Previously on DALLAS:
-------------The Ewings gather at Southfork and become stranded during a winter storm.
-------------Lucas is injured during the storm.
-------------When Alex learns he won't be returning to New York, he runs away and gets lost in the snow. He is later found by Justin.
-------------Jenna confesses to Bobby that she still loves him after all these years, and she kisses him - which is seen by Ann!
Southfork....
"Hi," he says.
"Hi," Ann says quietly. "How are Lucas and Alex?"
"They were both very lucky. Lucas's leg isn't broken, thank God. Just has a small fracture. He's gonna have to wear a cast for a couple weeks, but he'll be fine. And Alex, he has a little frost bite but other'n that he's okay. They should both be able to come home from the hospital tomorrow. Doctor wanted to keep 'em another night for observation."
"That's good," Ann says as she stands, her tone sounding a little angry. "Your lunch is in the kitchen."
"Annie, what's goin' on?" Bobby asks. "Ever since yesterday, you've been actin' strange. It have anything to do with Jenna?"
"What makes you think that?"
"Because you were fine before Jenna arrived here yesterday with Ray and Charlie."
Ann turns to face him, an angry look on her face. "I saw you kissin' her, Bobby."
"Meant nothin'? Bobby, how could it not? Jenna was your first love. You almost married her twice, Bobby, AND you have a son together."
"Honey, it's true I almost married Jenna twice. The first time was over forty years ago and the second time was thirty. Annie, what I had with Jenna ended a long, long time ago, even before Lucas was born. You said you saw us kissin'. But if you'd watched another second longer, you'd have seen me push her away and heard me tell her that I feel NOTHING for her beyond friendship." Bobby walks over to her.
"I know that. But I am NOT still in love with her."
Ann looks at him for a moment. "I'm glad to hear that."
"Good. Then we can not discuss Jenna again. But I do think there is somethin' we ought to discuss. Annie, you got in touch with Dusty Farlow and asked him to come here, after I specifically asked you not to."
"Yes, Bobby, I did," replies Ann. "And I'm glad I did. You saw Sue Ellen yesterday. Bobby, I haven't seen her look that happy in a long time, and it was because of Dusty."
"Honey, you're meddlin' in somethin' that is none of our business. Sue Ellen and Dusty have a very complicated past together. They tried to make their relationship work before, and it didn't. What makes you think he's gonna be her knight in shining armor now?"
"Well, they're older now. More mature, more settled. I know you disapprove of what I did. But I don't regret it, Bobby. Not one bit. And I truly hope that Dusty stays around in her life and makes her happy, because she deserves that, Bobby." Without another word, Ann turns and walks out of the room, leaving Bobby exasperated.
John Ross's bedroom....
"My gorgeous new bride," John Ross says, walking over to her.
Amanda turns around to face him. "Feels so good to hear you say that. Especially after yesterday morning when you woke up, and......well, I wasn't so sure bein' married to me was how you wanted to start off the new year."
"Amanda, I admit I was thrown for a loop when you told me we'd gotten married on New Years Eve. Hell I still don't understand how I was so drunk I can't remember it. But we have the license. We're married. Maybe I wasn't quite ready yet, but I do love you. You're carryin' my child, and I believe you and I can make a damn good marriage. I'm gonna need you by my side when I fight that bitch of an ex-wife of mine for those shares of Westar."
"You really think you'll be able to keep Pamela from getting her hands on those shares?" Amanda asks.
"I'll find a way. I've got a little more'n a week to figure it out. But hell will freeze over before I let her and that bastard Tripp McKay take those shares away from me."
Amanda puts her dress on a chair and wraps her arms around John Ross's waist. "I wanna be by your side, John Ross. More than anything."
"Well, good. I couldn't ask for a prettier partner to fight my battles with."
Amanda manages a weak smile as she silently worries about the mess she's in with Cliff Barnes.
"Now, only one problem we have," says John Ross.
"And what's that?"
"My Mama is gonna have to find herself a new secretary now."
Amanda laughs at John Ross's comment as she embraces him and lays her head on his shoulder. She fights back tears at the thought of losing John Ross when he finds out she's been working for Cliff.
Sue Ellen's home....
"Thank you, Sue Ellen, he says.
"You're welcome," she says, taking a seat beside him.
Dusty takes a sip of his coffee and smiles. "You know, it's amazing."
"What's amazing?"
"Until the other night, it had been many, many years since I tasted your coffee. But remembered exactly what it tasted like. And it's just as good now as it was when you lived with my father and I at The Southern Cross."
Sue Ellen smiles. "Well, thank you. You always were a flatterer. Dusty, I'm so glad you're here."
"So am I," Dusty agrees. "I'm especially glad we're back here in your house today. Our ummm.....our day spent at Southfork yesterday was very.....interesting....to say the least."
"Yes, it was," says Sue Ellen.
"I see the Ewing family has really grown since the last time I was in town. Let me see if I can get everyone straight.......Lucas is Bobby's son?"
"Yes. Bobby's and Jenna's son."
"Jenna is married to Bobby's brother, Ray?" Dusty asks, to which Sue Ellen nods. "And that kid Justin, is, who exactly?"
"J.R.'s youngest son. From his second marriage."
Dusty laughs slightly. "I see the Ewings are still one big, happy family," he jokes.
"Big yes.....happy........I don't think that'll ever happen."
"Sue Ellen, I've been doing a lot of thinking since I've been here."
"Thinking about what?"
"How would you like to take a trip with me to San Angelo over the weekend?"
"San Angelo?" Sue Ellen asks. "What on earth for?"
"I'd really like to see the old Southern Cross again. I haven't thought about it in years, but, being here with you, remembering the old days, I just wanna see it one more time."
"I'd like that. I'd like that a lot."
"Good," Dusty says with a smile. "Hopefully whoever owns the ranch now will be nice enough to let us come inside and look around. Relive some old memories."
Sue Ellen smiles and gently touches Dusty's face.
Southfork....
"John Ross," Christopher says.
"Christopher."
"Everything okay?"
"Just fine," John Ross replies.
"Listen, with everything goin' on here yesterday, we never got a chance to talk about your new wife. And I never got the chance to congratulate you."
John Ross turns around to face him. "I appreciate that, cousin."
"How exactly did that happen, anyway? Just two days after your divorce from Pamela?"
John Ross smiles. "Long story. Now if you will excuse me, I have to head into town for a meetin'."
"John Ross, hold up a minute," says Christopher.
"What is it, Christopher?"
"Have you had any news yet on your search for Elena?" Christopher asks.
"Why do you care, Christopher?" John Ross asks. "What's it to you, anyway?"
"What the hell is that supposed to mean, John Ross? You know how I feel about Elena."
"And I suppose you didn't have anything to do with her leaving," says Christopher. "I've got news for you, COUSIN. One of the reasons she left was to get away from you."
"That's a damned lie!" John Ross says.
"The hell it is. You wanna know why she left, and why she hid the paternity test from you? It's because Nicolas Trevino was dead and out of the way, and Elena thought that even a dead father would be better for her kid than having you in his life."
"What's going on in here?" Asks Amanda, who is now standing in the living room doorway.
"Just the usual," Christopher replies. He walks over to Amanda and looks at her. "I feel really sorry for you right now," he says. "I hope you think long and hard about what you're getting yourself into being married to my cousin." Christopher gives John Ross and angry look, then walks past Amanda and out of the room, leaving John Ross fuming with anger.
Smithfield And Bennett.....later
John Ross walks over and takes a seat across from Todd's desk.
"Can I get you a drink?" Todd asks.
"Bourbon and Branch'll be just fine," John Ross says.
Todd walks over to the bar and starts to fix the drink. "John Ross, I'm sorry to disturb you today, but, there's something I need to discuss with you."
"Todd, I hope it's good news this time. Lately all I been gettin' from you is bad news. I hope you've come up with a plan to keep Pamela from gettin' her hands on my shares of Westar."
"Sorry, John Ross," Todd says, walking over and handing his client the drink. "But this has nothing to do with Pamela or your divorce." Todd takes a seat behind his desk.
"Then what the hell is it?"
"John Ross, I understand your younger half-brother is in town. Living and working at Southfork," Todd says. "Justin Harper."
"Well, you're probably not gonna like what I have to say."
"Todd, would you just get to the point? I have a lot to do this afternoon, the least of which is gettin' back home to my new bride."
"Your new what?" Todd asks.
"Long story. I'll explain after you tell me what it is you called me here to talk about, and what Justin Harper has to do with anything."
Todd sighs. "Well, it has to do with your father's will. And a special codicil to the will."
"Codicil?" John Ross asks. "What codicil? My Daddy's will was read not long after his death, and there was no mention of any codicil."
"Because the codicil didn't apply at the time of J.R.'s death. J.R. had this codicil added to his will several years ago, and my cousin, Anita Smithfield, who was J.R.'s attorney at the time, drew up the will and the codicil. The codicil makes a special provision for J.R.'s youngest, Justin Randall Harper, and was to go into effect if at any time Justin became aware that J.R. was his father, or he ever moved to Dallas."
"What the hell kind of provision?" John Ross asks. "Money?"
"A little more than that, John Ross. As you know, your father owned stock in a computer software company called Cyberbyte, which merged with a larger company, Jensen Technologies, several years ago."
"Yeah, that stock was bought by my Granddaddy Jock when that comp'ny was just startin' out in the late 70s," John Ross says.
"That's right," Todd continues. "J.R. still held on to the stock, and it was placed in a trust to be divided equally between his three sons - you, James Beaumont, and Justin Harper - after his death, but ONLY after Justin learned that J.R. was his father and was living in Dallas."
"So now that Justin is livin' here, the three of us get that stock?"
"Yes, and it's a considerable amount of money. That stock is now valued at around $300 million."
John Ross smiles. "I'll be damned. So, I inherit a cool hundred million from my ol' man."
"That's not all, John Ross," says Todd. "And here's the part you're NOT gonna like. J.R. also held onto a few shares of stock in Westar after he was ousted from the company. The special codicil to his will also leaves those Westar shares to Justin, effective when Justin learns that he was J.R.'s son."
"Are you kiddin' me!?" John Ross angrily asks, springing to his feet. "Todd, are you really tellin' me that my father left some shares of Westar to that kid he had with Cally? And I spent all this time thinkin' my father was almost dead broke at the time of his death, and he had stock in both Westar and Jensen?"
"I'm afraid so. I just thought you should know."
"Why is it that I didn't know about this before?"
"Because it wasn't an issue before," Todd says, standing. "At the time of J.R.'s death and the reading of his will, Justin Harper was still living in Florida with his mother. And also at the time, he had no idea that J.R. was his father, isn't that right?"
"Yeah, that's right," John Ross says quietly.
"Now that Justin is aware of his heritage, and he's here in Dallas, he'll receive your father's bequest to him."
"Those Westar stock?" John Ross asks.
"Yes. And you and Justin and James will also receive those shares of Jensen Technologies. Since you're my client, I wanted to make you aware of this before the reading of the codicil, which will be this week. James and Justin will be notified sometime today or Monday."
"You said that this codicil was to come into effect whenever my brother became aware that J.R. was his father," John Ross says. "But what if he'd never found out? That mean that James and I would never get what J.R. left to us?
"J.R. also left a provision for that," Todd says. "In the event that Justin remained unaware of his parentage at the age of twenty-five, the codicil was to be opened, Justin was to be told that J.R. was his father, and the three of you would receive your bequests. And since J.R. had no idea that Jillian Cryder was his daughter, she wasn't included in the codicil, only J.R.'s three sons."
"Thank ya, Todd. I wonder if my little brother'll be wantin' to sell those Westar shares."
"Sell them?"
John Ross turns and looks at the young lawyer. "Yes, sell them. With those shares, that will give me a pretty decent advantage over Pamela and Tripp McKay, if they decide to try to get votes from the board to oust me from the comp'ny."
"Are you and Justin close?" Todd asks.
John Ross looks at him. "Not yet," he says with a sneaky smile.
Braddock Medical Center....
Lucas walks into the room on crutches, his left leg in a cast. "Hey, mind a visit from your old uncle? Or rather, your young uncle?"
"Sure. How's the leg? Is it broken?"
"Nah, doctor says I just have a small fracture," Lucas says, taking a seat beside the bed.
"I'm glad you're okay," Alex says.
"I'm glad we're BOTH okay. Alex, what were you thinking, running away with a winter storm comin'?"
Alex sighs. "I didn't know it was gonna get that bad. I was real pissed at my mom."
"Why?" Lucas asks.
"She told me we aren't going back to New York, that we're gonna stay here in Hicksville."
"Yeah, well that's you," says Alex. "I've lived in New York most of my life and there's nothin' to do here."
"Sure there is. You just have to find it. Look, Alex, I know you're not happy about stayin' here in Dallas. But it's important to your mom. She's under a lot of stress, dude, and she doesn't need anymore. Your Grandma told me you had frost bite on your hands and pretty bad on your feet. You could've lost one or both your feet from that, man. Not only that, but Justin could've lost his life."
"You don't remember?"
"I....I remember, Justin found me."
"He not only found you," says Lucas. "He wrapped you up in his own coat to keep you warm until Bobby and the others got there to pick you up. You know, I didn't much like that cousin of mine when I first found out who he was. But he saved us both yesterday. Just think about the consequences your actions could have on other people when you decide to do somethin' selfish and stupid like that again, Alex." Lucas grabs his crutches, pulls himself up from his chair, and puts the crutches under his arms. He looks down at his nephew. "Alex, I realize you're goin' through a rough time right now. I've told you before that I'm here if you need someone to talk to. I hope you'll take me up on that sometime." Without another word, Lucas leaves the room. After he's gone, Alex starts to cry.
Amanda's apartment complex...late afternoon
"Hello, Amanda," Cliff says.
Amanda sighs. "Mr. Barnes, what are you doing here?"
"Just checking in, since I can't reach you on your cell phone."
"I've been at Southfork. How do you expect me to call you or answer your calls when I'm there?"
"So....you and John Ross are married, and how's it coming? Getting the information I need to prove the Ewings framed me for killing that snake J.R.?"
"It's coming," Amanda says. "Now if you'll excuse me, I came to pick up some of my things."
"To take them home to Southfork?" Cliff asks.
"That's right."
Amanda looks at Cliff for a moment. "I use to think you were a good man. A decent man. When my mother was sick, you helped us. You paid for all of her medical expenses and helped me through school. What the hell happened to you?"
"You wanna know what happened to me? Cliff asks. "For years, I was J.R. Ewing's punching bag. And then, the Ewings framed me for killing J.R. I spent many days, many weeks, many hours in that stinking Mexican prison just waiting for the day I'd be a free man and get back everything that damned family stole from me."
"But you're out," Amanda says. "You're a free man now. Can't you just let it go? Let this feud of yours be over?"
"It'll never be over. Not until I see every one of the Ewings pay for what they've done to me and my family. Get the job done, Amanda. Soon. Or else. I'll be in touch." Cliff smiles, then turns and walks away from the young woman. Amanda stands in the cold air, watching Cliff walk away, tears coming to her eyes.
Southfork.....that night
"Evening, Christopher."
"Kinda cold out here."
"Yeah," Amanda says. "I just needed a little time to myself. And some air."
"Everything okay?" Christopher asks.
"Sure. Everything's fine."
"Amanda, about this afternoon. What I said about John Ross, that wasn't directed at you. My cousin and I just have a very complicated relationship."
"Why don't the two of you get along?" Amanda asks. "You guys are cousins. Blood. That should count for somethin'."
"It does. Let's just say John Ross and I haven't always seen eye to eye on things. And we probably never will. Amanda, I don't know you very well. But you seem like a really nice girl. And, if you'll forgive me for sayin', kinda innocent. John Ross is a lot older than you, and he's been around."
Amanda sighs. "I wish that everyone would get off this age difference between me and John Ross. I'm twenty-one, he's thirty-five. That's only fourteen years. Not that big a difference."
"Not in years, no," says Christopher. "But certainly in other ways. I'm only sayin' this because I don't wanna see you hurt. Just be careful. I know my cousin a lot better than you." Christopher pauses a moment, then turns and walks into the house.
Amanda turns and looks out over the Southfork horizon. She sighs deeply as she thinks about her situation. Either way, her marriage to John Ross is doomed. If she betrays him by doing what Cliff wants, or if she refuses and Cliff blows her out of the water. As she's thinking, John Ross comes out of the house.
"Darlin', I wondered where you got off to," he says, walking over and putting his arms around her from behind. "What are you doin' out here in this freezin' cold, when we could snuggle under our warm covers upstairs?"
"I was just thinking. Thinking about how happy I am, and how I don't want this to end."
"I don't see any reason why you gotta worry about it endin'. I know I was a little surprised at first, darlin'. But I know we're gonna make each other real happy. Hell, you already made me happy by givin' me the news about the baby. Come on. Let's get in out of this cold."
Amanda turns around to face him. She nods. "Yeah. Let's go inside. I wanna spend every minute I can with you."
John Ross smiles, kisses her, then takes her by the hand as they walk into the house together.
Southfork....the next morning
Meanwhile, in his room, Justin takes off his coat, walks over, and warms himself by the heater. As he's about to take a seat on his bed, a knock comes at his door. He walks over and opens the door, surprised to see Jillian there.
"HI," she says with a smile.
"Well, hello there. Come in."
"Thanks, it's freezing out there," Jill says, walking into the room.
"What in the world brings you over here?" Justin asks.
"Well, actually, I came out to Southfork hoping to see you."
"To see me?"
"Yeah. We didn't get a chance to talk much on Christmas and I've been busy trying to spend some time with my mother since then. So, I figured it was time I got to know my new brother."
"I'd love to. This is a nice room," Jillian says, looking around.
"Thanks. It's comfy and cozy, and I have my privacy."
"So, what's for lunch?"
"You like microwave dinners?" Justin asks.
"Microwave dinners? How long til you have to get back to work?"
"Not til this afternoon, I guess."
"Good," Jillian says. "Little brother, you are NOT having a microwave dinner for lunch today. Because I'm taking you out to lunch. Grab your coat and let's go."
"You don't have to do that."
"I know. But I want to. We're both new to this family, and new at having siblings. So, I think we should walk through this together. Might be easier for both of us that way."
Justin smiles again. "Yeah I think it would. And I always wanted me a sister."
Southfork....the kitchen
"Hey," Bobby says.
"Coffee would be nice right about now."
Ann walks over to the counter and pours him a cup and hands it to him, not saying a word.
"Honey, how long is this gonna go on?" Bobby asks.
"How long's what gonna go on?"
"This......cold shoulder you've been givin' me. Annie, I've already told you how I feel about Jenna."
"I know, Bobby," says Ann. "I know you have. And I believe you. But I can't forget that kiss, nor the fact that Jenna's still in love with you."
"Well, there's nothin' I can do about that. I am NOT in love with her, and I made that clear to her. Honey, I don't know what more I can do."
"I just........I just wish Ray and Jenna had never moved back here," Ann says. "I know Ray's your brother, and I do love him. But Jenna......"
"I do know how you're feeling about this. Pretty much the same way I felt about your closeness with Harris Ryland. Especially after that kiss he gave you the night of the fire."
Ann pauses a moment, then looks at her husband. She sighs. "You're right. What I'm feelin' now makes me a hypocrite."
"I never said that. But Annie, we both had lives, and other loves before we met. We both have children with other people. We can't change our pasts. I can't change my past relationship with Jenna or Pam anymore than you can erase your marriage to Harris, or your one night stand with Cliff Barnes. It's just something we both have to live with, and accept about each other."
"I know."
Bobby walks over and puts his arms around her. "I love you, Ann Ewing, with all my heart. I hope you know and believe that."
"I do," Ann says with a smile.
"Good. You know, I was thinkin'. Remember a couple years ago when we were talkin' about takin' that cruise, and we never did take it because first one thing, then another kept comin' up?"
"I remember."
"I think this year'd be the perfect time to take it. Maybe in the spring."
"You mean it, Bobby?"
"I mean it. We haven't been on a trip together in a long time, and that cruise sounds wonderful. Better late than never."
"I do love you, Bobby James Ewing," Ann says, then kisses him.
The Krebbs Ranch....
"Well, I bet it feels good to be home and out of that hospital," Charlie says.
"It would if I was home," Alex says resentfully.
Charlie sighs. "This IS our home now, Alex."
The boy looks at his mother angrily. "This may be your home, but it's NOT mine. My home is in New York."
"Why are you doing this to me?" The boy asks. "You know I hate it here! Why are you taking me away from my home, my school, and my friends?"
"That school and those friends of yours is exactly why I needed to get you out of that city."
"You're just doin' this out of spite."
"Contrary to what you think, I'm doing this because I love you," Charlie says. "You know I'd really hoped what happened to you on New Years Day would teach you a lesson and soften your attitude a little. But I see that isn't happening."
Charlie looks at her son for a moment. "You might as well get use to this, Alex. Because this is your home now." She walks over to the door, then pauses and turns back to him. She starts to say something, but Alex turns away and looks out the window. Without saying another word to her son, Charlie leaves the room and closes the door behind her.
After his mother is gone, Alex walks to the closet, opens the door and walks in. Reaching up to the top shelf, he pulls down his back pack. He unzips it and pulls out a small plastic bag. He opens the bag, which is half full of marijuana. Alex smells the contents of the bag and smiles.
Southfork....later
"Did she now?" John Ross asks. "Well, now that was awfully.......sisterly of her, wuttin' it?"
Jillian looks at John Ross with disgust.
"Well, I am real glad to see my two younger siblin's gettin' along," John Ross continues. "And Justin, I was just headin' down to the bunkhouse to see you."
"To see me?" Justin asks, surprised. "Why in the world would you wanna see me?"
John Ross looks at the younger man and smiles. "We're brothers. I think we ought to get to know one another. So, now that you've spent half the day with our sister here, how 'bout hangin' with me for a while?"
Justin and Jillian exchange looks of bewilderment, then Justin looks at John Ross with a sly smile. "Maybe some other time. I gotta get back to work now."
"Back to work? Justin, you're part of the fam'ly now. You don't have to keep workin' here as a ranch hand. In fact, you don't have to keep livin' down there in the little bunkhouse. We got an extra bedroom right here in the big house."
"I think I'll pass for now. Somehow, I feel a whole lot safer sleepin' in my little room at the bunkhouse," Justin says. He turns to his sister. "Jill, thanks a lot for lunch, and for the talk."
"No problem. I enjoyed it. We'll do it again real soon."
"Sure thing," Justin says. He smiles at her, then gives John Ross a look of suspicion, and then turns and heads off toward the bunkhouse.
John Ross and Jillian watch him for a moment, then Jillian turns to John Ross. "What was that all about?" She asks.
"What was WHAT all about?" John Ross replies with his own question.
"That little......bonding attempt, with Justin."
"The kid is my brother. Just wanna get to know him a little better."
"You must have a reason," Jillian says. "Like you tried to get to know ME, so you could steal Westar out from under me."
John Ross smiles. "Well, now, I admit I did do that. But Justin's different. He aint the head of a comp'ny, and so he wouldn't have anything that I'd want."
"I don't believe you, big brother. You want something from him. And I'm here to tell you......leave Justin alone. Don't do anything to hurt him the way you did me. I let that pass, but I like Justin. I hope to develop a relationship with him, and if you do hurt him in any way, John Ross......I'll pay for you back for that, and for what you did to me." After giving him a harsh, angry look, Jillian turns and walks away. John Ross watches as she gets into her car and drives away.
Dallas....that night
"I haven't eaten here in a long time," Pamela says with a smile. "I'm glad you convinced me to go out to dinner tonight. Sometimes I've felt like a hermit since John Ross and I separated."
"Well, I did have an ulterior motive for wanting to take you out to one of Dallas's best restaurants tonight," says Tripp.
"And what would that be?"
"I wanted to show you off. Now that you're officially a free woman, I think it's time our relationship becomes a little more public. And, this is also a celebration dinner. I wanted to surprise you with this, but, I talked to my grandfather, and he said he is gonna help us. He said he'll contact all the Westar board members, a couple of which owe him a few favors, and he's gonna try to persuade them over to our side. Once you get half of John Ross's shares, and get a few board members on our side, it'll be real easy to oust John Ross as CEO and chairman."
Pamela laughs. "I can't wait. I finally get to pay John Ross back."
"Uh-oh, speak of the devil," Tripp says, looking past Pamela and toward the front of the restaurant. She turns around and sees John Ross and Amanda walk in, and the server greet them at the door. "Who's the pretty blonde he's with?"
"Amanda somebody," Pamela replies. "She was with him at the Oil Baron's Ball."
John Ross and Amanda are being led to their table, when they stop by Tripp and Pamela's table.
"Well, well, look who's here," John Ross says cheerfully to them. "I just may have to speak to the manager of this fine establishment about havin' the place fumigated after tonight."
"I'm sure they'll have you, after you leave," Tripp says.
John Ross laughs. "Good one, McKay."
"You certainly are in a good mood for someone who's about to lose half his empire he JUST built," says Pamela.
"I aint worried, darlin'. I always find a way to land on my feet. I will this time."
Pamela looks at Amanda and smiles. "I don't believe we've met. But I still feel very sorry for you, being out with this......ummm, creature.......for lack of a better word. If I were you I'd turn tale and run for the hills. He's nothing but a liar and a cheater."
"Well, with you, Pamela, I had reason to cheat. McKay, have you noticed how borin' she is in bed? I mean, talk about makin' love to a plastic mannequin....."
"You shut the hell up, you son of a bitch!" Tripp says with gritted teeth as he stands to face John Ross.
"You wanna make me, there, hoss?" John Ross asks.
"John Ross, please, let's just go to our table and have dinner," Amanda says, grabbing him by the arm.
"Better listen to her, Ewing," Tripp says.
"You're right, darlin'," John Ross says. "No use lettin' garbage like this spoil our evenin', especially when we're celebratin'."
"Celebrating what?" Pamela asks. "Did you foreclose on an orphanage or an old folks home?"
John Ross looks at her and smiles. "Celebratin' this beautiful lady beside me. The new Mrs. John Ross Ewing III. I finally have a REAL wife."
"Kinda robbin' the cradle there, aren't you?" Tripp asks. "She looks like she's barely out of high school."
John Ross looks at him for a moment. "In light of the fact that I don't want my wife's evenin' ruined by the sight of your blood, McKay, I'm gonna let that one pass for now. Next time, I won't."
"Lookin' forward to next time."
"John Ross, come on, please," Amanda says, pulling at John Ross's arm.
Before he walks away from Pamela and Tripp, John Ross reaches into his pocket and takes out a ring. He looks down at Pamela. "Thought you might wanna have this back," he says. He holds the ring out and drops it into Pamela's glass of wine, then, smiling, he walks away with Amanda.
Tripp retakes his seat across from Pamela. "I never thought I could ever hate another human being as much as I hate that jerk."
"Neither did I," Pamela says, fishing the ring out of her wine with a knife. "But John Ross isn't a human being."
Southfork.....John Ross and Amanda's bedroom, later
"Darlin', what's botherin' you?" John Ross asks. "You seem a little pissed at me ever since dinner."
"John Ross, was that really necessary?" Amanda asks. "That little scene with your ex-wife and that guy?"
"Sorry you had to be a part of that. But, if you're gonna be married to me, you're gonna have to get use to little scenes like that."
"You actually enjoy that kind of constant drama?"
John Ross walks over and takes a seat, then takes Amanda's hand and pulls her over to him. "Sweetheart,
Amanda manages a weak smile. "I'm countin' on that."
"Good, because life as a Ewing wife is very interesting and full of excitement," John Ross says, pulling her into a kiss.
"Your ex-wife, Pamela, her father is Cliff Barnes, is that right?"
"That's right."
Amanda pulls away from John Ross and walks over to the dresser, where she picks up her brush and starts running it through her hair. "He's the man that killed your father?"
John Ross sighs as he stands to his feet. "Why you ask that?"
"I've just heard talk," she replies nervously. "And now, he's out of prison? How'd he get out if he murdered your father?"
John Ross walks over to her. "Darlin', we're havin' a good night, and I sure as hell don't wanna spoil it by talkin' about a low life like Cliff Barnes and that daughter of his."
Amanda turns to face him. "I'm sorry, John Ross. I'm just curious, is all. I'd like to know everything. Everything about you, and your family. And that famous Barnes-Ewing feud I've heard so much about. And I can't help but be curious how come the man who killed your father is out of prison and walkin' around free."
"It's a complicated story, darlin'. Long story short, Cliff Barnes was in prison. But then Ann's daughter Emma, who is also Cliff's daughter, was in an accident. So my Uncle Bobby and Pamela got a pardon for Barnes and got him out to donate a kidney to Emma."
"That all sounds too simple. If he was convicted of murder, how did he get a pardon just like that?"
John Ross looks at his wife and hesitates a moment before answering. "Money can do a lot of things. Now why are you askin' so many questions about a jackass like Cliff Barnes?"
"Like I said......just curious," Amanda replies. "No special reason."
"Well, I can think of a hundred, or even a thousand other things much more interesting to discuss than Cliff Barnes," John Ross says as he kisses her. "Now how 'bout you join me right over there on that big, soft, comfortable bed, and let's start discussin' some of those things?"
Amanda looks into John Ross's eyes, then manages a smile as he kisses her again.
The Krebbs Ranch....the next day
"Charlie, are you alright?" Jenna asks.
"I'm fine, Mom. Do you remember this picture?" Charlie asks, handing her mother a photo from the album.
"That's right," Charlie says. "His eighth grade school photo. Things were so different then. We had Phillip. He and I talked about having another child. So much has happened in those two years."
"Yes, it has," Jenna says.
"Charlie, what kind of talk is that?" Jenna ask. "Nothing is going to happen to you."
"You don't know that. None of us ever know what's gonna happen tomorrow, or next week."
"Yes, that's true, but....."
"Mom, if anything were to happen to me, I need to know that Alex will be alright. That he'll be taken care of."
"Of course he'll be taken care of," Jenna says. "Ray and I will always take care of him, Charlie. And Lucas will always be there for him, too. But that's not an issue, because nothing is going to happen to you. Now I don't want to hear anymore about this."
Charlie looks at her mother. Jenna pauses for a moment, then turns and leaves the room.
The Southern Cross Ranch....San Angelo
"Look at it, Sue Ellen," Dusty says. "Would you just look at it."
"It looks a lot different now," Sue Ellen says.
"Yes, it does. It's changed, but it's obvious the owners have taken very good care of it over the years. Come on. Let's drive up to the house and see if anybody's home."
"Alright," Sue Ellen says. She and Dusty get back into the car, and drive through the front gate and up to the main house.
Dusty brings the car to a stop in front of the house, and he and Sue Ellen get out. They pause a moment and look at the house, at how different it looks from when they both lived here. After several seconds, they proceed to the front door and ring the bell. After a moment, a man of about fifty answers the door.
"May I help you?" The man asks.
"Yes, my name is Steven Farlow, and this is Sue Ellen Ewing," Dusty says. "I use to live here many years ago, and I was wondering if you would mind if we looked around a bit. I'd kinda like to relive some old memories."
"Farlow? Oh yes. My Dad bought this ranch from a Mr. Farlow, oh, a little over thirty years ago."
"Yes, that was my father," says Dusty.
"Please, come in," the man says.
Dusty and Sue Ellen walk into the house and look around. Dusty smiles.
"I'm sure the place must look a lot different to you," the man says. "My father did some renovations right after he bought the place, and after he passed away ten years ago, my wife and I moved here and we made a few changes."
"It's very beautiful," Sue Ellen says as a young man of about twenty walks in.
"Dad," the young man says, but he stops short when he sees Sue Ellen and Dusty. "Oh, sorry, I didn't know you had company."
"It's alright, son," the man says. "This is Mr. Farlow and Ms. Ewing. Mr. Farlow is the son of the man who use to own The Southern Cross."
"Oh?"
"This is my son, Michael, my youngest."
"Hello," Dusty and Sue Ellen both say to the young man.
"Hi," he greets back.
"What is it you wanted, Michael?" The father asks.
"Just wanted to tell you I'm leaving now," says Michael.
"Alright. Be careful and I'll see you tonight."
Michael smiles. "Nice meeting you both."
"You too," says Dusty. After Michael leaves the room, a sad look comes over Dusty's face. "Nice boy you have there."
"Thank you," the man says with a prideful smile. "I have two sons and a daughter. Michael is my youngest and the only one still at home. Sure gonna hate to see the day he leaves us, too."
"It's really nice to see this ranch in the hands of a nice family," Dusty says. "Thank you for your time."
"Don't you want to look around some more?" The man asks.
"No, thank you," replies Dusty. He nods at the man with a smile, then turns and leaves. Sue Ellen follows him out. The man follows them to the door and then waves as they get into the car.
Sue Ellen notices Dusty's sudden melancholy mood. "Dusty, what's wrong?" She asks. "Are you alright?"
"No, Sue Ellen. Seeing that boy, that man's son. It kind of got to me."
"Why?" Sue Ellen asks.
"It just reminds me of all I missed out on. I suppose I'm just wishing I'd settled down and had kids instead of devoting my life to the rodeo."
"But you spent your life doing something you loved."
"Yes, but what have I to show for it?" Dusty asks. "No family. No children. No son to carry on the family name. Sue Ellen, do you realize that I'm the last of the Farlows? When I'm gone, so is the Farlow family. I should've settled down and had a family. My marriage to Linda only lasted a short time, and of course we had no children. It's funny how you live your life on your own terms, never giving much thought to the future. Then one day you look back and you wish you'd done things differently."
Sue Ellen reaches over and touches Dusty's arm. In this moment, her heart aches for him. She never realized Dusty had wanted children and a family so much.
Southfork....the next morning
"Good mornin'," says Ann.
"Mornin', son," says Bobby.
"Chris, thanks for steppin' in for me at the office for a few days," Lucas says.
"No problem. little brother."
"No, thanks," replies Christopher. "I wanna get to the office early. I have a few things I need to brush up on. I'll grab a donut or somethin' at the office."
"Charlie should be here any minute," Lucas says, checking his watch.
"Charlie?" Bobby asks.
"Yeah, I forgot to mention it. I have a doctor's appointment, and Charlie's gonna drive me," says Lucas.
"I could drive you, ya know," Emma says.
Lucas takes a sip of his coffee, then looks at her. "I know. But, she offered, and, well, I accepted."
"I didn't know you had a doctors appointment for your leg so soon," Bobby says.
"Yeah. I forgot to mention it the other day. Doctor just wanted to check it. Check the cast."
"Check the cast?"
"Lucas, mind if I speak to you outside for a minute?" Christopher asks. "I just need to ask you a couple things about the office."
Lucas looks at his brother a moment. "Yeah, sure. Excuse me, everyone." He grabs his crutches, pulls himself to his feet, and placing a crutch under each arm, he follows Christopher out the sliding glass doors onto the patio.
"Lucas sure is actin' strange this mornin'," Ann observes.
"Yes, he sure is," Emma agrees.
On the patio, Lucas faces Christopher. "Thanks for pullin' me out of there," he says. "I didn't exactly know how to explain me leavin' with Charlie this morning, especially since my leg is hurt and I'm supposed to take it easy. So, I had to tell Emma and Bobby and Ann that I had a doctor's appointment."
"The appointment's for Charlie?" Christopher asks.
"Yeah. She made an appointment with the doctor whose name you gave me, Dr. Henry Dykes. I didn't tell her that you gave me his name."
"Lucas, I hate keepin' this secret from Dad and everyone," Christopher says.
"How do you think I feel? I've begged Charlie to tell Mom and the rest of the family, but she won't."
"She's gonna have to, sooner or later. Especially when she actually starts to get sick."
Lucas sighs. "I know."
"Listen, I have to go. Take care."
"I will, thanks," Lucas says. At that moment, Charlie drives up in Jenna's car.
As Charlie gets out, Christopher walks over to her. "Good morning, Christopher," she says.
"Morning."
"Where're you headed?"
"The office. I'm fillin' in for kid brother while he's off his feet. How are you?"
"Just fine," Charlie replies. "I'm getting Alex enrolled at Braddock High tomorrow morning."
"Oh, good. I'm sure he'll do fine there. Well, I have to go. See ya later."
"Bye, Christopher."
"Bye," Christopher says. He flashes a weak smile at her, then gets in his car and drives away.
Westar Oil....later
"Sure thing, Mr. Ewing," Melissa says.
As John Ross starts to go back into his office, he sees Pamela walk into the receptionists office. Spotting him, Pamela walks over. John Ross walks over and meets her before she reaches his secretary's desk.
"What the hell are you doin' here?" He asks.
"Just thought I'd drop by and take a look," she replies.
"Take a look at what?"
"The offices. I figured I'd take a look at them and decide which one I want for my own. I'll probably take yours, since I'm sure it's the biggest."
"I'll see you in HELL before I let you take any piece of my comp'ny!" John Ross says angrily.
"It'll never happen, Pamela."
"It already has, darling."
"I'll fight you tooth and nail."
"John Ross, you have no choice but to relinquish half of your Westar stock to me by the end of this week. And by that time, I should have enough board members on my side to call for a meeting and elect to remove you as CEO and chairman." Pamela takes in a deep breath, and looks around. "Yep, I think I'll definitely move into your office. And Tripp, well, he can take any other office he wants. And who knows, maybe I'll even find a place for my father here, since the Ewings stole HIS company, too."
"Get the hell out of here before I call security and have you tossed out. Or better yet, arrested for trespassin'"
Pamela smiles. She starts to leave, but then turns back to John Ross. "Don't bother trying to blackmail anymore board members into siding with you or selling their shares. That little scheme won't work a second time." Pamela smiles at him again, then turns and walks out.
John Ross is fuming with rage, the anger rising inside of him enough to hit someone. Finally, he turns around and pounds his fist into the wall, causing Melissa and two other secretaries to look at him. Melissa stands and walks over to him.
Baylor Cancer Hospital, Dallas....later
"Is it your leg?" She asks. "It's hurting?"
"A little."
"Lucas, I told you, you didn't have to come with me. I'd be fine on my own."
"Charlie, I wasn't about to let you come here alone and face whatever news that doctor's gonna give you."
Charlie sighs as she stands and walks a few feet and picks up a magazine. "I wish they'd hurry. How long does it take to read over some test results?"
"I dunno," Lucas says. "Charlie, don't you think it's time you told Mom and Ray?"
"Lucas, I can't."
"What are you gonna do when you start to get sick? They're gonna find out, Charlie, and then what? You know how Mom is. She's gonna be both hurt and pissed that you didn't tell her."
Before Charlie is able to say anymore, the door opens and a nurse pokes her head out. "Charlotte Wade Walton?" She says.
Lucas grabs his crutches and pulls himself up, then he and Charlie walk to the door. The nurse smiles at them and they follow her down a narrow hallway to a small conference room, where two doctors, a man and a woman, are sitting, reading over a medical chart and some x-rays.
"Charlotte, please come in and sit down," the male doctor says.
"Thank you. This is my brother, Lucas Krebbs."
"Mr. Krebbs."
"Hello."
"Mrs. Walton, we've been looking over your test results from your doctor in New York, Dr. Jacobs," the female doctor says.
"The cancer has spread into your lymph nodes," says the male doctor. "You have stage four Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Mrs. Walton."
"Stage four.....that's.....that's the last stage, isn't it?" Lucas asks, his voice breaking. "Terminal?"
"Usually, yes," replies the female doctor. "However, there are treatments, and in Charlotte's case, we're very optimistic that a bone marrow transplant might be successful."
"A bone marrow transplant?" Charlie asks.
"Yes," says the male doctor. "We would do some more tests.....today, and in a few days when we get the results, we would start an aggressive regimen of chemotherapy, during which you would have to remain in the hospital in isolation for several days. Then we can do the transplant."
"A bone marrow transplant, doesn't that have to come from a close relative, like, a sibling?" Lucas asks.
"They are more effective coming from a close blood relative," the female doctor replies.
"Okay then, let's do it," says Lucas. "I'll donate."
"Good," say the male doctor. "Mr. Krebbs we can have your blood and bone marrow tested to see if you're a good match for your sister."
"Is it dangerous?" Charlie asks. "Is there a risk to my brother?"
"There are minor risks involved," replies the female doctor. "The most serious of which having to do with being put under anesthesia."
"Charlie, I don't care about any risks," Lucas says. "Whatever they are, I'm gonna take 'em."
"Lucas, I don't know...."
"Well, I do know. Think about Alex, Charlie. I'm not gonna let my nephew lose his mother. Not so soon after he lost his father. Not without a fight."
Charlie looks at the doctors, then at her brother, tears streaming down her face. She knows she has to take this one chance, even if it's a small one, to live.
Ewing Global....afternoon
Sue Ellen pours herself a cup of coffee in the break room at Ewing Global that afternoon when Bobby walks by the door. When he sees her, he turns and walks into the room.
"Sue Ellen," he says.
"Oh, hello, Bobby. Would you like a cup of coffee?"
"I'd love one. I just had a meeting with Hollister Oil And Gas, and I think we might be able to make a deal with them on a pipeline."
"That's wonderful," Sue Ellen says. "We've been hoping for that for months now."
Sue Ellen looks at him and smiles. "Yes, we did. It was a wonderful trip. Very emotional for Dusty. We visited The Southern Cross. Met the family who lives there now."
"I bet that was emotional for him. I know how I'd feel if another family ever lived on Southfork."
"Dusty was a little sad after visiting the ranch," Sue Ellen says. "He talked a lot about Clayton, and how he wished he'd visited his father more during Clayton's last years. He had forgiven Clayton for keeping the secret of his birth from him all those years. And he also has a lot of regrets."
"Regrets? About Clayton?" Bobby asks.
Bobby sighs. "That is very sad."
"Yes it is. Not a problem the Ewings have to worry about too much."
Bobby laughs at her comment. "No, I think there are enough of us to keep the Ewing name goin' for a good while yet." After a brief pause, Bobby grows more serious. "Sue Ellen, I want ya to know I had nothin' to do with bringin' Dusty here. It was all Ann's idea, and I asked her not to meddle in your life."
"Well, Bobby, this is one time I'm glad someone DID meddle in my life. Having Dusty around, it, ummm, it really makes me happy. Happier than I've been in a long time."
At that moment, a young blonde secretary comes to the door. "Excuse me, Mr. and Mrs. Ewing?"
"Yes, Angela?" Bobby says.
"Jay Smithfield is here to see you both."
Bobby and Sue Ellen exchange puzzled looks, each wondering what their attorney would want to see them about. "Thank you, tell Mr. Smithfield we'll meet him in my office."
"Yes, sir," Angela says, then walks out.
"What on earth could Jay Smithfield want?" Sue Ellen asks.
"I dunno. Let's go find out."
Sue Ellen follows Bobby from the break room into his office two doors down. They walk in and find Jay Smithfield, a young attorney of thirty-five, and another grandson of the late, former Ewing attorney Harve Smithfield, waiting for them.
"Hello, Jay," Bobby says.
"Of course, Jay," says Bobby. "How are your mother and father?"
"They're fine. Thank you for asking."
"What can we do for you?"
"Well, I'm here on a matter concerning J.R.'s will," Jay says.
"J.R.'s will?" Sue Ellen asks. "I don't understand. J.R.'s will was probated and read shortly after he died."
"Yes. But things have changed. You see, there was a special codicil to J.R.'s will that was sealed until just last week."
"A sealed codicil?" Bobby asks, surprised.
"Yes. The codicil was drawn up several years ago by my cousin Anita when she was J.R.'s attorney. It's a special provision J.R. left concerning his youngest son, Justin Randall Harper, and his oldest son, James Richard Beaumont. It'll be read tomorrow, in my office. And the two of you should be there. James Beaumont has already been notified, and Justin Harper is being notified as we speak."
"What time tomorrow?" Asks Bobby.
"Three o'clock, if that time works for both of you."
"Yes, that's fine."
"Does John Ross know about this?" Sue Ellen asks.
"Yes. My cousin Todd Baxter has spoken to John Ross since Todd is handling most of John Ross's affairs now. Well, I hope to see you both tomorrow."
"Yes, thank you, Jay."
"Thanks, Bobby. I'll see myself out."
"Fine," Bobby says as the young lawyer leaves.
"You had no idea about this?" Sue Ellen asks after Jay is gone.
"No. None."
"I wonder what's in that codicil."
Bobby sighs. "I don't know, Sue Ellen. I guess we'll find out tomorrow. But whatever it is, I have a bad feelin' that it's gonna somehow affect us all. And knowing J.R......prob'ly not for the better."
Southfork.....that night
"Lucas, is everything alright?" Emma asks.
"Sure. Everything's fine."
"I don't think it is. Things haven't been fine between us since John Ross and Pamela's divorce hearing. When you walked out of that courtroom, you told me you didn't think you would be able to get over my affair with John Ross. Lucas, I don't want this to drive us apart."
"God, Emma, please!" Lucas says, putting his hands to his face. "I can't talk about this right now."
"Then when can you? Lately you're always so moody and preoccupied with something. Will you PLEASE talk to me?"
Lucas grabs his crutches and pulls himself to his feet. "I can't. Not now," he says as he hobbles to the door.
"Where are you going?"
"Emma, please. I just need some time. I need to talk to Christopher."
Emma throws her hands up. "You can talk to your brother, but not to me?"
Lucas turns and looks at her. "Right now......yes." Without another word to her, Lucas walks out of the room, leaving Emma angry and frustrated.
Lucas goes across the hall and knocks on Christopher's bedroom door. In a moment, Christopher opens the
"Can I talk to you?"
"Yeah, sure. Come in."
Lucas hobbles into his brother's room on his crutches, and Christopher closes the door.
"How'd it go today with Charlie's appointment?"
Lucas takes a seat on the bed. "Doctors say there's a chance. Charlie can possibly go into remission with a bone marrow transplant."
"Oh....oh my God, that's great," Christopher says.
"Yeah, it is. And, I'm gonna be the donor, since I'm her brother."
"Well, for this to be such great news you sure seem down."
"I'm scared, Chris," Lucas says. "What if this doesn't work? I can't lose my sister, man. But even more important than that, Alex can't lose his mother. It was only a year ago this month that Phillip was killed. And now, what's it gonna do to that kid to find out his mother has cancer and may die?"
"I honestly don't know, bro," Christopher says, taking a seat beside his brother on the bed. "Lucas, I think it's time the whole family know about this."
"So do I. But Charlie still doesn't want them to know."
"They're gonna have to know. Especially when she has this transplant. Look, what if I talk to her."
"No, man," says Lucas. "You're not even supposed to know about this."
"I know. But, Lucas, I have to do something. When I was a little kid, Charlie was just like a big sister to me, too. I know I haven't been close to her as adults, but she's still part of my family. I wanna help."
Lucas looks at Christopher. "I'll talk to her tomorrow. Try and convince her to let the family know. Chris, I've never been so scared in my whole life. I've never really lost anybody that I was as close to as I am to Charlie. I can't imagine my life without my sister in it."
"You won't have to," says Christopher. "I've heard a lot about these transplants. I hear they're really successful. And Baylor is one of the best cancer treatment hospitals in the country. Lucas, this is gonna work and Charlie's gonna be okay. We have to believe that."
Lucas looks at his brother with tears in his eyes. "You know what's weird?"
"What's that?"
"All my life, growin' up, I had Charlie. But I always wanted a big brother. Then when I came here and found out you were my brother, I hated you. I resented you because you were Bobby's adopted son, and you were the one he kept and raised. But now.....I don't know what I'd do without you."
Christopher smiles at his brother.
John Ross and Amanda's room....
"Definitely next time," Amanda says nervously.
"Hey, you okay, darlin'?" John Ross asks. "Hardly said a word at dinner, and barely touched your food."
"I'm okay. Just, so much has happened to me in the past few days, I guess I'm havin' a hard time processing it all."
"I can understand that. No need to rush things. Maybe you're just bored. After all, in the last few days that you've been here, all you been doin' is sittin' around the house."
"That's true. I never was one to sit home and watch TV all days, no matter how much I enjoy The Young And The Restless."
John Ross laughs. "Well, if you want to, you can always go back to work as my Mama's secretary at Ewing Global. Or, I could find you somethin' at Westar. OR, hell, if you want, I could even set you up in your own business, doin' whatever you like."
"I kinda feel like I just abandoned your mother," Amanda says.
"She understands. But, like I said, if you want, you can go back."
"I'll....I'll think about it."
"Good," John Ross says, kissing her. "Now, I think we really should get some sleep. I've got a big day tomorrow. That codicil to my Daddy's will is gonna be read, and when my little brother gets those Westar stock, somehow I have to find a way to get close to him and convince him to either sell them to me, or side with me against Pamela and McKay."
"Do you really think they could get you voted out as CEO of Westar?"
"If they can get enough support from the board, they can," John Ross replies sadly. "Somehow I gotta find a way to keep that from happ'nin'. I worked too damned hard and wanted this too much to lose it all now."
Amanda looks at her new husband. The man she didn't mean to, but ended up falling in love with anyway. This man she is supposed to betray for his enemy. Her heart aches for him, and for her own situation.
The Krebbs Ranch.....the next day
"Well, I got Alex enrolled at Braddock High School this morning, kicking and screaming all the way there, and Mom went shopping. She asked me to come along, but, I wasn't up to it. And of course, Ray went to a cattle auction."
"Good. Charlie, we really need to talk. It's time you told everyone that you have cancer."
Charlie sighs deeply. "I know you're right. I can't put it off much longer. Lucas, are you sure you wanna go through with this bone marrow donation?"
"How can you even ask that? Charlie, you're my sister. I'd do anything for you. But you have to do something for me, too, and that's tell Mom and Ray."
"Charlie, don't say that," Lucas says, pulling himself up using his crutches. "I don't wanna hear that kind of talk."
"Lucas, we have to face reality. Yes, there's a chance the bone marrow transplant can help. But the chance is small. I have to be be prepared for that, and I have to know that my son is taken care of."
"That's something you'll never have to worry about."
"I know Mom and Ray will take care of him. But Lucas, they're not young anymore. Is it really fair to burden them with a troubled teenage boy at this stage of their lives?"
"You know Mom loves Alex," Lucas says. "And I'm here, too, Charlie."
"I know. Lucas, I know that I've asked a lot of you. I burdened you with the secret that I have cancer. Asked you to keep that secret from Mom and everyone. And now you've offered to be my bone marrow donor. I couldn't ask for a better little brother."
"Little brother, there's one more thing I have to ask of you," says Charlie.
"Just name it."
"Lucas, there's something that I've never told anyone. And I need to tell someone. Someone I trust. And, I don't know anyone I trust more than you right now. Other than Mom, and I can't lay this on her. Not now."
"Charlie. what is it?" Lucas asks.
"It's about Alex. And Philip."
"What about them?"
Charlie turns to her brother. "Lucas, you know that, when I married Phillip, I was already right."
"Yeah, I know. So?"
"I don't quite know how to say this."
"Charlie, if you have something to say, just say it."
Charlie hesitates a moment. "Lucas, Phillip wasn't Alex's father."
Lucas is stunned. "What? Phillip......he wasn't Alex's father?"
"No. He and I had broken up. And that was when I came back home late that winter. And then, we came back to Texas with Mom and Ray when Clayton Farlow had his heart attack."
"I remember," says Lucas.
"While we were here, I met someone. I was upset about breaking up with Phillip. This young man had just been through a bad breakup as well. We were both lonely and needy. So, we slept together. It only happened that one time."
"But you got pregnant?"
"Yes," Charlie replies. "After Clayton died, I went back home with Mom and Ray and you for a while. Then Phillip came to see me, and we worked things out. I went back to New York with him, and a month later we were married. No one else ever suspected that Phillip wasn't the father."
"Did Phillip ever know?" Lucas asks.
"Yes. But he never judged me. Never hated me. He married me anyway, and he always loved Alex as if he was his own son. We agreed that no one would ever know."
"Oh, Charlie. What about the other man? Alex's biological father?"
"We never spoke our one night together again."
"You said you met him when we came to Texas after Clayton's heart attack? You met him in Dallas?"
"That's right. Lucas, I have to be prepared for the worst. That's why I needed to tell you this now. If I don't make it through this...."
"Charlie, don't....."
"Lucas, please, just listen to me. I know you don't wanna hear this, but it's something we have to prepare for. If I don't make it through this, I want Alex's father to know the truth. He deserves that much."
"How do I find this guy?" Lucas asks. "Have you even seen him since then?"
"Oh, I've seen him."
"Where?"
Charlie looks at Lucas and pauses before answering. "At Southfork. At Christmas."
Lucas's mouth drops open in shock!
Southfork....afternoon
Meanwhile....Smithfield And Bennett
Finally, cousins Jay Smithfield and Todd Baxter walk into the conference room. "Good afternoon, everyone," Jay greets the Ewings.
"Hello, Jay," says Bobby. "Todd."
"Thank you all for coming this afternoon. Especially you, Mr. Beaumont, as I know you were inconvenienced by having to make the trip."
"It's no problem, really," says James.
Jay and Todd take seats at the table across from the Ewings. Jay opens his brief case and takes out a sealed envelope. He opens the envelope and takes out a piece of paper, unfolding it. "Now, all of you are aware of the contents of J.R.'s will. But this is a special codicil J.R. had drawn up after his will. In it, he makes provision for his oldest son, James Richard Beaumont, and his youngest son, Justin Randall Harper."
"It was the way your father wanted it," Todd replies.
"J.R. still held stock in Westar?" Bobby asks.
"Yes. And like the shares he held in Jensen, he set then in a trust that he couldn't touch nor either of his sons could touch until after his death, and Justin either reached the age of 25, or learned the truth of his parentage."
"Why would he put those shares in a trust?" Bobby asks.
"It means, little brother," James says. "That you've just become a very rich young man."
"Rich?" Justin asks. "Me? Rich?"
Back at Southfork....
A few minutes later....
Back at Smithfield And Bennett....
Southfork....later
END OF EPISODE 61....
ALSO STARRING
AIMEE TEEGARDEN
as Amanda Shepherd Ewing
ALYSSA MILANO
as Charlie Wade Walton
COLIN FORD
as Alex Walton
SASHA MITCHELL
as James Beaumont
MATT LANTER
as Todd Baxter
WILL ESTES
as Jay Smithfield
SARAH JOY BROWN
as Melissa
JARED MARTIN
as Dusty Farlow