?"
"Just what I said. I didn't wanna come home, and I had nowhere else to go. Mama wasn't at home. My new sister told me to go jump in a lake, and I've got no friends."
"Lecturin' me, cousin?"
"No, just speaking from experience."
"Thanks for the concern, but I can take care of my own self," says John Ross.
"Oh, yeah, it sure looked like it this morning."
"Just mind your own business."
Christopher looks at his cousin for a moment in disgust. "Okay, you know what? Fine. Take care of yourself from now on." Christopher starts to walk out, then turns back to him. "John Ross, if you're all alone, it's because YOU made it that way." Without another word, he turns and walks out of the foyer, passing Emma as she walks in carrying a cup of coffee. She pauses a moment, then walks over to John Ross.
"Here," she says, handing him the cup of coffee. "You look like you could use this."
"Thanks," he says.
"What do you care?"
"Believe or not, I DO care. I'm sorry I couldn't answer your call last night. Lucas and I were on our way home from dinner with his folks."
"It's fine," John Ross says.
"Look, if you wanna talk now, we can," Emma says.
"Thanks, but no thanks," John Ross says, standing to his feet with difficulty. He starts up the stairs.
"Why do you always have to be such an ass?" Asks Emma.
John Ross stops, turns, and looks at her.
"Christopher was right," she continues. "You're alone because of the way you treat people. Especially the people that care about you." Emma turns and walks out, leaving John Ross standing on the stairs, thinking about what Emma and Christopher had just said to him.
Tripp's condo....
"Morning," he says, somewhat out of breath.
"Good morning."
"I was out running," Tripp takes his apartment key from his pocket, and Pamela follows him down the hall to his place.
"I came by to see how your grandfather was doing," Pamela says.
"He's better," Tripp replies, unlocking and opening his door. "He should get out of ICU sometime today."
"That's good," Pamela says as she follows Tripp in.
"Yeah, it was a close call. Doctor says he's gonna be fine, IF he takes better care of himself." Tripp walks into the kitchen, opens the refrigerator, and takes out a bottle of water. "You know, Pamela, that was the closest I've ever come to losin' him. I know my grandfather is 87-years-old, and he won't be around much longer. But I don't think I could stand to lose him now. Especially not so soon after losing my brother."
Pamela walks over to him. "Well, let's just hope your grandfather will take the doctor's advice, and be around for a few more years at least."
Tripps smiles. "The one bright spot in my life recently....is you. Okay, I know what you said. Nothing serious between us. But I really like havin' you around, Pamela."
Pamela smiles, then nods. "I'd like that. Especially since I'm gonna be legally free soon."
"Legally free?"
"Yes. John Ross and I have a date set for the week after Christmas to go to court for our divorce hearing."
"Oh, Pamela, that's great news," Tripp says. "Best news I've heard in a while." Tripp leans in and kisses Pamela passionately. After a moment, he pulls away and smiles. "Maybe I should shower first," he says.
"If you'd like some company......" Pamela says, kissing him again.
"I'd like nothing better," says Tripp.
Downtown Dallas....later
"Thank you for treating me to lunch, my son," Jenna says.
"No problem, Mom. I was glad you called me this morning."
"I know," Lucas says. "I'm sorry about that."
"We really haven't had much of a chance to talk since your father and I have been here. Oh, and I have some wonderful news. I heard from Charlie, and she's coming for Christmas."
Lucas smiles broadly. "Hey, that's great. Been too long since I've seen my big sis."
"I think this is gonna be one of the best Christmases ever."
"I know it will," Lucas says.
The smile disappears from Jenna's face. "Lucas, are you really happy since you moved into Southfork?" Jenna asks.
"I'm very happy," replies Lucas. "Why would yo doubt that?"
"Oh, I don't know," says Jenna. "You know, there's plenty of room over at our house. Your father and I would love to have you come stay with us."
"Maybe a little."
"Why? Because I've developed a relationship with Bobby? Mom, he's my father."
Jenna stops walking and turns to her son. "Ray Krebbs is your father, Lucas. He's always been there for you, since the day you were born. When I brought you home from the hospital, it was Ray who picked me up, NOT Bobby."
"How many times are we gonna have this conversation?" Lucas asks. "Mom, you know I love Ray. I still consider him my father. But I've had a relationship with him for twenty-seven years. I've only started getting to know Bobby a few months ago. Are you always gonna be this bitter and resentful toward Bobby and the rest of the family?"
Jenna looks at her son. "You don't understand."
"You're right," Lucas says. "I don't understand."
Before Jenna is able to say anymore, Afton walks out of a dress shop in front of which Lucas and Jenna are standing. Carrying four shopping bags, Afton stops when she sees them. "Well, I don't believe it," she says. "Jenna Wade."
"Hello, Afton," Jenna says. "And it's Krebbs."
"It's been a long time. I heard you and Ray were moving back here. We didn't get to speak at the Ewing Barbecue," Afton says.
"Probably because you were too busy running your mouth about stuff that was none of your business," Lucas says.
Afton looks at him and smiles. "You must be Lucas. You remind me so much of your father when he was younger. Well, nice to see you, Jenna."
"Afton," Jenna says. Afton smiles, then walks away.
"Well, it was a surprise seeing her," says Jenna.
"Yeah," Lucas says. "A surprise I could've done without after what she did to Emma at the barbecue."
Pamela's apartment....a short time later
"Who stuck a burr under your saddle?" Cliff asks.
"I saw Jenna Wade.....Jenna Krebbs and her son Lucas downtown."
"Jenna? I never knew you had a problem with her."
"I don't," says Afton. "But that son of hers."
Cliff puts his newspaper down and stands. "Okay, okay. What'd the kid do?"
"He made some smart ass remark about me and what happened at the barbecue."
Cliff smiles. "Afton, don't let it get under your skin. The kid's a Ewing. He's Bobby's son, and all the Ewings are the same.. How about I fix us some lunch?"
"I already ate when I was out shopping."
"Okay, then, how about some coffee?" Cliff asks.
"Coffee sounds nice," Afton replies.
"Coming right up." Cliff goes into the kitchen and starts to make the coffee.
Afton takes a seat on the sofa as her cell phone rings. She takes the phone out of her purse and answers. "Hello?" She says. Afton smiles when she hears the voice of her brother Mitch on the other end of the line. "Mitch, hi. How are you? No, I'm still in Dallas. Is something wrong?" The smile disappears from Afton's face as she listens to her brother. "Oh my God," she says, her voice shaky as she is near tears. "When? How bad? No,no, that's fine. I'll be on the first flight out I can get. And Mitch.....tell Mama I love her. I'll see you soon. Bye." Afton puts her phone down and stands. She fights back tears as Cliff walks into the room.
"Here we go," he says cheerfully. "Some of my famous coffee you always hated." He puts his cup down on the coffee table, then starts to hand Afton her cup of coffee, but he stops when he sees she's about to cry. "Afton, what's wrong? Did I hear you talking to someone?"
Afton nods. "It was my brother, Mitch."
"What's wrong?" Cliff asks.
"My mother. She's in the hospital."
"Oh, I'm sorry. I hope it's nothing serious."
"It's very serious. Cliff she.....she has cancer. Pancreatic cancer. Mitch says it's very bad, and I should come as soon as possible."
Cliff puts the other cup of coffee down on the table. "Oh, Afton," he says. "I'm so sorry. I don't know what to say."
"How can this be?" Afton asks in tears. "I spoke to her just a week ago and she sounded a little weak because she'd been fighting a virus, but she was fine. How could this have happened so fast?"
Cliff puts his arms around her as she starts to cry. "Is there anything I can do? Want me to come to Biloxi with you?"
"No."
"I'd be happy to."
"No," Afton says, pulling out of Cliff's embrace. "I need to pack. And when Pamela gets home, I have to tell her." A tearful Afton heads up the stairs as Cliff watches. Seeing her in pain, so vulnerable after hearing the news about her mother, Cliff realizes his feelings for Afton run as deep as ever, maybe deeper.
Southfork....
"Bobby," she says.
"Annie."
"What are you doin' with my tablet?"
"I needed to use it because my computer is in the middle of a Windows update," Bobby says. "And imagine to my surprise, what I found. What were you doin' searchin' Dusty Farlow's name?"
Ann smiles nervously. "I was just curious. I'd heard so much about him from Sue Ellen, I just thought I'd look him up." She walks past him and into the bedroom.
Bobby sighs as he follows her. "Honey, I thought we had discussed this."
"Discussed what?"
"You KNOW what. You were searchin' for Dusty to try and get him together with Sue Ellen again."
Ann turns to face him. "Alright, I was. But is that really so terrible, Bobby? Tryin' to help a friend who's lonely and in need of companionship?"
"But why Dusty?" Bobby asks. "He and Sue Ellen haven't seen each other since Clayton died fifteen years ago, and as far as I know they haven't even talked since then."
"I thought of him because of the way Sue Ellen has talked about him. I honestly think that, after J.R., Dusty Farlow was the love of her life."
"I wish you'd just leave this alone," Bobby says. "If it's in the cards for Sue Ellen to find someone, then it'll happen."
"But sometimes those cards need a little help fallin' into place. Bobby, please, just understand why I'm doin' this. Sue Ellen is part of this family, and she's my very best friend. I hate seein' her so lonely and depressed. I want her to be as happy as I am. Just let me do this."
Bobby looks at his wife and smiles. "Honey, I know your heart's in the right place, but matchmakin' usually leads to trouble. I'd really appreciate if you'd just stop this. If you wanna help Sue Ellen, then encourage her to get out more. But please stop searchin' for Dusty Farlow."
Ann looks at him for a moment, then looks away. "Alright."
"Good," Bobby says. "Besides, we've got more important things to worry about right now. Like Christmas. I'll go find Christopher and we'll start puttin' up the decorations on the outside of the house."
"Alright, Bobby. I'll get the stuff for the tree."
Bobby smiles, then kisses his wife. Without another word, he walks out of the room. Ann sighs with frustration.
Pamela's apartment....
Cliff comes down the stairs. "Hello, Pamela, glad you're back. Where've you been?"
"Well, I started my Christmas shopping. And I thought maybe tonight I'd put up the tree. Is Mom here?"
"Uhh, yes, she's upstairs resting. She was packing earlier," Cliff replies.
"Packing? Why?"
"Your mother is booked on a 5:30 flight to Biloxi. Your Uncle Mitch called with some bad news."
A look of worry comes over Pamela's face. "What kind of news?"
"Honey, it's your grandmother, Arliss. She's in the hospital."
"What's wrong with Grandma?" Pamela asks.
Cliff hesitates a moment before answering. "She has cancer, sweetheart. Pancreatic. It's bad."
"Sweetheart, I am SO sorry," Cliff says, putting his arms around his daughter and embraces her as she cries.
Southfork....
"Can I come in?" John Ross asks.
Emma sits up on the bed and puts her book down. "Sure," she says.
John Ross walks into the room. "I'm sorry about this mornin'. I know I was kinda rough. I was feelin' sorry for myself."
"Yeah, I could tell. John Ross, what's going on with you?"
He walks over and takes a seat beside her on the bed. "Just been thinkin'. Everything I've done, everything I've accomplished. I wanted Westar, I went after it, and I got it. Oil Baron of the year. But when it comes right down to it, Emma, I don't have anything. I lost my wife. I have no friends."
"That's not true, John Ross," Emma says. "I'm your friend."
John Ross looks at her. "You really mean that?"
"I was more to blame. But that's in the past. Pamela and I just weren't meant to be, that's all."
"John Ross, I'm really sorry that I wasn't there for you last night when you needed a friend. But if you ever need someone to talk to, you can talk to me."
"Thanks, Emma," John Ross says as Lucas comes to the door.
"Thanks for what?" Lucas says, walking into the room. "John Ross, what are you doing in my girlfriend's bedroom, sitting on her bed?"
An angry Lucas slams the door behind John Ross. "What the hell was he doing in here?"
"He just came to talk," Emma says. "To apologize."
"Apologize for what?" Lucas asks.
"This morning, John Ross was really down, and I tried talking to him. He was kind of short with me, that's all. I know you don't like John Ross, but why are you getting so worked up? What did you think was going on?" Emma asks as she stands.
"I don't know. I come home, and find my girlfriend sitting on her bed having a cozy little conversation with her ex-lover, who lives in the same house. How am I supposed to react to that?"
"It was NOT a 'cozy little conversation' as you put it. He just came to apologize, Lucas. That's it."
"Why was there a need for him to apologize in the first place?" Lucas asks. "Why you were even talking to him this morning?"
"Are you freaking KIDDING me?" Emma asks, angrily raising her voice. "Lucas, we live in the same house as John Ross. How can you expect me not to talk to him once in a while. "You're just being ridiculous right now."
"I'm being ridiculous? Emma, John Ross is a snake, and you know what happens when you get to close to a snake? You get bitten."
"Are you acting this way just because you don't like John Ross? Or is it because you don't trust?"
"You two do have quite a history," Lucas says.
"Oh my God, I don't believe this! Lucas, after everything you and I have been through together, how can you even think that I would ever let anything happen between me and John Ross again? If that's how you feel, and if you really have no more trust in me than that, then you can just go sleep in the guest room tonight!" Emma storms into the bathroom and slams the door.
Tripp's condo....that night
"Hey, come in," he says.
"Thanks," Pamela says, walking in.
Tripp closes the door. "I didn't expect to see you tonight. Thought you were gonna put up your Christmas tree."
"I was, but....." Pamela stops in mid sentence, and Tripp can tell she's been crying.
"Hey, Pamela, what's wrong?" Tripp asks, gently touching her shoulders.
"I got some bad news today. My Uncle Mitch, my mom's brother, called from Biloxi. My grandmother's very sick, and she's in the hospital."
"Oh, I'm so sorry. Is it serious?"
Pamela tries to fight back the tears, but can't. "She has cancer. It's terminal."
"Oh, no. Pamela, I'm so sorry." Tripp puts his arms around Pamela and embraces her.
"My Mom left for Biloxi tonight. And I didn't wanna stay home. I needed you."
"Shhhh, it's okay," Tripp says soothingly as she strokes Pamela's brown hair. "It's okay." Tripp continues to hold Pamela as she cries.
Amanda's apartment complex....the next morning
"We need to talk," Cliff says, barging into the apartment.
"I was just on my way out."
"This will only take a minute."
Amanda closes the door. "Make it quick."
"Why haven't I heard from you since our meeting the other night?" Cliff asks. "I expected to hear that you had gotten John Ross to confess to blackmailing those Westar shares away from their rightful owners, OR more importantly, that you had gotten him to confess that his family framed me for J.R. Ewing's murder!"
"I'm not seeing John Ross anymore," Amanda says.
"You're not WHAT?" Cliff asks.
"I broke it off with John Ross before things went any further. I told you the other night, Mr. Barnes. I can't keep doing this."
"Look, I'll pay you back the money. But I can't continue to hurt John Ross."
"Hurt John Ross? Let me tell you something, Amanda, if you get involved with John Ross Ewing, it would only be a matter of time before he hurt YOU. Those people are nothing but parasites and destroyers. Look, you took this job on......"
"Because I needed the money!" Amanda yells.
"You back out on me now, you will lose....everything. You'll end up exactly where you were. Do you think your mother would want that?" Amanda starts to cry. Cliff walks over to her. "Amanda, just do this for a little while longer. I already told you, I will reward you handsomely, and you'll never have to worry about money again. You'll be set for the rest of your life. Just find the evidence I need, either from John Ross or at Ewing Global, that will prove the Ewings framed me for J.R.'s murder, and this will all be over. Sooner you do that for me, the sooner you can collect that money I promised you for a job well done and get on with your life." Cliff smiles at Amanda, then turns and leaves without another word.
After he's gone, Amanda breaks down in tears.
Tripp's condo....
"Morning," he says when he sees her walk in.
"Morning. Smells good."
Tripp smiles. "Bacon and tater tots. My breakfast special."
"Tripp, thank you for last night. For being so patient and understanding."
"It was nice," Tripp says. "It was really nice just laying in bed talking. Listening to you talk about your grandmother, and you listening to me talk about my grandfather."
Tripp looks at her and smiles. "Breakfast is just about ready." Pamela takes a seat at the table. Tripp pours her a cup of coffee. "You gonna go to Biloxi and see your grandma?" He asks.
"Yes. I feel really bad that I haven't spent much time with her the last few years. But when I was growing up, she took care of me a lot while my mom was on the road or working. God, I should've gone to see her more often the last couple years." Pamela starts to cry.
"Hey, now," Tripp says, taking a seat. "Don't beat yourself up like this. I understand how it feels to have regrets."
Pamela sighs. "After the news about my grandmother yesterday, I almost forgot that Christmas is coming up in about a week and a half."
"I hadn't even thought about it."
"What are your plans?" Pamela asks.
"Don't have any," Tripp says as he takes the bacon from the stove. "I'd rather not even think about Christmas this year."
"Because of Hunter?"
Tripp takes a seat at the table and looks at her. "Let's eat," he says, avoiding the subject of his brother.
Southfork.....later
"Cody, how long you been workin' here?" Randall asks.
"Oh, 'bout three years," Cody replies in a Texas drawl even thicker than Randall's. "Weren't much older than you when I come here. Mr. Ewin's been real good to me. Heck, to all of us. Take ol' Manuel there. He's been here longer'n any of us hands. Manny, how long you been here, man?"
"Almost thirty years," Manuel replies in a Hispanic accent. "You boys finish up here."
"Sure thing, Manuel," says Cody.
"Wow," Randall says in amazement. "He's been here a long time."
"Yep," says Cody. "So how 'bout you, man? You plan on plantin' yer feet here permanent like, or you gonna move on soon?"
Cody notices Randall staring at something in the distance and looks in the same direction. He sees Emma riding off across the field. Cody smiles. "Dude, you may as well just put that idea outta your mind."
"What idea you talkin' about?" Randall asks with a sly smile.
Randall looks at Cody and smiles. "Cody, you sound like a born cynic, my man. Me.....I like to look on the positive side of things. Why don't you finish up this little bit by yourself. Think I'm gonna go see if there's somethin' else that needs doin' around here."
Cody watches as Randall walks over to one of the horses and climbs on. Randall waves to his fellow ranch hand, then Cody smiles and shakes his head as he watches Randall ride off in the direction Emma had gone.
A few minutes later....
"Hey, wait up!" He calls to her.
Upon hearing Randall, Emma stops her horse in the middle of the pasture, and he catches up to her.
"Hi," he, bringing his animal to a stop beside hers.
"Randall, hey, what's up?"
"Not much. Just seen you ride by a couple minutes ago," Randall says. "You really seem to enjoy ridin'."
"I do. It's one of the few things in life I actually enjoy completely. I use to ride in competitions."
"Well now, how 'bout that. Ever win any?"
Emma smiles. "Yes, I won a few."
"Ever race?" Randall asks.
"Sometimes," replies Emma. "Why, is that a challenge?"
"Maybe. How 'bout to the end of this pasture and back to this spot?" Randall says.
"You're on."
"On the count of three...." says Randall. "One......two....." And before Randall can say "three," Emma takes off light a streak of lightening on her horse. "HEY!!" Randall yells after her. Then he takes off, nearly catching up to her at the end of the pasture. Emma quickly turns her horse around at the end of the field and starts back toward the middle. Randall quickly follows. The two finish their little race, reaching the spot where they started at almost the same time, Randall slightly ahead by only a hair.
"Been around horses my whole life," says Randall. "I was practically raised on one."
"So was I."
Randall looks at her. "Looks like we got somethin' in common."
Emma smiles. "Yeah," she says quietly. "Looks like."
"You know, you got a real pretty smile."
Emma looks at the young man curiously, not quite sure what to make of him. And not quite sure what to make of the strange attraction she feels for him.
A restaurant in Dallas....
"Is there anything else I can get for you ladies?" She asks.
"No, we're fine now. Thank you," Jenna says, and the young woman walks away. "Sue Ellen, thank you for having lunch with me today."
Sue Ellen smiles. "I was happy you called. I was gonna invite you to lunch one afternoon, but, I was waiting until you and Ray got settled and unpacked first."
"I had forgotten how much there was to do when you move," Jenna says.
"So, how is it being back in the old house?" Sue Ellen asks.
Jenna's smile disappears as she looks down at the food on her plate.
"Is anything wrong?" Asks Sue Ellen.
"Sometimes, it just feels as though my family were falling apart," Jenna says.
"In what way?"
Jenna looks up at her friend. "It was my idea to move back here, to be near Lucas. Oh, I knew that Ray missed Dallas and wanted to come back here for a long time. But when we decided to do it, I had no idea that he would buy back his old ranch."
"Let me guess, he bought the ranch without telling you or discussing it with you," says Sue Ellen.
"It's a pattern. The pattern of the Ewing men. Even now, in the 21st century they still don't consider their wives to be equal partners in a marriage," Sue Ellen explains. "It's a pattern that's been learned and handed down from one generation to another. From Jock and Miss Ellie, on down to John Ross and Pamela."
"So how do we change that pattern? Or are we simply to accept it?"
"Jenna, whoever finally figures that one out.....deserves a Nobel prize," Sue Ellen says with a smile.
Jenna laughs at the comment.
Meanwhile....back at Southfork
"Yeah, it is," Emma agrees. "I love to come out here and just.....think."
"You do a lot of that, don't you?"
Emma looks at him. "What do you mean?"
"I see you ride out this way almost ev'ry day. You thinkin' all that much?"
"You sure do ask a lot of questions," Emma says.
Randall stands to his feet. "You mean for just a hired hand?"
"That's not what I meant."
Randall looks at her for a moment, then smiles. "Must be real nice, livin' in a place like this," he says, walking a few feet away, his back to Emma. "I always dreamed of livin' on a ranch like this some day."
Emma walks over to him. "Well, now you do."
He turns and looks at her again. "Not the same thing, bein' a hired hand, and livin' in the big house as one of the fam'ly."
"Trust me, sometimes it isn't all it's cracked up to be."
"Lot of drama go on in there?" Randall asks.
"That's NONE of your business. Besides, it's getting late. I have to get back to the house."
"How come?"
"Because Lucas will be home soon."
"Your boyfriend," Randall says with a sigh.
"Yes. My BOYFRIEND." Emma starts to turn to walk back to her horse, but Randall grabs her by the arm. Without warning, he kisses her on the mouth. Emma reacts instinctively and slaps the young man across the face. Emma looks at him with an expression of both anger and fear, then quickly walks back to her horse, climbs on, and rides away as randall watches.
A short time later....
"Emma?" Ann calls to her.
Emma pauses in the doorway leading from the foyer to the living room, then turns to her mother.
"Is everything alright?" Ann asks.
"Sure. Everything's fine."
Ann walks over to her. "You don't seem fine. Normally when you come back from a ride you're in better spirits. Today you seem like somethin's botherin' you."
"Really. I'm okay," Emma says.
"Well, alright. But if you need to talk, you know where I am."
"Thanks." Emma turns and walks out of the room as Ann watches with concern. Emma heads down the hall to her bedroom and meets Lucas coming out of the room. The two stop short and look at each other for a moment.
"Emma," Lucas finally says. "I'm sorry about yesterday. I realize I blew everything out of proportion."
Emma sighs. "Lucas, it's okay. I've had a lot of time to think since our fight, and I understand why you feel the way you do. Especially with the history John Ross and I have. I should've realized it bothered you."
Lucas moves closer to her and takes her hand. "Emma, I trust you. I do. But it's John Ross I don't trust. I know I can't tell you what to do. But it does bother me you bein' around him. I know we all live in the same house, but I'd prefer it if you didn't spend anymore time with John Ross than you had to. I'm sorry, but I can't help how I feel." Without saying another word, Lucas walks past Emma and out of the house.
Parkland Memorial Hospital.....that night
"Well, look who it is," Carter says with a smile.
"Granddad, I sure am happy to see you sitting up and feelin' better," Tripp says.
"He's made a lot of progress the last couple of days, Tracey says. "And he's gonna take much better care of himself from now on, right, Daddy?"
"I have to get better, so I can get out of this damned hospital by Christmas."
The smile disappears from Tripp's face and he lowers his head. Tracey notices her nephew's sadness at the mention of Christmas. "Daddy," she says. "When you get out of here, I want you to come stay with me for a while. At least until you're fully recovered."
"Tracey, I appreciate the concern, but no," Carter says.
"Better listen to her, Granddad," says Tripp. "You should know by now there's no use arguing with a woman. Especially Aunt Tracey."
"Daddy, you had a VERY close call with that heart attack," Tracey says. "I'm not about to let you go home, all alone, with no one to take care of you."
"I've always taken very good care of myself," says Carter.
"Yes, you have. But that was before you almost died from a heart attack. You're comin' home with me when they let you out of here, and I don't want any argument."
Carter smiles. "Alright. I know when I'm licked. But only for a while. Til I'm recovered."
"Agreed," Tracey says with a smile. She looks over at her nephew. "Tripp, can I talk to you out in the hall for a minute?"
"Yeah, sure."
"We'll be right back, Daddy." Tracey gently touches her father's arm, then she and Tripp step into the hallway, Tracey closing the door behind them.
"What is it, Aunt Tracey?" Tripp asks.
"I saw the look on your face when your grandfather mentioned Christmas. I know how hard it's gonna be for you this year."
"I'm fine. Really."
"Sweety, if you need someone to talk to....."
"Aunt Tracey, I'm okay. I promise. If I need to talk, I'll take you up on that." Tripp walks past his aunt and back into Carter's room. A look of both sadness and concern comes over Tracey's face as she wonders whether her nephew is really okay, or if he's bottling up his feelings.
Southfork....John Ross's bedroom
"Bum, it has been weeks now since I asked you to find Elena for me," John Ross says. "How come I still don't have any results?"
"Damn it, Bum, with all the resources you have at your disposal, how hard could it be to find one woman?" John Ross asks.
"Real hard if that woman duttin' wanna be found, and Elena's covered her tracks pretty good."
"Bum, I don't want excuses. I want results." John Ross says. "I want Elena found, hopefully TOMORROW, but if that's a no-go, then by Christmas next week."
"Again, I'll do my best," says Bum.
"Good. That's what I like to hear. Now, about that other matter we discussed."
"Yes, Pamela. She's been spendin' a lot of time with Tripp lately, especially since his grandfather's heart attack,"
"And?" John Ross asks. "You come up with any dirt on McKay yet?"
"Nothin' but a couple minor things. Traffic tickets. He was arrested once for gettin' in a bar fight down in Odessa, but no charges were filed. And he didn't try to hide it."
"Just keep diggin'. And if you can't find anything, CREATE somethin'. My divorce hearin' is comin' up real soon, and I want somethin' that'll make both Pamela and her new boyfriend look bad."
"I'll be in touch," Bum says.
"Bum, I don't have to tell you how important this is to me."
"No, John Ross. You don't. I know."
John Ross ends the call and tosses his phone onto the bed, sighing in frustration.
Ewing Global.....three days later
"Amanda," he says with a somewhat rude tone.
"Hi, John Ross. I'll let your mother know you're here."
"Thank you."
Amanda looks at him, "John Ross, about what happened between us. About what I said.....I'm really sorry. I never meant to hurt you. I just needed some time, to think. And now that I've had that time, if you wanna still see each other, I'd like that."
Amanda smiles. "Good. Because I really thought I'd screwed things up between us. I wanted to call you, but, I was afraid you wouldn't wanna hear from me."
"How 'bout dinner tonight?" John Ross asks.
"Dinner sounds nice."
"I'll pick you up around 7?"
"I'll be ready," Amanda says.
John Ross smiles, then turns and starts to leave.
"John Ross?" Amanda calls after him. He stops and turns to her. "Didn't you wanna see your mom?"
"Nah. It was you I came to see," he replies with a smile, then walks toward the elevator. Amanda watches him go.
At that moment, Sue Ellen comes out of her office just as John Ross gets on the elevator. She walks to Amanda's desk. "Amanda, what did John Ross want? Was he here to see me?"
"No, Mrs. Ewing," Amanda says with a big smile. "He wasn't."
Sue Ellen looks at the young woman with concern, worried about the fact that this seemingly innocent young girl was seeing so much of her son.
Bijoux Restaurant, Dallas
"I really appreciate you havin' lunch with me today, Emma," Harris says. "It's been too long since I seen you. I miss ya, sweetheart."
Emma sighs as she looks down at her food. She remains silent.
"You've hardly touched your food," says Harris. "Better eat up."
"I guess I'm just not hungry," Emma says.
"Emma, I wish you'd talk to me. I wish things weren't so awkward between us, sweetheart."
"I'm sorry. But I just don't know what to say to you."
"Ya know, your grandma called you a couple times," Harris says. "You didn't answer."
"I don't know what to say to her, either."
"Emma, if you wanna blame anyone for all this, the blame me. I'm the one that lied to you and your mama all them years. Your grandma didn't know anything about me not bein' your father. That lady loves you. Don't punish her for somethin' I did."
"I just have one question," Emma says.
"What's that, sweetheart?" Harris asks.
Emma looks up at him. "All those years you raised me......did you even love me? Or did you just wanna punish Ann by keeping me away from her?"
Harris looks across the table at her. "Emma I have always loved you. Since the first time I held you in my arms. I know I made a lot of mistakes. Both with your mama and with you. If I could change the past, I would. But one thing I'd never change is havin' you in my life, and as my daughter. I just hope someday you and Ann can find it in your hearts to forgive me."
"Right now, I don't know how I feel. I've put off dealing with it."
"I understand," Harris says. "Listen, Emma, Christmas is in just a few days, and, your grandma and I'd love it if you would drop by the house. Maybe even have dinner with us."
"I can't," Emma says.
"I shoulda guessed the Ewings would be havin' Christmas at Southfork," Harris says sadly.
"Yes. Bobby and Ann are planning this big family Christmas."
"I understand."
"I'm sorry, I really have to go," Emma says.
"So soon? I was hopin' we could talk some more."
"I'm due back at Southfork. Bobby and Lucas are coming home from the office early, and we're supposed to trim the Christmas tree."
"Aight," Harris says. "I'm glad I got to see you, Emma. I appreciate you meetin' me here."
Emma nods as she gets up from her seat. She starts to leave, but she pauses a moment and looks at Harris. "If I can, I'll drop by the house. Just for a minute."
Harris looks at Emma and smiles. "That'd be great. Your grandma'll be real happy to see you."
Without another word, Emma walks away.
Southfork....later that afternoon
"How's that?" Bobby asks his wife. "Or would you rather have it someplace else?"
"No, I think that's fine. It'll look beautiful there."
"I think so, too," Christopher agrees. "Come on, Lucas, let's get those boxes of ornaments and decorations out."
"Sure," Lucas says, seemingly uninterested.
Bobby notices that Lucas has been quiet and sullen all day. "You okay?" Bobby asks him.
"Yeah. I just can't imagine what's keeping Emma. She said she'd be home by now to help with the tree."
"Where is she, anyway?" Ann asks. "I asked where she was goin' when I saw her leavin', and she just said she was goin' out for a while?"
Lucas sighs. "I'd really rather her tell you herself."
"Sounds like a surprise," says Bobby.
"Not exactly," Lucas says.
"Well, I wish she'd hurry. Or else she's gonna miss all the fun of decoratin'," Ann says.
"Chris, let's get those boxes," Lucas says. As they are about to head out of the living room, Emma walks in, having just returned from her lunch with Harris. Lucas walks over to her. "Hey," he says. "I was starting to get worried."
"I'm sorry."
"Well, glad you're back," Ann says to her daughter. "We were just about to start without you."
"Be right back," Lucas says. "Christopher and I are goin' to get the ornaments for the tree."
"They should be in the attic somewhere, separate from all the other stuff up there," Bobby tells his two sons as they leave the room.
"So where'd you go?" Asks Ann. "I mean, unless it's a secret."
Emma sighs. "I had lunch with.......with Harris."
"I didn't tell you because I knew you'd try to stop me, or at least ask me not to go," Emma says. "But I had to."
Ann walks over to her daughter. "I wouldn't like it. I DON'T like it. But I wouldn't try to stop you if I could. You're an adult, Emma, capable of makin' your own decisions. You've grown up a lot over the last few months, and I trust you to make the right ones."
"Thank you. I really thought seeing him would give me some kind of peace. Some kind of closure."
"It didn't?" Bobby asks.
"No," Emma says sadly. "Not really. If anything, I feel worse since I saw him. All my life, he's been my father. The only father I've ever known. I've loved him, hated him, and now....." Emma grows silent as she looks away.
"Now, you don't know how to feel," Ann says.
"No. I don't. I think back over my life. How he kept me away from my mother. How he and Grandmother use to keep me on pills just so I would be all calm and docile most of the time." Emma walks over to the Christmas tree and gently touches a branch, then turns back to Ann and Bobby. "When I think about that stuff, I hate him. But then, when I think about the good things.......walks in the parks, the education they gave me, all the gifts......I don't feel that hate anymore."
"Emma, it takes a lot more than buying a kid a lot of expensive gifts, or sendin' them off to a fancy private school to make a parent," Bobby says.
"I know," says Emma. "I just wish I knew what to feel."
At that moment, there's a knock on one of the French doors leading from the living room to the patio. Bobby walks over and opens the door and finds Randall there. "Oh, Randall, hello," Bobby says. "Come in."
"Thanks, Mr. Ewin'," Randall says, walking into the house carrying some papers as Emma looks at him uncomfortably. "Hello, Miz Ewin'. Miss Emma."
"Hi, Randall," says Ann.
"What can I do for you?" Bobby asks.
"I'm sorry to interrupt y'all, looks like you're busy. But Manuel asked me if I'd run these envoices up here for you to sign."
"Sure," Bobby says, taking the envoices. He signs them.
"How're you, Miss Emma?" Randall asks.
"Just fine," Emma replies rudely, her tone noticed by both Bobby and Ann.
"Here you go," Bobby says, handing the envoices back to the young man as Christopher and Lucas return carrying two boxes each of Christmas stuff.
"Thank ya, sir."
"Hey, Randall," says Christopher.
"Sup, Christopher?"
"Not much. Just gettin' ready to decorate the tree."
"Excuse me," Emma says. She quickly walks past Christopher and Lucas and leaves the room, Lucas watching her with worry.
"Well, I best be gettin' back," says Randall. "You folks have a nice evenin'."
"We will. Thanks again, Randall," Bobby says. Randall smiles at the group, then leaves.
Biloxi, Mississippi......late evening
"How is she?" Mitch asks, not turning around to look at his sister.
"She's sleeping," Afton replies. "Mitch, do you think this is wise? Bringing Mama home?"
"Afton, she wanted to come home. I'm here around the clock, we have a private nurse with her, you're here, and she's getting her fluids and medicine. Besides, there's nothing they could do for her in the hospital that we can't do right here, where she's more comfortable."
"There must be something that can be done. Mitch, you're a DOCTOR, for God's sake. With all the advancements in medicine these days....."
"There's NOTHING," Mitch says, turning to face her. "Afton, you have to face this. Our mother is dying."
Afton starts to cry. "How could this have happened so fast? Last week I spoke to her and she was fine. She sounded a little weak from that flu she'd had...."
"That's how pancreatic and liver cancer is, little sister. It's very rapidly progressive, especially in Mama's case. She's been having some pains for a while now, at least a few months. I told her to go see a doctor and have some tests done. 'Oh, it's nothing, just my stomach condition acting up again' is all she'd say. It wasn'y until she became really sick that she was forced to go. By then it was too late."
"Mitch, I can't accept that something can't be done," Afton says.
"Afton, I saw her tests and x-rays and the MRI myself. The cancer has spread. It's in her pancreas, her liver, the kidneys, and the lymph nodes."
Afton takes a seat on the sofa. "How long, do you think?"
"No one can say. Could be any time now, or it could be another week."
"A.....week?" Afton asks, looking up at her brother in tears.
Mitch walks over and takes a seat beside her. "Yes. At least, we're able to keep her pain eased a little with the morphine. Right now, that's all we can do for her."
"Pamela is coming tomorrow."
"That's good," says Mitch. "Sharon and the kids are flying in from Atlanta tomorrow, too. I just hope......I just hope Mama can spend some time with her grandchildren before it's too late." Mitch stands and walks back over to the fireplace. He again looks at the beautiful Christmas tree. "Mama had just put her tree up a couple days before she got so sick. I talked to her that night." Mitch sighs deeply. "You know what I keep thinking about?"
"No. What?" Afton asks.
"I remember it a little."
"It was so hard for both of us to understand why Papa was gone, and at Christmas. I remember Mama got old Mr. Denton who lived just down the street from us to come and play Santa Claus. He dressed up like Santa, came in and sat both of us on his lap. I remember how sad you looked, and I'm sure I looked the same way. Mr. Denton explained to us how Papa had to go away to Heaven, so that he could be come our guardian angel and watch over us and make sure we were taken care. And do you remember what we got that Christmas?"
"Yes," Afton says. "You got a bicycle, and I got the most beautiful doll I'd ever seen."
"Yep. I didn't find out until years later that Mama sold her engagement ring Papa had given her just to get us those presents."
Afton's mouth drops open. "I never knew that."
"That's how much she loved us, Afton," Mitch says. "My God, do you realize that she was only thirty-two when she lost Papa. Way to young to be a widow with a ten-year-old son and an eight-year-old daughter to raise all by herself. But she did raise us, and well. She always made sure we had everything we needed, and even saw to it that I went to medical school."
"You know what I've been thinking?" Afton asks.
Mitch turns and looks at her. "What have you been thinking?"
"I've been thinking about when I bought her this house. How happy she was. At first, she didn't want me to do it, because I bought it with money Cliff's mother, Rebecca Wentworth, left me in her will. Mama said that was my money and she didn't want me spending it on her. And I told her, 'Mama, you've taken care of me and Mitch all our lives, so now, here's my chance to repay just a little of that.' And then she accepted the house. I've also been thinking about the day Pamela was born. Remember how happy Mama was?"
"Yes. Her first grandchild. She always thought I'd be the one to give her her first one. She was always disappointed that Lucy and I never had children. But when I married Sharon and Daniel came along, oh boy. Mama was in Heaven."
Afton starts to cry again. "Mitch, how are we going to let her go?"
Mitch walks over and puts his arms around his sister. "It'll be hard. But we have to, Afton. Just as Mama had to let Papa go, we have to somehow find a way to let her go be with him."
Brother and sister stand in the middle of their mother's living room embracing, the shimmering lights of the Christmas tree illuminating the room, and the only audible sound being the crackling of the wood as it burns in the fireplace.
Downtown Dallas....night
"Just look at those lights," Amanda says, looking at the tall Christmas tree illuminated with bright blue lights. "Sure are beautiful, aren't they?"
"Yep, they are," replies John Ross. "Just like the lady I'm with."
Amanda looks at him and smiles. "You're in a romantic mood tonight."
"Eh, maybe it's the Christmas season. Maybe it's bein' with you right now. The other night, I was feelin' so low after I left your place. Felt all alone, like I had nobody."
"I'm sorry, John Ross. I never meant to make you feel that way."
"You wanna talk about it?"
"No, not really. I already talked it over with the only person who could really understand how I felt that night."
"It's cold tonight," Amanda says. "Why don't we go back to my place, drink some hot cocoa, and cuddle on the couch with a good movie?"
John Ross smiles. "That sounds like a mighty fine idea," he says. "Amanda, what've you got planned for Christmas?"
"I haven't made any plans. Kinda hard to do when you have no family."
"Well, you got plans now," John Ross says, putting his arm around her.
"I do?"
"Yep. You, Miss Shepherd, are spendin' Christmas with me and my fam'ly at Southfork."
"John Ross, you don't have to do that."
He stops walking and turns to her, taking her hand in his. "I want you there."
"You're such an incredible man. So sweet and so kind."
"Yes I am, but let's just keep that between us. I got a reputation as Dallas's biggest scoundrel to uphold."
Amanda laughs as they resume walking down the streets.
Jillian's apartment....
"I tried calling but your cell went straight to voicemail and your house phone has been busy for two hours," Kimberly says.
"Yeah, I wanted it that," Jillian says, closing the door. "Mom, I just wanted to be alone tonight and watch a few movies. I told you this when we talked this morning."
"I didn't think you were serious. Jillian, how long are you going to keep this up?"
"Keep what up?" Jillian asks.
"You know EXACTLY what I'm talking about. You sit in this apartment most of the day and every night. You never go out, you don't socialize much. Ever since that damned son of J.R. and Sue Ellen's stole Westar out from under us, it's like you've just given up. Accepted defeat."
"What am I supposed to do? Go out and get a job as a waitress or a secretary?"
"No," replies Kimberly. "But you need to do SOMETHING. Jillian, I realize how hurt you were when John Ross Ewing stabbed you in the back, and how angry you were at me when you found out who your father was. But just sitting here day after day letting life just pass you by is not helping anything. Especially not you."
Jillian turns and looks angrily at her mother. "You made me CEO of Westar. Basically gave that company to me, Mom. A company your father started. Then, through my own stupidity, I hired John Ross, an experienced oilman to teach me the ropes because I was too proud to go to anyone else, like one of the board members and let them know I didn't know what the hell I was doing. And boy did that backfire. Not only did John Ross swoop in like a vulture and steal Westar from me, but then I find out the pleasant news that he's my half-brother. That my mother had lied to me for twenty-six years. If that wasn't bad enough, I let my guard down and start to actually like John Ross, only to find out that he dug into the pasts of Westar share holders and blackmailed them out of their stock so he could steal the company from me. Now, after all that, do you honestly expect me to just get up, dust myself off, and go on like nothing happened?"
"No. But I do expect you to be angry, rather than defeated. Angry enough to fight back. Fight dirty, just like John Ross did. Just like J.R. did. Hit that young bastard where it hurts."
"How?" Jillian asks.
"I don't know. But maybe.......find someone willing to help. Someone who hates the Ewings. Someone like, Cliff Barnes."
"Are you kidding me? Cliff Barnes? Mom, my problem is with John Ross. He's the Ewing who betrayed me. The rest of the family have all been wonderful to me."
"The rest of the family?" Kimberly asks. "What are you talking about? Are you actually becoming close to those people?"
"Those people? Mom, those PEOPLE happen to be my family now. John Ross isn't the only brother I have. Did you know that? I have another older brother named James. He has a wife and two kids. And I also have a brother named Justin. Mom, I wanna meet them. I wanna get to know them. J.R.'s brother, Bobby, has been so nice to me, and his son, Lucas, has been wonderful. You can't blame the rest of that family for what J.R. did to you and what John Ross did to me."
"It doesn't matter what the first name is, sweetheart," Kimberly says. "A Ewing is a Ewing." "Then you must mean me too Mom," Jillian says. "Because my last name may be Cryder, but I'm still a Ewing by blood." Kimberly sighs in frustration and hesitates a moment before changing the subject. "I hope that you'll come spend Christmas with me at least." "I'll drop by on Christmas." |
"Mom, we've been over and over this. I love you. But I can't live with you. Especially not now."
"Alright. Well, now that I've seen for myself that you're really okay, I suppose I'll go home."
Jillian looks at her mother for a moment. "It's getting late, Mom. If you want, you can sleep in my other bedroom tonight."
Kimberly smiles. "Thank you, sweetheart," she says. "I believe I'll take you up on that invitation."
"Of course," Jillian says. "It's what you had in mind all along by coming by here at nine-thirty at night."
Southfork.....later
"No. I didn't wanna wake Lucas, so I decided to come have a glass of milk."
"I was havin' the same problem," Ann says, pouring herself a glass of milk. She takes a seat at the table across from Emma. "Mind if I ask you somethin'?"
"Of course not," Emma relies.
"This afternoon when that new ranch hand, Randall came to the house, you were kinda rude to him. And you acted a little strange."
"It's nothing."
"I get the feelin' it's somethin'. Has he bothered you or anything? I mean he seems like a real nice boy, but if he's upset you in anyway way I can talk to Bobby and....."
"No," Emma says.
"You know you can tell me."
"Really. It's nothing."
Ann takes a sip of her milk. "He's very handsome."
"Who?" Emma asks.
"Randall, that's who. And I've seen the way he looks at you."
"I hadn't noticed."
"Emma, I'm not tryin' to be nosey, I'm just concerned. Is everything alright between you and Lucas?"
"Did Randall have somethin' to do with that?" Ann asks.
"No. It was about.....John Ross."
"Oh?"
"The other morning, Christopher brought John Ross home. He'd been drinking, I guess most of the night. I tried to talk to him, and he was very short with me. Later, he came to my room to apologize, and Lucas happened to come home at that time. Lucas was really angry at finding John Ross in my room, and we had a big fight."
Ann sighs. "Emma, In a way, I can understand where Lucas is comin' from concernin' John Ross. You two do have a very sordid history together."
"Yes, but our relationship was over a long time ago."
"Sweety, it hasn't been that long. Only a few months," Ann says. "And it wasn't a relationship, it was an affair."
"Is it always gonna be like this?" Emma asks.
"Like what, honey?"
"Is my past.....and the things I've done.....always gonna be there, affecting the present?"
Ann reaches across the table and touches her daughter's hand. "The past will always be a part of us. I'm a perfect example of that. Things I did a long, long time came back to haunt me. But you haven't made the kind of mistakes I have, darlin'. And yours haven't been kept secret. Lucas knows about you and John Ross, and about your past with drugs. The fact that you haven't kept secrets from him the way I did with Bobby works in your favor."
"I think I'm gonna try to get some sleep now," says Emma as she gets up from the table.
"Me too. Hey, tomorrow, why don't we go into town and do some Christmas shoppin'? I still have a few more presents to buy."
"Sure, I'd love that. Good night."
"Night, darlin'," Ann says.
Emma starts to leave the room, then turns back to her mother. "Ann......Mom," she says. "Thanks."
Ann nods, and Emma walks out. Ann is brought to tears at the sound of her daughter calling her Mom instead of by her name.
Pamela's apartment....the next morning
Pamela is packing her suitcase the next morning as she gets ready to leave for the airport to catch her flight to Biloxi. As she closes her suitcase, Cliff knocks on her bedroom door, then walks in.
"You'd better hurry, sweetheart, or you're gonna miss that flight," he says.
"I know. I think I have everything."
"Are you sure you don't want me to come to Biloxi with you?" Cliff asks.
"No. I really don't think that would be a good idea," Pamela says.
Cliff nods. "You're prob'ly right. Well, grab your suitcase and I'll drive you to the airport."
Cliff picks up her suitcase while Pamela grabs her purse and a small travel bag and walks out of her bedroom, closing the door behind her. As she and Cliff head down the stairs of her apartment and are about to leave for the airport, her cell phone rings. "Just a minute, Daddy," she says. She puts her travel case down and reaches into her purse, bringing out her cell phone. She sees it's her mother calling. She quickly answers. "Hello, Mom?" For a moment, Pamela listens to what her mother is telling her, then a look of utter shock and sadness comes over her face. "Oh my God," she says, fighting back tears. "Mom, I'm so sorry. Yes. Yes. I'll be there soon. I love you, too. Bye." Pamela puts her phone down ans starts to cry.
"Pam...??" Cliff says.
"Oh, sweetheart," says Cliff sympathetically. "I'm so sorry."
"I never even got to see her one last time. I should've gone to Biloxi yesterday."
"No, sweetheart, it's okay," Cliff says as he embraces his daughter while she cries.
Southfork....
"Mornin', Dad," says Christopher.
"Where's everybody else?"
"Lucas and Emma are sleepin' in this mornin', and I don't think John Ross came home last night," Ann replies.
"John Ross sure is spendin' an awful lot of time away from the ranch these days."
"I guess he has a good reason," says Christopher. "He's been seein' a lot of Sue Ellen's secretary, Amanda, hasn't he?"
Bobby smiles. "Yes, he has. Amanda's a very nice and a very sweet young girl. I really hate to say it, but, I sure don't like her gettin' involved with John Ross."
"Oh, I dunno, Bobby," Ann says. "I met Amanda the night of the Oil Baron's. Maybe she's just what John Ross needs to soften him up a little bit."
"Maybe. But I'll believe that when I see it. Anyway, I don't really have time for breakfast this mornin'. I'll grab a bagel or somethin' at the office. I have an early meeting that I have to get to. Oh, by the way, I was thinkin'. I'd like to invite Randall to spend Christmas with us."
Ann looks at her husband, puzzled. "You wanna invite the new ranch hand over for Christmas?"
"Yeah. Randall's a nice kid, and he doesn't have any family. All the other hands have families and will be gone for a couple days, and Randall will be spendin' the holiday all alone in the bunkhouse."
Ann smiles. "I think that's a fine idea."
"I knew ya would," Bobby says, kissing his wife.
"I'll ask him, Dad," Christopher says.
"Thanks, son. Well, I really have to go or I'm gonna be late. I'll see y'all this evenin'." Bobby kisses Ann again, then leaves.
The bunkhouse....
"Yeah, I know," Christopher says, suspicious. "So who were you talking to?"
Randall looks at Christopher nervously, a look of fear on his face as if he's been caught at something.