----------Justin tried to fit in at Southfork, but met with opposition from John Ross and suspicion from Christopher.
---------Charlie begged Lucas not to tell anyone about her cancer, but unable to hold the secret inside, he told Christopher.
----------John Ross schemed to make sure Pamela walked away from their divorce with nothing, but at the divorce hearing, the judge awarded her half of his assets, including 50% of his Westar shares.
----------Amanda drugged John Ross's drink on New Years Eve in an effort to follow through on Cliff's plan.
----------Returning home from ringing in the New Year with Bobby and Ann, Sue Ellen was met on her doorstep by a surprise visitor - her old flame, Dusty Farlow!
Sue Ellen's home......
"Hello, Sue Ellen," Dusty says, stepping toward her. "It's been a long time."
"Yes, it certainly has," she says. "Dusty, what are you doing here? What are you doing in Dallas after all these years?"
"I came to see you, Sue Ellen."
"How'd you even know where to find me?" Sue Ellen asks.
"I spoke to a friend of yours. A friend who thought it would be good for you to see a face from the past."
"Ann Ewing, Bobby's wife," Dusty replies.
"Ann?"
"That's a really good friend you have there, Sue Ellen. She tracked me down and.......suggested.......that I pay a visit to Dallas."
Sue Ellen smiles, tears in her eyes. "I can't believe you came all this way just to see me."
"After that call from Ann Ewing, I haven't been able to get you off my mind. I heard about J.R.'s death last year, and I wanted to see for myself how you were doing. So....how are you, Sue Ellen?"
She looks at him for a moment and smiles. "Much better now."
"I realize it's late, but, any chance we could go inside and talk?" Dusty asks. "I've waited for you for quite a long time, and it's freezing out here."
"Of course. I want to stay up all night talking to you."
Dusty smiles back at her. Sue Ellen unlocks the door, and they go inside.
Amanda's apartment....the next morning
"Wha......what the hell happened last night?" John Ross asks. "I knew I had a lot to drink, but damn I didn't think I had THAT much."
"You were pretty out of it, but, you were alert enough to.......do what we had to do. And you made me the happiest woman in the world."
Smiling, Amanda takes a seat on the bed beside him. "I said, you made me the happiest woman in the world last night."
"As drunk as I was, just how'd I do that?"
"By makin' me......Mrs. John Ross Ewing, III."
Stunned by Amanda's statement, John Ross looks at her with a puzzled expression for a moment. "What....what did you just say?"
"Last night, you and I went to a justice of the peace and got married," Amanda says.
Finally shaken into semi-sobriety by what he's just heard, John Ross manages to sit up in bed and looks at her. "Amanda, I must still be drunk. It sounded like you just said......you and I got married last night."
"That's exactly what I said." Amanda reaches over to her nightstand and picks up a piece of paper and hands it to him. "See here? Our marriage license."
John Ross takes the license and looks at it, then rubs his face. "Amanda, how in the hell is this possible? You and I did not apply for any damned marriage license. Besides, in Texas there's a 72 hour waitin' period."
"Not when you sign a waiver. And John Ross, we DID apply for that license. Your Ewing money can take care of just about anything. Even gettin' a marriage license on New Years Eve."
"No. Uh-uh," John Ross says, getting out of bed. "This can't be. IF I had applied for a license and married you last night, I woulda remember it."
"Well I was hoping you would. Especially after what I told. John Ross, after I told you my news, it was YOUR idea to get married."
"My idea?" Asks a confused John Ross. "What news?"
The smile disappears from Amanda's face. "John Ross, you don't remember?"
"Remember what? Would you just tell me what the hell you're talkin' about?"
"I'm pregnant, John Ross," Amanda says. "I'm carrying your child."
John Ross's mouth drops open in shock.
Sue Ellen's home....
She smiles, then takes a seat at the table. "Dusty, I still just can't believe you're actually here."
"Even though we stayed up until after 4 a.m. talking?"
"Yes. When I woke up, I was afraid it was all a dream," Sue Ellen says.
"No dream, Sue Ellen. So, you really never remarried after your divorce from......what's his name?"
"J.R.?" Dusty asks. "Did you and he ever come close to getting back together?"
Sue Ellen sighs. "A couple of times. It seemed that, no matter how hard I tried, J.R. was never out of my life for very long."
"That's understandable. After all, you did share a son with the man. I'm very interested in hearing all about your life now, Sue Ellen. We spent over two hours last night mostly talking about me and my life, and about the old days, that, I never got to hear about your life for the last fifteen years."
"Dusty, there really isn't much to tell."
"There must be," Dusty says. "When I came back to Dallas when my father died in '99, you and Bobby were running Ewing Oil. Now the company is called......Ewing Global?"
"Different company. When the economy was so bad, and the oil industry went into a slump, things were very bad for Ewing Oil. We were heavily in debt, and Bobby and I made the decision to sell the company. It was a hard decision, but the right one. Bobby had married Ann by that time, and he'd lost interest in the oil business. So had I by that time."
"And now you're back in the oil business together?"
"Yes," Sue Ellen replies with a laugh. "Long story. Oh, Dusty, it's so good to see you again. I've thought of you often since I saw you last at Clayton's funeral."
"In some ways, that seems like a lifetime ago," says Dusty. "And then again, it seems like just yesterday."
"How long are you planning on staying in Dallas?" Sue Ellen asks.
Dusty looks at her. "Who knows?" He says. They look at each other and smile.
Meanwhile....
"So let me try to get this straight," he says as he stops pacing and looks at her. "You told me last night that you're pregnant with my child, and I asked you to marry me?"
"Yes."
"And then we went to see a justice of the peace, and got married?"
"That's right."
"Everything you're tellin' me is impossible, Amanda!" John Ross says, raising his voice. "If I had married you last night, I woulda remembered that, especially the part about you bein' pregnant with my child!"
"John Ross, your saw the marriage license," Amanda says, holding the license out to him. "This is YOUR signature on here, no one else's. And this was signed by a justice of the peace right here in Dallas last night and it says that we waived the 72 hour waiting period and that we are legally married."
"Oh my Lord," John Ross says, rubbing his face as he takes a seat on the sofa.
"John Ross, why are you actin' this way?" Amanda asks. "You said you loved me. And I know I love you. NOw you're actin' like you don't wanna be with me or somethin'."
John Ross is silent for a moment, then looks at her. He stands and walks over to her. "Amanda, I do......I do care for you. Very much. Hell, I'd even go so far as to say I've fallen in love with you. But damn it I just got divorced a couple days ago. We hadn't known each other for that long, and I was in NO way ready to get married again."
"You sure acted like you were last night," Amanda says, in tears. "If I'd known you were gonna be this way about it, I never would've agreed to marry you." She turns away from him and started to cry.
After a moment's hesitation watching her, John Ross gently touches her on the shoulders and turns her around to face him. "Amanda, don't cry, darlin'. Look, the way I'm actin' has nothin' to do with you or how I feel about you. I do love you. This whole thing just took me by surprise is all. Hell, I have a few drinks last night 'cause I was so pissed at Pamela for takin' half my Westar shares, and then I wake up this mornin' a married man again. That's a helluva lot to take in."
"I know it is, and I'm sorry. John Ross, I love you, and I want nothing more than to have our baby and spend my life with you. But if that's not what you want, I'll understand...."
"I'm not sayin' that." John Ross looks at her for a moment. "Look, it's okay. We'll work this out. I promise. Everything's gonna be okay."
Amanda wraps her arms around John Ross and embraces him as he holds her tightly, stroking her silky hair. The look on his face is one of worry and uncertainty, while the look on Amanda's face is one of absolute emotional pain.
After a moment, John Ross pulls out of the embrace and wipes the tears from her face with his hands. "I'm gonna go take a shower," he says. "And then we're gonna go to Southfork."
Amanda nods her head. John Ross kisses her on the forehead, and then goes into the bathroom, closing the door. When Amanda hears the shower water start, she picks her phone up from the coffee table and dials Cliff's number. On the second ring, Cliff answers.
Cliff laughs heartily. "That's wonderful. Amanda, you're a gem. How did you manage to pull it off?"
"By telling him I'm pregnant."
"Good one," Cliff says. "Now, you just use that other vial I gave you, and pour a few more drinks down the boy's throat and start questioning him about my frame up. When he starts to talk, you record it, and give the recording to me, then you'll get your money. You can go anywhere in the world you want to and never have to see John Ross again. Or me, for that matter."
"This......this stuff you had me put in John Ross's drink......it won't hurt him, will it? I mean it's not dangerous?"
"Not dangerous at all," replies Cliff. "All it does it make a person susceptible to suggestion, and then they don't remember anything after it wears off. It's perfectly safe."
"I have to go," Amanda says.
"Just keep me posted, and let me know as soon as you have what I need. Make it SOON," Cliff says.
Amanda hangs up the phone and then looks toward the bathroom door, where she hears the shower running. The man she loves and just deceived into marrying her is in that shower, she thinks to herself. Amanda isn't sure she can continue living with what she's doing to John Ross.
Southfork.....a short time later
"Boy, sure is gettin' cold out there," Bobby says.
"The temperature feels like it's dropping five degrees every few minutes," says Christopher.
At that moment, Lucas and Emma walk into the living room.
"Yeah, they predicted sleet, freezing rain, and snow throughout the day and night," Emma adds.
"Well, looks like we may be in for a rough day," says Bobby. "Boys, we'd better see to the cattle. Christopher, would you call Justin and ask him to come up to the house."
"Sure, Dad," Christopher says.
"Anything I can do?" Emma asks.
"Yes," replies Ann. You can help me fix some lunch in a little while because these men are gonna be tired, wet, and hungry when they come in this afternoon."
Emma smiles. "Sure."
As Bobby starts to walk out, they hear the front door open, and a second later, Sue Ellen and Dusty walk into the living room. "Hello," Sue Ellen says with a smile.
"Sue Ellen," Bobby says, then he stops short and his mouth drops open in shock when he sees Dusty Farlow with her.
"Hi, Bobby," Dusty says. "It's been a long time."
"Dusty. Yes, yes, it certainly has. What on earth are you doin' here?" Bobby asks, then he looks around at Ann.
"Dusty was waiting for me when I got home last night."
"Bobby, your wife contacted me and....."
"And felt that you should pay Sue Ellen a visit," Bobby interrupts, appearing somewhat angry.
"Yes," Dusty says.
"Well, Dusty, we're very glad you're here," Ann says, stepping forward. "And it's nice to finally meet you. I'm Ann Ewing."
"The pleasure's all mine," Dusty says, shaking her hand.
"Sue Ellen, what are you two doing here?" Ann asks. "The weather forecasts sleet and snow for today."
"Yes, we didn't realize it was this bad until we were already on the road. John Ross phoned me and asked me to meet him here at Southfork. I hope it's alright that I brought Dusty."
"It's fine," Bobby says. "Dusty, it is good to see you."
"You two, Bobby."
"I hate to run out, but Christopher. Lucas and I have to see to the ranch with this winter weather comin'."
Christopher walks back into the room. "Dad, Justin says he'll meet us at the stables in a few minutes."
"Good," Bobby says as they again hear the front door open and close.
John Ross and Amanda walk into the foyer and take off their heavy coats, hanging them on the coat rack, then they head into the living room. "Well, hello, fam'ly," John Ross says. "Happy New Year to y'all."
"John Ross," Sue Ellen says, greeting her son with a kiss on the cheek. "Happy New Year. John Ross, you remember Dusty Farlow?"
John Ross looks at Dusty for a moment. "Course I do," he says. "Clayton's son."
"John Ross," Dusty says.
"What in the world brings you back to Dallas after all these years?"
Dusty looks at Sue Ellen and smiles. "Just paying a visit to an old and dear friend," he says.
"If y'all will excuse us, we have to go," says Bobby.
"Uncle Bobby, I'd appreciate if y'all would wait just a minute," says John Ross. "I have somethin' I gotta tell the fam'ly."
Bobby sighs. "John Ross, can't it wait? We're expectin' snow any minute and we have to see to the cattle, and most of the hands are still off for the holidays."
"This won't take but a minute, Uncle Bobby, then I'll help y'all."
"John Ross, make it fast," Christopher says.
Everyone looks at the couple in total shock at what they've just heard. "What did you just say?" Sue Ellen asks.
"You two are married?" Bobby asks.
"That's right," John Ross says with a smile. "Well, itn't anybody gonna congratulate us?"
"John Ross, I....I'm sorry, but I don't know what to say," Sue Ellen admits. "This is very sudden. You were just divorced from Pamela a few days ago, and now....."
"Mrs. Ewing, I know this is a shock to you," says Amanda. "To ALL of you. But I promise I'm gonna make John Ross a good wife."
"John Ross, congratulations," Bobby says. "Now, if you're gonna help us, go change and meet us at the stables in five minutes. Christopher, Lucas, let's go."
Both of Bobby's sons give their cousin and his new bride dirty looks, then grab their coats and follow their father out. John Ross kisses Amanda. "I gotta go change. Why don't you join me and I'll show you my room?" Amanda smiles. John Ross takes her by the hand and they leave the room together.
"Wow, can you believe that?" Emma asks. "That poor girl."
"Emma," Ann says sternly. "Listen, umm, Dusty, why don't you and Sue Ellen have a seat by the fire, and Emma, come help me make some hot chocolate. We may as well hunker down here for the day until we see how bad this storm's gonna get."
The Krebbs Ranch....
"Alex," she calls, shaking her son. "Alex, it's almost 12:30, wake up."
"Time to get up," Charlie says.
"What for? Leave me alone." Alex says, throwing the covers back over his head.
"Alexander Walton, I want you out of this bed, dressed, and downstairs in ten minutes!"
"Go away and leave me the hell alone!"
Charlie grabs the covers and angrily throws them off her son. "Don't you EVER curse at me again, Alex! I am getting sick of your attitude."
"Too bad," Alex says. "I can't wait to get out of here and get back home. Maybe then you'll leave me alone."
"Well I hate to burst your bubble, but THAT isn't going to happen. Because we aren't going back to New York."
Alex sits up in bed. "What? What do you mean we're not goin' back to New York?"
"Stay here?" Alex asks. "In this........wilderness?"
"On this ranch, with your grandparents. Alex, I am sick to death of that city. Sick to death of you running around with those thugs you call friends. Sick to death of worrying about every day and every night. So we're staying here."
"What about school?"
"We'll get you transferred on Monday to school right here in Braddock County. Or if you don't like that school we'll enroll you in Dallas."
Alex looks at his mother angrily, then shakes his head. "I'm not stayin' here. You can't make me stay here. I have friends in New York. I have a life there."
"A life of what?" Charlie asks. "A life that could eventually get you killed or in jail. And I'll be damned if I'll let that happen. So this is NOT up for discussion. Now get up, get dressed, and get your ass downstairs." Without another word to her son, Charlie walks out, closing the door.
Southfork....later
"Boys, looks like we've done all we can for now," Bobby says loudly over the howl of the wind.
"Lucas, you and Justin make sure the stables are secure!" Bobby says. "We'll meet you back at the house."
Lucas waves and nods to his father, and he and Justin ride off toward the stables while Bobby, Christopher, and John Ross head off in the opposite direction.
Back at the house....
"They've been gone an awfully long time, and it's getting worse out there." Amanda says, continuing to stare out the window.
"Well, don't worry. It takes a while to secure the ranch and take care of all the horses and cattle in a storm like this."
"Why don't we sit down and have a talk?"
"Mrs. Ewing, I realize my marriage to John Ross must come as quite a shock to you."
"You're right about that," Sue Ellen says with a nod. "It was just so.....so sudden."
"I know," Amanda says. "But John Ross and I love each other."
Sue Ellen walks over to her. "Amanda, I do like you. Very much. But, you and John Ross haven't known each other for that long, and, there's quite a bit of an age difference between the two of you."
"Only fourteen years. That's not THAT big of a difference. Especially not when two people are in love. And Mrs. Ewing, I promise, I WILL make a good wife for your son."
Sue Ellen looks at the young woman and smiles. "I really believe you will. But, that's not what concerns me. It's whether John Ross will make a good husband for you. Amanda, do you know what happened between him and Pamela?"
"Yes. John Ross told me about his relationship with Emma Ryland."
"And that doesn't bother you?" Sue Ellen asks.
"Oh, I admit it did at first. But John Ross is a different person now."
"Is he?"
"Yes, he is."
Before Sue Ellen is able to say another word, Ann and Dusty walk into the room. "Did we interrupt somethin'?" Asks Ann.
"No," replies Sue Ellen. "Amanda and I were just chatting."
"Well, lunch is ready," Ann says just as Bobby, John Ross, and Christopher walk into the house.
"John Ross, thank God," Amanda says, running to him and embracing him.
"Boy is it cold out there," Bobby says.
"Y'all must be near frost bitten," says Ann. "Where's Lucas?"
"He and Justin are makin' sure the stables are secure," replies Christopher.
Bobby sighs. "If this keeps up, we're in for a rough day and night."
"Do you think we might be stuck here, Bobby?" Sue Ellen asks.
"Yes, Sue Ellen, I don't think anyone is gonna be goin' anywhere til this thing blows over."
The Krebbs Ranch....
"Charlie, what's wrong?" Jenna asks her daughter as she puts the tray down. "You've been pacing around for the last twenty minutes."
"It's Alex, Mom. I told him to get dressed and get down here in ten minutes. That was over half an hour ago."
"Leave the boy alone," says Ray. "He's on vacation. It's New Years Day and it's snowing. Might as well let him sleep."
"He could've helped you with the horses, Ray," Charlie says.
Ray smiles. "I managed just fine."
"I'm going to see what's keeping him. I have to have a talk with that boy."
"Honey, let me," Jenna says. "I'll be right back." She heads up the stairs as Charlie continues to pace. Going up the stairs, Jenna walks over and knocks on her grandson's door. "Alex?" She calls. "Honey, it's Grandma. Are you dressed?" When she receives no answer, Jenna walks into the room and finds the boy gone. "Alex?" She calls again. After checking the bathroom down the hall, Jenna begins to worry. She quickly heads back down the stairs and into the living room.
"What's the matter?" Ray asks. "You couldn't get him up, either?"
"Alex is gone."
"What do you mean gone, Mom?" Charlie asks.
"I mean he's GONE. He's not in his room or anywhere upstairs."
"Oh damn," says an angry Charlie as she quickly heads up the stairs. After checking her son's room, she finds the bedroom window slightly open. Charlie returns downstairs to the living room.
"Charlie?" Ray says.
"He's not here. My God, he's run away."
"Run away?" Jenna asks.
"I told him that we weren't going back to New York," Charlie says as she starts to cry. "I should've known he'd do something like this."
"Now just calm down," says Ray. "Has the boy ever run away before?"
"Yes. A few times."
"Okay, now he can't have gotten far. Not in this weather. I'll just go out and look for him. And I think I may know where he's gone."
"Southfork. Alex has taken quite a shine to that kid Randall, J.R.'s latest offspring. I bet that's where he's gone."
"I'm coming with you," says Charlie.
"So am I," Jenna agrees.
Back at Southfork....
"Come on!" Lucas yells loudly over the wind. "Let's get up to the house before it gets worse."
"Right behind you!" Justin yells back.
The two begin running from the stables toward the main house, but as Lucas passes under a tree, a large branch breaks directly above him and falls. Lucas screams as the heavy branch falls, hits his leg, and knocks him off his feet.
"LUCAS!!!" Justin yells. He runs over to his cousin and kneels beside him. "Dude, are you okay?"
"Ooow, my leg!" Lucas cries, holding the lower part of his left leg.
"Come on," Justin yells. "I'm gonna get you to the house! Put your arm around my neck!"
Lucas puts his arm around Justin, and Justin lifts him up. As Lucas tries to stand on his leg, he screams in pain. "I CAN'T," he yells. "I think my leg is broke."
"Okay, just lean on me!" Justin tells him. He begins to carry him toward the house as the wind nearly knocks them over and the snow begins to fall harder.
Back at the house, Bobby stands at the sliding glass doors leading onto the patio looking out as Ann and Christopher walk up behind him.
"Lucas and Justin should've been finished up at the stables by now," Bobby says with a worried tone. "Snow's gettin' harder and it's gettin' colder out there."
"I think maybe we'd better," replies Bobby.
"I'll get my coat."
Christopher and Bobby both grab their coats and head onto the patio.
"Tree branch broke!" Yells Justin. "Hit Lucas, He says he thinks his leg's broke!"
"Let's hurry and get him inside!" Bobby says.
In the living room, Sue Ellen, Ann, Dusty, and Emma are sitting around the fire when Bobby, Christopher, and Justin carry Lucas in. They all quickly stand. "Oh, Lord, what happened?" Asks a concerned Ann.
"Tree branch hit him," Bobby replies as they sit Lucas down on one of the sofas.
Emma rushes to his side. "Lucas, is it bad?"
Lucas simply nods, his pain too great to reply.
"Should we try to get him to a doctor?" Ann asks.
"We can't," Christopher replies. "The roads are gonna be impassible."
"Yeah, we're gonna have to care for him right here. Somehow," says Bobby. "Come on. Let's try to get him to his room."
Lucas puts his arms around the necks of Bobby and Christopher as they carry him to his and Emma's room down the hall.
"Justin, you get warm by the fire," Ann says, she and Emma following Bobby, Christopher, and Lucas to Emma and Lucas's room as John Ross walks into the living room.
"What in the world is goin' on down here?" John Ross asks.
"Lucas was hurt," Sue Ellen replies to her son. "Justin brought him to the house."
"Sue Ellen, I think I'm going to see if I can help," Dusty says. "I've had quite a bit of experience with these types of injuries over the years."
"I'll come with you," Sue Ellen tells him. She follows Dusty down the hall to Lucas and Emma's room.
Now alone together in the living room, John Ross and Justin look at each other. "Well, regular hero, aren't we?" John Ross asks sarcastically.
"Just did what I had to do."
"Maybe to score points with Uncle Bobby and Christopher?"
"I don't need to score points with anybody around here," Justin says.
"Don't bet on that, LITTLE BROTHER," says John Ross. "You see, I don't know whether you're aware of this or not, but I own half this ranch. And first chance I get......first time you step out of line......you're gone."
"Everything okay?" Bobby asks.
"Everything's just fine," Justin finally replies, still looking at John Ross with a smile. "Me and my brother were just.....gettin' to know one another better."
"Justin I really wanna thank you for what you did out there for Lucas."
"No problem," Justin says, "Is he gonna be okay?"
"Yeah, I think so. Dusty doesn't seem to think his leg's broken, just busted up pretty bad. Soon as this weather breaks we'll get him to the hospital." Before anyone else can say anything, the patio doorbell rings. "Now who on earth could that be in this weather?" Bobby wonders. He walks into the breakfast room and sees the Krebbs standing on the patio. He opens the sliding glass doors and let's them in. "Ray, Jenna, Charlie. What in the world are y'all doin' out in this snow?"
"Bobby, is Alex here?" Charlie asks frantically.
"Alex? No, he isn't? Why, what's goin' on?"
"Boy's run away, Bob," Ray says. "I just had a hunch he'd come here since he and Randall have kinda become friendly."
Justin and John Ross walk in at that moment. "What's wrong?" Justin asks.
Jenna and Charlie walk over to him. "Have you seen or talked to Alex today?" Charlie asks.
"No, I haven't. Why?"
"He ran away."
"Ran away?"
"Yes, he was angry with me," Charlie says, starting to cry as Christopher, Ann, and Sue Ellen walk in. "And he's gone. My baby is out there in this snow."
"Sweety, calm down," Jenna says. "Alex has lived in New York most of his life, he's use to snow."
"In the city, YES! But not here on these plains. He has no idea where's he's going."
"Charlie, look, it'll be okay," Bobby says. "We'll all go out and look for him. Christopher, Justin, and John Ross get your coats. Ray."
"Charlie, don't worry," Ray says, putting his arm around his stepdaughter. "We'll find him."
John Ross sighs, then walks into the foyer and grabs his coat and gloves as Amanda comes down the stairs. "Where're you going?"
"My stepcousin Charlie's kid has run away. All us men, except for cousin Lucas, are goin' out to look for him."
"John Ross, no. You've already been out there once today. It's snowing like crazy and the temperature is below freezing."
"Amanda, I'll be fine. I'll be back soon."
"John Ross, let's go!" Christopher yells from the living room.
John Ross kisses his bride, then walks out, following Bobby, Ray, Christopher, and Justin.
Meanwhile....Dallas
"You think we're ever gonna graduate to making love in my bed instead of the living room floor?" Tripp asks.
Pamela laughs. "The floor is more.......exciting."
"I thought it was me that made it exciting."
"Definitely part of it," Pamela says. She sits up, looks at Tripp, then kisses him. After a moment, she pulls away.
Tripp sighs with a smile. "I can't think of any way I'd rather be spending New Years Day than right here with you."
"Me too. I'm really glad we had this snowstorm today. Gives us a chance to spend a quiet day here together, and it's given me a lot of time to think about the future......specifically, those Westar shares I'm gonna be getting from John Ross very soon."
"Yeah, what exactly are you gonna do with them?" Tripp asks.
"I have big plans for them," Pamela replies as she gets up. "Not the least of which is to make John Ross pay for every dirty thing he ever did to me......his cheating, his losing my family's company to Bobby and Sue Ellen, his lies." Pamela's tone grows serious and angry as she speaks. She walks across the room and picks up her clothes and starts to get dressed as Tripp sits up.
"So what's the plan?" Tripp asks.
"Talk to your grandfather. He must know the Westar board members pretty well."
"Yeah, he does."
"With half of John Ross's shares, IF we could get the rest of the board on our side, we could unseat John Ross as CEO and chairman."
"We?" Tripp asks.
Pamela walks over to him. "Yes.....WE. I couldn't do this without you, and whatever happens, I want you by my side."
Tripp smiles. "You're amazing, you know that?"
"So I've been told."
"So, why are you getting dressed?"
"It's way past lunchtime and I'm hungry," Pamela replies.
Tripp grabs her and pulls her into a brief kiss. "So am I, but not for food," he says, kissing her again.
Southfork....
"How is he?" Ann asks.
"He's in some pain. But that medicine is starting to make him drowsy, so hopefully he can fall asleep soon. Emma's with him."
"I can't stand just sitting around here waiting," Charlie says as she stands from her seat on the sofa and starts to pace. "I have to go out there and look for him."
"Charlie, no," Jenna says. "You wouldn't even know where to begin."
"Mom, I can't stand sitting around doing nothing!"
"Jenna's right," Ann agrees. "Don't worry, honey, the men'll find Alex."
"Not on your life," says Sue Ellen. "If you were out there you'd get lost and the men would have to search for you, too."
"Sue Ellen's right," agrees Ann. "Right now, all we can do is sit and wait. I think I'll make us some coffee."
A frustrated Amanda walks out of the room. Sue Ellen watches the young woman as she goes, then follows her into the foyer. "Amanda," she calls as Amanda is heading up the stairs.
Amanda stops on the second step, pauses, and turns to her. "Why did John Ross have to go back out there in that snowstorm?"
"Because he wanted to help find Charlie's son. Amanda, I know you're worried. We all are."
"Lucas has already been hurt, what if something happens to John Ross?"
Sue Ellen walks over to her. "Sweetheart, try not to worry as much. Why don't you come back in and sit with the rest of us? Have some coffee. Please?"
Amanda hesitates a moment, then nods. Sue Ellen smiles, then takes her new daughter-in-law by the hand and leads her back into the living room.
Meanwhile......
Justin rides across one of the ranch's northern pastures. "ALEX!!!" He calls out. "ALEX!!!" But no reply comes. As he is about to turn his horse and head off in another direction, he happens to spot an object on the ground in the distance, near a ditch. He trots his horse a short distance, then stops.
"H....heeere," a voice calls back weakly.
Justin walks over a few feet, and laying in a ditch, is Alex lying in the snow! "Oh my God," Justin says. He
Alex opens his eyes and looks at him. "Justin....."
"Are you okay? Are you hurt?"
"I'm freezing. I can't feel my hands or my feet."
"Okay, just calm down. I'm gonna get you outta here." Justin grabs Alex and picks him up, no easy task. Justin puts Alex's arms around his neck, then, struggling, he carries the boy up the hill, falling once near the top. He again manages to pick the boy up, and make it to the top of the hill. Justin carries Alex to his horse. "Alex, can you stand up by yourself?" Justin asks.
"I.....I think so.."
"Hold on to the saddle. I have to call for help to get you back to Southfork." As Alex does as he's told and holds on to the horse's saddle to help himself stand, Justin takes his cell phone out, but has no service. "Damn," he says. He then takes a small walkie talkie out of his pocket and uses it to call Bobby, who also has one. "Hello," Justin says into the walkie talkie. "Bobby? Christopher?"
"Yes, Justin?" Bobby answers.
"I found him," Justin says. "I found Alex. Section 23. Near the road."
"We'll be right there," Bobby's voice says over increasing static.
Justin puts the walkie talkie back into his pocket and turns to Alex, who looks like he's about to pass out. "Alex, buddy, stay with me, okay?" Justin says, gently slapping the boys face.
"I didn't think anybody would ever find me," Alex cries. "I was so scared. I didn't know it was gonna get this bad, and then I got lost. I didn't know where I was or how to get back."
"Shhhh, it's okay, buddy, it's okay," Justin says in an attempt to comfort the boy. "It'll be okay. Uncle Bobby's gonna be here soon with the truck and we're gonna get you back to the house. God, you're freezing." Justin takes his top coat off and wraps it around Alex's shoulders.
Back at the house....
"How's Lucas now?" Ann asks Jenna.
"Asleep. Those pain killers really did the trick. I'll just be glad when Ray and Bobby and the others get back. Lucas needs to get to a hospital, and I'm worried sick about Alex."
Ann walks over to her. "Jenna, I know it's easier said than done, but try not to worry. They'll find Alex, and from what I understand he's a pretty resilient kid. Why don't you come in the kitchen and have some coffee."
"No, thank you," Jenna says. "You know what this reminds me of, in a strange way?"
"What's that?"
"One time, when Charlie was young, and Bobby and I were engaged. Charlie had always believed that Bobby was her father, and when she found out he wasn't.....well, when her real father Naldo Marchetta came to Dallas......Charlie was so upset that she ran away. She ran away here to Southfork. Ray found her sleeping in one of the stalls in the stables."
"Bobby never told me about that," says Ann.
"No reason for him to. That was a long time ago."
"Yes, I suppose it was."
Jenna sighs. "I'm very sorry for this intrusion. As soon as the men return with Alex, we'll be out of your way."
"Jenna, you're not in anybody's way," Ann says.
Jenna looks at her, then walks into the kitchen. Ann follows.
"Jenna, may I ask you a question?"
"Certainly."
"Is there some particular reason you've never liked me?" Ann asks.
"Bobby has nothing to do with this," says Jenna.
"Doesn't he?"
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Jenna, I'm no fool. I know you still have feelin's for Bobby."
"That's ridiculous," Jenna says. "I've been married to Ray for almost twenty-seven years, and I'm very happy with him."
"I'm not disputin' that," Ann says. "I know you love Ray."
"That's right. I DO love Ray, and I don't like what you're implying."
"Jenna, I'm not impyin' anything," Ann says. Before Jenna can respond, the women hear the sliding glass door open. They walk into the breakfast room and see Ray carrying an unconscious Alex into the house, followed by Bobby, John Ross, Christopher, and Justin.
"Oh my God,' Alex," Jenna says, rushing over to them. "CHARLIE, THEY'RE BACK!" She calls to her daughter in the living room.
Charlie rushes in. "Oh dear God. How is he?"
"He may have a little frost bite," Ray says.
"Take him into my room," says Christopher. "It's at the end of the hall."
Ray carries the boy through the living room and down the hall to Christopher's room as Charlie follows. Jenna walks over to Bobby.
"He's gonna be alright," Bobby tells her. "Thanks to Justin here."
"What?"
"Justin's the one who found Alex. Even took his coat off to keep the boy warm until we got there to pick them up."
Jenna turns to the young man, who is still cold and shivering. "I don't know how to thank you," she says. "You saved both my son and my grandson today." Jenna places a hand on Justin's shoulder, then turns and leaves, heading to Christopher's room to check on Alex.
Bobby looks at Justin and smiles. "Well, I guess we really do owe you a debt of thanks. You turned out to be a real hero today, Justin. That makes me very proud."
"I didn't do nothin', except what comes natural. Anybody else woulda done the same thing."
"I'm not so sure about that." Bobby smiles at his nephew and winks, then walks out of the room. Justin looks over at John Ross, who simply walks past him and leaves the room also. Justin smiles and shakes his head.
"I was so worried," she says.
"I'm okay," he says, pulling out of the embrace. "How'd it go around here today, with my mother?"
Amanda sighs. "With everything else going on, I don't think anyone has had a chance to process the news of our marriage yet. We still haven't even had a chance to tell them about the baby yet."
"I know," John Ross says. "Let's go upstairs. Right now, all I wanna do is jump in a hot shower and get some sleep. Been one helluva day. There's plenty of time for my fam'ly to process this. And for us to."
Amanda takes John Ross's arm and they head upstairs together.
Meanwhile, in Christopher's room, Alex is on the bed, Charlie and Jenna sitting beside him as Ray stands at the door. Alex opens his eyes and looks up at his mother. Charlie looks down at her son and smiles. "Hey there," she says. "How do you feel?"
"Awful. My hands and feet, they feel numb."
"It's okay, sweety," Jenna says to the boy. "As soon as we can, we're gonna get you to the hospital."
"Alex, I am SO angry with you right now," says Charlie. "Where were you going?"
"I don't know. Just.....anywhere. Then it started snowing really hard and I got lost."
"My God, Alex, you could have died out there," Charlie says.
"Yeah, well, I didn't."
"As if we don't have enough to worry about with Lucas, now you had to go and pull this stunt!"
"Lucas? What happened to Lucas?" Alex asks.
"He was injured earlier, when part of a tree fell on him," Jenna says. "His leg was badly hurt, maybe broken."
"Is he okay?"
"He'll be fine. You just lie back and rest."
Bobby walks into the room. "I just called for an ambulance. It's stopped snowin' and they're gonna try to get out here just as soon as possible."
"That's good," Ray says. "Been quite a day."
"Yes, it has."
Jenna stands and walks over to the door. "I'm gonna go check on Lucas," she says. She walks past Ray and Bobby and out of the room. Jenna walks into Lucas and Emma's room, where Emma sits on the bed beside a sleeping Lucas. "Emma, would you mind if I sat alone with my son for a while?"
Emma looks up at her. "Sure," she says. Emma gets up from her seat and walks past Jenna, out of the room.
After she's gone, Jenna walks over and sits down on the bed beside Lucas. As she gently touches his head, Bobby comes to the open door. He stands there for a moment watching his son and his son's mother, the woman he was once about to marry. As he watches them, his mind wanders back in time to a day twenty-eight years ago......a day his life changed forever......
"Strange, how?" Jenna asks, standing and facing him.
"Well, I was thinking about the day I found out you were carryin' Lucas."
"The day of your wedding to Pam."
"Yes," Bobby says sadly. "Remember how we use to talk about gettin' married and havin' a son? This sure itn't how we planned it is it?"
"No, it isn't," Jenna says. "Our lives really have taken very different turns from what we had planned."
Bobby smiles.
"What are you smiling about?"
"This reminds me of a similar conversation you and I had a long time ago. Remember?"....
"Yes, it has," says Bobby. "To both of us."
"Bobby, I think about it a lot."
"Think about what?" Bobby asks.
"How different things would've been if I hadn't run off with Naldo the day we were supposed to marry right here at Southfork. If he hadn't come back into our lives to ruin everything. I could've been Mrs. Bobby Ewing. Lucas could've grown up right here on Southfork."
Bobby sighs as he turns away from her and walks across the room. "Jenna, that was thirty years ago. There's no sense in wonderin' what MIGHT have been."
"I can't help it, Bobby," Jenna says, walking over to him. "I do love Ray. But, God help me, I've never gotten over my love for you. And I honestly don't think I ever will."
"What good it is, rehashing this now? Jenna, we had our chance a long time ago, and we lost it."
"No, Bobby. We didn't lose our chance at a life together. It was stolen from us." Without warning, Jenna reaches up and kisses Bobby. Unbeknownst to either of them, Ann is standing at the door and sees them. Before they are aware of her presence, Ann turns and walks away.
Meanwhile, Bobby pulls out of the kiss and pushes Jenna away from him. "Jenna, no. I don't know what you're feelings are for me now, but mine for you are nothing more than as a friend. And my brother's wife. And that's ALL we're ever gonna be to one another." Bobby turns and walks out of the room. In the hallway, he comes face to face with Ann, his mouth dropping open in shock at seeing her standing there.
"The ummm......the sheriff's department called," Ann says. "They're sending an ambulance out now."
"Oh, good," says a nervous Bobby.
"You must be hungry since you didn't get to have lunch. I just warmed you a plate. It's in the kitchen."
"Thank you, honey," Bobby says. He manages a weak smile at his wife, then walks past her down the hall.
Ann turns and finds Jenna standing in the doorway to Emma and Lucas's room. Jenna smiles at her, while
END OF EPISODE 60...
ALSO STARRING:
AIMEE TEEGARDEN
as Amanda Shepherd
ALYSSA MILANO
as Charlie Wade Walton
COLIN FORD
as Alex Walton
JARED MARTIN
as Dusty Farlow