Previously on DALLAS:
--------------Taking advantage of John Ross's absence, Amanda continued her romance with Justin.
--------------Lucas witnessed Alex and Ashley kissing and realized he had to break them up.
--------------When his nightmares of Mexico returned, Christopher began seeing a therapist friend of his again.
--------------Curious about his biological mother, Kristin, Christopher began asking questions.
--------------Bum informed John Ross that he had found Elena living in San Francisco under an assumed name.
Southfork....late afternoon
"Trouble?" Ray asks, walking into the room.
"Just some business problems. Seems our illustrious Railroad Commissioner Judith Ryland is at it again. This time she's tryin' to block us from gettin' a variance to drill on a field we bought near Galveston. I guess I'm gonna have to call Matt Culver again and get him to follow through on tryin' to find a way to get that woman OUT of that job."
"Sorry to hear that, Bob."
"It's not your problem, Ray. How are you, and how's Charlie?"
Ray smiles. "That's one of the reasons I'm here. She's much better. Gettin' stronger every day, and Dr. Conrad says that she can start havin' visitors. So I came to see if Alex wanted to spend the night at home tonight and go see his mama tomorrow."
"I'm sure he'll love that. He's not here right now. He's at the cottage studying or somethin' with Ashley, James and Debra Lynn's daughter," Bobby says.
"Good. Bob, another reason I'm here, I was hopin' to have a word with Conner. I really appreciate you lendin' me a couple of your ranch hands to look after my place while I've been busy with Jenna and Charlie, but now that things have calmed down some, I need to hire a hand of my own to help out. I was wonderin', since you said Conner's gonna be stayin' around for a while, if he'd like the job."
"Wouldn't hurt to ask," Bobby says. He leaves the living room and walks down the hallway to the guest bedroom. He knocks on the door. "Conner?"
A few seconds later, Conner opens the door. "Yes?"
"Could you come to the living room for a moment?" Bobby asks. "Someone wants to see you."
"Sure," Conner replies. He follows Bobby down the hall and back into the living room, where Ray stands by the fireplace.
"Conner, you remember my brother, Ray?" Bobby asks.
"Just fine, Conner," Ray replies, shaking hands with the younger man. "Bobby was tellin' me that you plan on stickin' around for a while."
"Yeah, at least until I find out who killed my father and see them pay."
"How'd you like a job in the meantime?" Ray asks.
"A job?"
"Yeah. Workin' on my ranch down the road. I just bought my old ranch back a few months ago, and I was workin' it by myself, but, I'm not a young man anymore and the work was takin' its toll. I was in the process of hirin' a full time ranch hand, but then my stepdaughter got sick and we been dealin' with that ever since. So, I never got around to hirin' anybody. When Bobby told me you were gonna stay for a while, I thought about you. So, you want the job?"
"I'd love it," Conner says. "I use to work a lot around horses and cattle with my Dad."
"Good. Then you're hired," Ray says, again shaking Conner's hand. "Can you start tomorrow mornin'?"
"You bet. Thank you."
"You're welcome, son. Your daddy was a real good man. He once helped save this fam'ly's legacy, so, anything I can do to help Jack's son, I'll do it."
Conner manages a smile. "That really means a lot. Thanks. Thank you both. And I'll see you in the morning. What time?"
"Be at my place at seven. Bobby can tell ya how to get there."
"Sure thing." Conner smiles again, then turns and leaves the room.
"Nice kid," Ray says.
"Yeah, he is," Bobby agrees as Lucas walks into the house. "Well, look who's here," Bobby says.
"Lucas," Ray says.
"Oh. Great. Thanks," Lucas says. He walks past Bobby and Ray and starts down the hall.
"Lucas?" Ray calls to him. The young man stops, but doesn't turn around to face him. "Everything okay, son?"
After a brief pause, Lucas turns around and looks at Ray. "Everything's just great," Lucas says with sarcasm and a hint of an angry tone.
"Sure duttin' seem that way. Somethin' botherin' you?"
The Westar Jet......evening
"John Ross?" Bum calls to him, receiving no reply. "John Ross?"
Finally snapped out of his daydreams, John Ross looks at him.
"You haven't said one word since we left Dallas. You been starin' out that window."
John Ross sighs. "Just thinkin' about Elena. And what I'm gonna say to her after all these months. I keep thinkin' about the baby. She's due to give birth any day now, if she hadn't already. I guess you're findin' her was perfect timin'. I wanna be there for the birth of m son or daughter."
"Is she'll let you," Bum says.
"I won't give her a choice. I'm not lettin' her out of my sight. Somehow, I gotta convince her to come back to Dallas with me. I don't know how, yet. But I aint lettin' her or my child get away." John Ross turns his head and resumes his gaze out the window at the darkening evening sky.
Southfork....
"Emma, everything alright?" Ann asks.
"I honestly don't know. I'm worried about Lucas."
"Why?" Asks Bobby.
"I'll go talk to him," Bobby says. Bobby gives Ann and Emma a quick wink and smile. "Just let me go grab my coat." A moment later, Bobby walks onto the patio and closes the sliding glass door behind him and approaches Lucas. "Another cold night," he says.
"Yeah," Lucas says.
"I noticed that when Ray was here earlier, you acted a little frosty toward him. Is anything wrong between the two of you?"
Lucas turns around to face Bobby. "Why does life always have to be so hard and complicated?"
"Is there somethin' in particular we're talkin' about here, or just life in general?" Bobby asks.
"Son, I can tell somethin' pretty heavy is weighin' on your mind," Bobby says. "If you'd like to talk about it, I hope you know you can."
Lucas sighs. "I'd love to talk about it. Just don't know if I can."
"Personal stuff?"
"REAL personal."
"This have anything to do with you and Emma?" Bobby asks.
"No. Why would you think that?"
"Because Emma's worried about you. She thinks you're shuttin' her out. Are you?"
"She keeps pressuring me to tell her what's on my mind," Lucas says. "But I can't. It's not that I don't trust her, it's just that this is some really personal stuff. And it's not even about me."
"Alright," Bobby says. "Can you tell me? I've kept a lot of secrets in this fam'ly over the years, and I promise I'd never judge whoever or whatever it is."
"Actually, I, uh, I did come to the office today to see you. To talk to you about this stuff, but you were out. So I had a talk with Christopher instead."
"I see."
"I need your word that you won't say anything about this to anyone."
"You have my word," says Bobby.
"Part of it is about Alex."
"What about him?"
"Charlie told me this not long after she told me about the cancer." Lucas pauses for a moment and looks at Bobby. "Her husband, Phillip......he wasn't Alex's biological father."
"Oh, I see. And Alex doesn't know this."
"No."
"Do you know who the boy's father is?" Bobby asks.
"Yeah. That's part of the problem. Because Alex can't stand the guy, and neither can I."
"Son, I'm confused. You and Alex both know Alex's biological father? Is this someone Charlie knew in New York?"
"No," Lucas answers. "It's someone she knew from right here. Bobby.......John Ross is Alex's biological father."
Bobby's mouth drops open in shock, unable to process what he's just heard.
Meanwhile....the living room
Emma sighs. "I just wish Lucas would open up to ME about stuff. He'll talk to Christopher about things, but he always leaves me out of the important parts of his life."
"Lucas is a typical Ewing man," says Ann. "They all do that. And when we love one of 'em, I'm afraid that's just somethin' we have to accept."
"I'm sorry, but I can't accept that," Emma says. "When two people are in love, and in a relationship, they ought to be able to share everything, both the good and the bad. I shared my deepest, darkest moments with Lucas, even about the rape, but he keeps everything all bottled up inside. He doesn't share anything with me."
"I assume you've tried to talk to him about this?"
"Of course. And guess what he does......he clams up as usual."
Ann reaches out and puts a comforting hand on her daughter's shoulder.
Meanwhile.....the patio
"Yes."
"But, how....." Bobby stops short and is silent for a moment as he thinks back. "Oh my God," he says. "I remember about sixteen years ago, Charlie came to Southfork with you, Ray, and Jenna after Mama and Clayton came back here and Clayton was sick. Was that when...."
"Yeah, it was," Lucas says. "Charlie and John Ross, ummm......you know. Charlie was hurting over a breakup with Phillip. Then, afterward, Charlie went back to New York, she and Phillip reconciled, and got married."
"I just can't believe it."
"I'm really worried now because of how close Alex is getting with Ashley Beaumont. I mean, my God, they're first cousins. Somehow, I've got to try to find a way to stop them from getting even closer, if you know what I mean. And I've gotta do it without Alex finding out the truth."
"Son, I'm not sure that's possible," Bobby says. "I don't see how you're gonna be able to keep those two kids apart without them knowin' why."
"Maybe if I talked to James. Maybe he could make Ashley stay away from Alex. Because the last thing I want is for my nephew to find out John Ross is his father. That kid's been through enough."
San Francisco, California
"Even'in, Elena," he says.
Elena is so startled by the sound of John Ross's voice from behind her that she drops the phone and quickly turns to face him, a look of total shock on her face.
John Ross walks over to her. "Or should I say........Erica. Been a long time."
"What the HELL are you doing here, and how did you get into my apartment?" Elena asks.
"The manager let me in."
"He would never have done that."
"Didn't want to," John Ross says. "He had a change of heart when I threatened to buy the damned complex and make sure he never worked again."
"Like hell, I will. From the looks of you, you already had my baby. Where is it? Is it a boy or a girl?"
Elena hesitates for a moment before answering. "It.......it was a boy," she replies, fighting back tears.
"A son? I have a son? Well, where the hell is he?"
"John Ross, I said the baby WAS a boy."
"What do you mean by that?"
"The baby is dead, John Ross," Elena says in tears. "I went into labor prematurely, and the baby was stillborn."
"John Ross, it was for the best."
"Best for WHO!!??" John Ross shouts. "Best for you?"
"Please, just leave," says Elena. "The baby is gone, John Ross. There are no ties that bind us together anymore. So please, just go back to Dallas and stay out of my life."
"Elena...."
"Go, John Ross," she says in tears. "Go back to Dallas.......and forget you ever knew me."
John Ross stares at her in silence for a moment, tears still streaming down his face. Finally, he turns and walks out of the apartment without saying another word to her. After he's gone, Elena breaks down in tears. Meanwhile, John Ross stops outside of Elena's door. His heart breaking and unable to control his emotions, he breaks down in tears.
Southfork.....the next morning
Lucas walks into the room. "Mornin'," Lucas says.
"Mornin'. How's it goin'?"
"I talked to Bobby last night. I told him about Alex."
"What'd he say?" Christopher asks.
Lucas sighs. "He was shocked. We talked about it, and I think the only way I'm gonna be able to keep Alex and Ashley apart is to talk to James and Debra Lynn. Maybe try and convince them somehow to keep their daughter away from Alex."
"Charlie's husband, Phillip Walton, was a good man. He knew Alex wasn't his kid biologically, but he loved him anyway. And Alex idolized Phillip. His death is the reason Alex was so bitter, angry, and hostile when he came here. He was angry because he'd lost his Dad. Christopher, I don't want him to have to lose Phillip again. You know how Alex feels about John Ross, he can't stand him, and the feeling is mutual. No, I never want Alex to find out the truth."
"Lucas, I get what you're saying. But a secret like that, it's really hard to keep forever. The truth usually finds a way to come out."
"I hope you're wrong," Lucas says. He notices Christopher's suitcase on the bed. "Hey, you goin' somewhere?"
"Yeah," replies Christopher. "I'm flying to California. To Los Angeles, to try and find out some information about my biological mother, Kristen Shepherd."
"Really? Why? I mean, I've never heard you mention your biological parents before."
"It's complicated, little brother. But, I'm curious. I was born in L.A., and I wanna know what happened to my mother while she was there. Listen, I have to go so I can catch my flight. If you're not busy, maybe you could drive me to the airport and we can talk some more?"
"Sure, yeah."
"Thanks. Let's go then. My flight's in an hour and a half and I need to get there early."
Lucas nods. Christopher walks over to the bed, closes his suitcase, and then he and Lucas walk out of the room.
Westar....
"Hmmmm, that felt good," she says.
"Yes it did. And I have some good news."
Pamela turns to face him. "I could sure use some of that. What's up?"
"John Ross is out of town again."
"Again? Where in the world could he be going on all these out of town trips?" Pamela asks.
"What do you mean?" Pamela asks.
"Melissa couldn't stand John Ross when he first took the company away from Jill. In fact, word has it that she was planning to quit, and now, she's about as loyal as a secretary can get."
Pamela smiles. "You think John Ross is sleeping with her?"
"I'm sure of it," says Tripp. "Now if I was a single man, I could get close to Melissa and pump her for information about John Ross."
"Uh-huh, but you're NOT a single man, so don't even think about it," Pamela says playfully, kissing him.
They are interrupted by the buzz of Pamela's intercom. "Miss Barnes, your mother is here," says Pamela's secretary.
"Thank you, Janice. Send her in, please."
"Darn," says a disappointed Tripp. "I was hoping we could tell your secretary we didn't wanna be disturbed for a while."
Pamela laughs. Afton walks into the office. "Good morning, you two," Afton says with a smile.
"Morning, Afton," Tripp says.
"Mom, what brings you here?" Pamela asks.
"Where?"
Afton smiles. "It's a surprise."
"Sounds mysterious," Tripp says.
"Mom, you've got me very curious."
"Good, that's what I was hoping for. So, can you come with me?"
"You go on," Tripp says. "I'll take care of things here."
"Alright," Pamela says with a smile. "Let's go."
"You won't regret this, sweetheart," says Afton. Pamela grabs her jacket and purse from her desk, and leaves with her mother.
San Francisco, California
"So, here you are," Bum says. "Been lookin' for you since last night. How come you didn't pick up your phone?"
"I was worried, John Ross. I used your GPS on your phone to find you. I take it things didn't go so well when you saw Elena last night?"
"Good observation."
"What happened?" Bum asks.
"The baby died," John Ross replies.
"What?"
"Elena gave birth to a son. Last month. It was stillborn. I saw the bill from the hospital myself."
"John Ross, I'm so sorry. What are you gonna do now?"
John Ross sighs. "Nothin' to do. Nothin' but go back to Dallas and make Amanda have that prenatal DNA test. And then makd damn sure if that kid turns out to be mine, that I don't lose it, too."
"Sounds like a plan," Bum says. "But right now, I think the best thing for you to do is come back to the hotel with me and try and sober up. Then we'll head back home this even'in."
"Sure, why not?" John Ross says, finishing off his last drink. He puts the glass down on the table and, with some effort, stands to his feet.
"Here, lemme help you," Bum says, putting John Ross's arm around his neck.
"I can walk on my own," John Ross says. As he takes a step, he stumbles.
"Maybe so, but it'd be easier with my help," Bum says. He takes John Ross by the arm and helps him out of the place.
Back in Dallas.....
"Just hold your horses, Pamela," says Afton. "All will become clear very soon."
"This place is kind of a mess."
"It's been closed for a while."
At that moment, the door opens and Cliff walks in. "Hey, I tried to get here on time," he says walking in.
"Daddy, what are you doing here?" Pamela asks.
Afton smiles. "Cliff, you must be getting really forgetful in your old age. Don't you remember this place?"
Cliff looks around the place for a moment and then smiles. "Oh good Lord," he says. "This is.....this is the old Stardrift Lounge."
"Yes it is," Afton says with a big smiles.
"I still don't get it," says Pamela. "What is this place?"
"This place was a lounge and bar," Cliff replies. "It's also where your mother and I first met, and where she started her illustrious singing career."
"Really?"
"Yes," Afton says.
"So what are we all doing here?" Pamela asks.
"Well, that is my surprise. I found out a couple weeks ago that this place has been closed for a while. The owner got into some financial trouble and filed bankruptcy, but this place was being auctioned off, so.......yesterday, I signed the papers. I bought it."
"You bought the old Stardrift Lounge?" Cliff asks.
"Yes I did. I plan to reopen it and turn it into a real hotspot like it use to be."
"Mom, I think that's great," Pamela says.
"So do I," Cliff agrees. "If you need any help, I'm available."
"Thank you, Cliff. I'll probably have to take you up on that. I wanted to surprise both of you, and then treat you both to lunch. And then I have a meeting later this afternoon with a contractor to give me an estimate on how much renovations will cost. If I plan on staying here in Dallas to be near you, Pamela, I needed something of my own. Something other than sitting around your apartment watching TV every day with your father."
"I'm very proud of you, Mom."
"Thank you, my darling. Now, I hope that the two of you are as hungry as I am, because I'm ready to go to lunch. Where would you like to eat?"
"How about my favorite? Chinese?" Cliff asks with a smile.
Afton sighs, and she and Pamela exchange looks. "Cliff, I had something else in mind BESIDES Chinese to celebrate."
The home of Gary and Valene Ewing, Knots Landing, California....afternoon
"Hey, Bobby," Christopher says, giving his cousin a handshake and hug. "I came to see your parents. Are they here?"
"Sure, come on in," Bobby II says.
Christopher walks into the comfortable suburban home and looks around. "Nice place."
"Thanks. So, you said you're here to see my Mom and Dad?"
"Yeah. It's kind of important."
"I figured it had to be to bring one of the Dallas Ewings out here," Bobby II says.
"Christopher," Gary Ewing says as he walks into the living room.
"Hi, Uncle Gary."
"How long are you in town for?" Bobby II asks.
"Not real sure, but however long it takes for me to find the answers I'm looking for."
"Well, I guess I'll let you two talk," Bobby II says. "Christopher, it's great to see you."
"Yeah you too, Bobby. Listen, maybe later we can hang out. Grab a beer?"
"I'd love that. Just let me know when you're done talking. I'll be outside." Bobby II smiles, then walks out as Valene comes down the stairs and walks into the living room.
"Hi, Christopher," she says.
"Aunt Val, hi," Christopher says as he walks over and gives his aunt a kiss on the cheek.
"How are you? And how's everybody back at Southfork?"
"Wouldn't miss it for the world," Gary says. "Christopher, Bobby told me why you're here. I'm not sure how much we can help you."
"I'd appreciate anything at all you can tell me, Uncle Gary," Christopher says.
"What's this all about?" Val asks, confused.
"It's about my biological mother, Aunt Val," replies Christopher. "Kristin Shepherd."
"Kristin?"
"Yes, Val," Gary says. "Kristin Shepherd, Sue Ellen's sister, was the woman who gave birth to Christopher."
Val is stunned by the news as she looks from Gary to Christopher. "Oh, my word," she says.
"My Dad told me that, after Kristin left Dallas back in 1980, she stayed here for a while."
"She was only here for a few days, Christopher," Gary says.
"I know. But if there's anything at all you can remember about when she stayed here, I'd appreciate it."
Val and Gary exchange looks, then Val turned to Christopher. "Alright. I'll tell you everything that I remember."
San Francisco....
Elena walks into an office in a building in downtown San Francisco that afternoon. As she takes a seat at a desk, a young man in his late 20s comes to the door and knocks.
"Erica?" He says. "Can I come in?"
"Sure, Michael. Come in."
"Oh, good," Elena/Erica says, unenthusiastically.
"And that's not the best part. I showed it to my father as well, and he was very impressed. So, we want YOU to design the ad."
"Michael, that's really very flattering, but I can't."
"Why not?" Michael asks, walking over to her.
Elena sighs. "Because........because I have to leave," she says, fighting back tears.
The smile fades from Michael's face. "Leave? Leave the newspaper, or leave town?"
"Both."
"Erica, why? Everything's been going great. And you know that leaving town means leaving me."
"Michael, I'm sorry, but......" Elena stops talking and begins to cry.
Michael walks over to her. "Hey, come on," he says, taking her face in his hands. "What's this all about?"
"My worst fear has happened. John Ross found me."
"What?"
"He was waiting for me at my apartment last night when I got home from the office."
"What'd you tell him?" Michael asks.
"I told him about the baby. He took it hard. And then, I told him I wanted him out of my life."
"And?"
"And he left."
"Then what is the problem? If the guy left, then, why do you have to keep running?"
"You know, Erica, you can't keep running for the rest of your life," says Michael. "That's not fair to you, and it's not fair to anyone who cares for you. I know what you told me this guy has put you through, but that's in the past. Erica, I've fallen in love with you over the past three months that you've been here."
"Michael, you fell in love with Erica Ramirez. NOT Elena Ramos. The girl with a whole suitcase full of problems from Dallas."
"I fell in love with YOU," Michael says, taking her by hand. "I don't care if your name is Erica Ramirez, Elena Ramos, or Gertrude Pennybaker.....the simple fact is I haven't felt this way about anyone for a very long time. And I think you feel the same about me."
"I do," Elena says. "I never thought I could ever care for anyone again after Christopher. But you came along."
"Then you'll stay?" Michael asks. "I won't take no for an answer."
"It isn't that simple," Elena says, pulling away from him and turning to the window. "It's not that simple at all, Michael, and you know it." She begins to cry.
Meanwhile.....Gary and Val's home in Knots Landing
"What was she arrested for?"
"She was arrested at a party for possession of drugs," Val replies. "She swore to me the drugs weren't hers, and I believed her...."
"But I didn't," Gary interrupted. "I didn't know Kristin, but the simple fact that she was Sue Ellen's sister, made me not trust her automatically. And, as it turned out, I had good reason."
"What do you mean?" Christopher asks.
"The next day, Kristin packed her bags and left," says Gary. "We never saw or heard from her again."
"Kristin shared a secret with me that night," says Val. "She was pregnant. Christopher, that baby......was that......you?"
"I don't think so," Christopher replies. "Not if it was right after she arrived here from Dallas. Kristin miscarried that baby. Then she got pregnant with me soon after."
"Christopher, I have to ask," Gary says. "How long have you known Kristin was your mother?"
"I've known for years. I found out I was adopted when I was almost seven. Then, when I was a teenager, I found out who my biological parents were. Kristin met this man named Jeff Faraday. He was my biological father. After Kristin died, Jeff brought me to Dallas and he basically sold me to my Dad, Bobby."
"Sweety, that doesn't make any sense," says Val. "Why would your natural father take you to Bobby?"
Christopher looks at them and pauses briefly. "It's a long and complicated story. But the ugly truth is, Kristin had an affair with J.R., and she got pregnant. Aunt Val, he was the father of the baby Kristin told you about. Faraday wanted to cash in after Kristin's death, so he told my Dad that J.R. was the father. It wasn't until later that Dad found out the truth. The reason I'm here in California, is because I want......no, I NEED to know what happened to Kristin while she was here. Why she started using drugs, how she met Faraday."
"How do you plan on finding all this out after almost thirty-five years?" Gary asks.
"Uncle Gary.....I honestly don't know. But somehow, I have to try. What about this Kenny Ward guy? Is he still around?"
"No," replies Val. "Kenny and his wife Ginger moved away from here in the early 80s. We wouldn't even know how to get in touch with him now."
"Well, I have to try to find someone who knew her back in 1980 and '81. There has to be a way."
"Christopher, while you're here in town, we'd love for you to stay here with us," Gary says.
"You're more than welcome," Val adds.
"Thanks, guys. I really appreciate this."
Back at Southfork....late that evening
John Ross stops abruptly. "You're still here?" He asked. "Thought you'd be long gone by now."
"No, as a matter of fact, Bobby said I was welcome to stay as long as I like."
"Just don't get too comfortable around here." John Ross walks past him and heads into the foyer. Conner follows.
John Ross stops and turns back to him. "Excuse me?"
"I said, what did I ever do to you? You'd never met me until a few weeks ago, and from the first time you saw me here, you've disliked me. I'd like to know why. Because I've sure as hell never done anything to you."
John Ross walks over to him. "You're here. That's enough. You see, I've had enough experience with long lost relatives showin' up, movin' in, wantin' a piece of the Ewing pie, so to speak."
"Since I've been here I haven't asked for anything. In fact, I even started work at a job today so I can pay my own way."
"A job?" John Ross asks. "Doin' what?"
"A ranch hand for Ray Krebbs at his place," Conner replies.
"Is that a fact? That duttin' surprise me. Half-breeds and misfits like to stick together. My only question is, if you're workin' for Uncle Ray, then how come you didn't just move in over at his ranch?"
"John Ross, that's enough!" Says Bobby, walking into the room with Ann and Lucy. "I've told you before, Conner is a member of this family and he's welcome here as long as he wants to stay."
John Ross looks at the four other Ewings angrily for a moment. Then nods. Without saying another word, he turns and walks up the stairs.
"Conner, I'm real sorry about him," Bobby says.
"Hey," says Lucy as she walks over and puts a hand on Conner's shoulder. "Don't let John Ross get to ya. He's just like his daddy, suspicious of everybody he hasn't known all his life."
"It's okay," Conner says sadly.
Meanwhile, John Ross walks into his and Amanda's bedroom and finds her laying in bed watching television. He slams the door behind him and throws his bag to the floor.
"My, my," Amanda says. "You sure are in a bad mood. I would ask where you've been all this time, but, I don't really care."
"I'm not in the mood for your crap, Amanda."
"Wow. Something really has pissed you off."
He walks over to the bed and looks down at her. "It's time, Amanda."
"Time? Time for what?"
"Tomorrow is Sunday, John Ross," Amanda says.
"I have a friend who works at the clinic at the hospital. The clinic's gonna be open for this special occasion."
"Good. Maybe then you'll finally believe the truth."
"You better hope it's the truth, Amanda," John Ross says. "Because if you've lied to me about this baby, I'll not only make you wish you'd never met me......I'll make you hate the day your mama ever laid eyes on your daddy."
Amanda looks up at him, fear in her eyes from the threat John Ross just made to her. Then without another word, he turns and walks into the bathroom, slamming the door behind him.
Tripp's apartment......the next morning
"Sure smells good," she says.
Pamela smiles. "Now what did I do to deserve such service on a Sunday morning?"
Tripp takes up the last few pieces of bacon, then turns off the stove burner. He walks over and puts his arms around her. "What did you do to deserve this? You gave me my life back. You gave me hope when I thought I didn't have any hope. You made me love again when I never thought it was possible. So you, my dear, deserve this breakfast and so much more. You deserve the world." He kisses her.
"I love you so much, Tripp."
"I love you, too. And this breakfast is not only because you deserve everything I just said, but, it's a celebration breakfast."
"Celebration?" Pamela asks. "What are we celebrating?"
Tripp reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small box. He hands it to Pamela.
"What's this?" She asks.
"Why don't you open it and find out?"
Pamela opens the box and reveals a beautiful, expensive-looking diamond engagement ring. She gasps at the sight of it. "Oh my God," she says in awe. "Tripp, it's.....it's so beautiful. I don't know what to say."
She looks at him, tears in her eyes. "Tripp...."
"Shhhh, just let me say something first. Pamela, we've been together now for a few months. And I can honestly say they've been the best months of my life. I love you, Pamela Rebecca Barnes. And I wanna spend the rest of my life with you. Pamela.....will you marry me?"
Meanwhile.....
Tripp smiles, then kisses her.
Forest Park Medical Center....
"Well, good morning, Amanda," he says. "This must be Mr. Ewing?"
"Yes, this is my husband," Amanda says.
John Ross extends his hand to the doctor, a man in his mid-forties and balding on top. "John Ross Ewing."
"Pleasure to meet you."
"Doctor, is there a risk to the baby here?" Amanda asks.
"Of course anytime any invasive procedure is performed there's a risk," Dr. Braswell replies. "But today this procedure is very safe and there's only a minimal risk to the baby and the mother."
"How exactly do you perform this test?" John Ross asks.
"We have two ways of performing a prenatal DNA test. Either by obtaining a small sample of the placenta, which is called chorionic villus sampling, or by performing an amniocentesis, obtaining a sample of the amniotic fluid which surrounds the fetus."
"Five to seven business days," replies Dr. Braswell. "Now, Amanda, are you ready to get started?"
"As ready as I'll ever be, I suppose."
"Amanda, if you have reservations about this, we don't have to go through with this."
Amanda looks at John Ross, then back at Dr. Braswell. "No. I need to have this done."
Dr. Braswell smiles. "Fine, then. Let's get started."
Southfork....
"Mornin'," Ray says.
"Good mornin', Ray. What brings you over?"
"Well, I was kinda hopin' to see Lucas. Is he here?"
"I think he's in the exercise room," Ann says. "Not sure but I saw him headin' that way earlier."
"Thanks."
"You're welcome. Ray, how's Charlie?"
Ray pauses in the doorway and smiles. "She's comin' along just fine. Gettin' a little stronger every day. It really helped her to be able to start seein' Alex. It's done him a world of good, too. I really appreciate you and Bobby lettin' him stay here all this time."
"It was no problem, really. We loved havin' him. It was nice havin' a teenager in the house."
"Yeah, they can be fun sometimes. Thanks, Ann." Ray smiles again, then turns and walks out. A moment later, he walks into the exercise room and finds Lucas lifting weights. Ray closes the door behind him and walks over. "Ann said I might find you in here."
"What is it you want?" Lucas asks rudely.
"You saw me at the restaurant with Donna?" Ray asks.
"Yeah, I did. Holding hands across the table. After you LIED and said you were going to get some rest."
"Son, listen let me explain. Yes, I had dinner with Donna that evening. She was heading back to Austin the next day, and then back to Washington, so I wanted to see her and discuss some things."
"Oh yeah? What sort of things?" Lucas asks.
"Well if you must know, our daughter for one," Ray says, beginning to lose patience. "Margaret's wedding is comin' up soon, and Donna and I had some things to discuss."
"Then why were you holding hands with her?"
"Lucas, what you saw was a simple show of affection for an OLD FRIEND and the mother of my daughter. That's it. Any other relationship I had with Donna ended many years ago, before you were even born."
"I wanna believe you," Lucas says. "But not sure if I can. You lied to me my whole life about who my father was."
"That's what this is all about, itn't it?" Ray asks. "You still haven't forgiven me and your mother for keepin' your paternity from you all those years, have you?"
"I dunno. All I do know is I still think about it a lot. And it still hurts."
"Lucas, I had hoped we'd gotten past that. Son, I'm sorry we lied to you all those years. We're all sorry......me, your mama, and Bobby. But we can't turn the clock back and undo what's been done. The only way you're ever gonna find any peace in life is to get past this. Take it from somebody who knows." Without another word, Ray turns and walks out of the room, leaving Lucas angry and near tears.
Southfork.....that night
"John Ross," she says.
He sighs deeply. "Emma, sorry, but I'm in no mood to talk at anybody tonight."
"Why, what's wrong?" Emma asks. "Trouble with the little wife?"
John Ross gives her an angry look, then takes another sip of the bourbon. Immediately, Emma feels bad.
"I'm sorry. I was only joking," she says.
"Like I said....I'm in no mood."
"John Ross, what's really going on?"
"Don't wanna talk about it," he replies.
"You know, this is like deja vu," Emma says.
"What?"
"Doesn't this remind you of anything?"
"Doesn't WHAT remind me of anything?" John Ross asks, getting annoyed.
"Of another night, exactly two years ago. You were standing out here in almost this exact same spot, and I walked out here to cheer you up. That was the night after your father's memorial service. Before the funeral the next day."
"No," Emma replies. "I'm just offering to be a friend. And a good listener if you need someone to talk to." "That kinda friend itn't exactly what I need right now," says John Ross. "I'm sorry, John Ross. But that's all I have to offer you these days. Take it or leave it." Emma turns and starts to walk back to the house. |
Emma stops in her tracks and turns back to him. After a brief pause, she walks back over to where John Ross stands. "You talked to her?"
"I did. She's in San Francisco."
"How is she?" Emma asks. "What about the baby?"
John Ross hesitates a moment before replying as he fights back tears. Unable to hold it in, a tear falls down his cheek. He quickly wipes it away with a gloved hand. "The baby died."
"What?"
"The baby was stillborn. On February 14. A month ago. I saw the hospital bill myself."
"Oh God," says Emma. "Oh, John Ross, I'm so sorry."
"I wanted that kid, Emma. I wanted to be a father......so much. It was a boy. A son." John Ross looks at her, tears filling his eyes. "I had a SON, Emma. And he died. I never even got to hold him. Or talk to him. Or tell him I loved him, or even say goodbye. Elena hated me so much that she didn't even think I had a right to know my own child was born dead. I know I've done some terrible things. I've hurt people. I hurt Elena. But did I really deserve that? Does anybody deserve that?"
"No, John Ross," Emma says, tears now coming to her own eyes. "No one deserves to lose a child." Emma reaches out and puts her arm around John Ross's neck. John Ross lays his head on her shoulder as he cries for his lost child.
What neither of them realize is that Amanda is standing on the upstairs balcony watching them. A look of anger and jealousy crosses her face. After a moment, Amanda turns and walks back into the house.
Meanwhile....the bunkhouse
"I'm glad you invited me. I get pretty lonesome in my apartment having dinner all alone every night."
"Mind if I ask you somethin'?"
"Ask away," Jillian says, taking a sip of her wine.
"How come there's no special man in your life? I mean, look at you. You're drop dead gorgeous. Body to die for. Rich as hell, and yet, you're all alone. Why?"
"Asking out of curiosity?"
"I'm askin' because you're my sister. I know we hadn't known one another for long, but in the time we have, I've come to love you."
"Justin that's so sweet. And I love you too, little brother. But there's no simple answer to that question. Let's just say, I've been hurt a couple of times, and I'd rather not go through that again."
"So, you plannin' on just stayin' alone the rest of your life? Maybe joinin' a convent or somethin'?"
Jillian laughs. "No. But I do plan on being careful. And taking my time to get over Tripp McKay."
"Tripp McKay? You mean.....Pamela Barnes's boyfriend?"
"Yeah," Jillian says. "Before he became involved with Pamela, Tripp and I were......involved. I fell in love with him." "But he chose her?" Justin asks. "Yep." "Then he's a damned fool. Jill, if it's gonna be a problem for you seein' McKay when we put our plan in motion to take Westar away from John Ross, then, we don't have to go through with this." "No," says Jillian. "It won't be a problem. Besides, it'll be well worth it to get the company out of John Ross's hands. Speaking of which, Justin, when are you going to use that information you have on him and Judith Ryland?" |
As Jillian is about to say something, a knock comes at the door.
"Wonder who that can be," Justin says. He stands to his feet and walks to the door. He opens it and is surprised to find Amanda there.
She walks past him and into the room. "I needed to see you," she says.
"Ummm, Amanda, I'm surprised to see you tonight," Justin says.
"I'm sorry. But I needed to get away from that house for a while, and from John Ross." As Amanda turns around, she is shocked when she sees Jillian sitting on the sofa. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize you had company."
"It's fine," says Justin. "You remember Jill, don't you? My sister."
"Of course."
Jillian stands. "Hello, Amanda," Jillian says awkwardly. "What in the world brings our brother's wife over here to see Justin at this time of night?" She asks with a sly smile.
Justin and Amanda exchange looks, and Justin smiles, while Amanda only feels embarrassed and uncomfortable.
The next day....
"Excuse me," Christopher says. "Are you Mrs. Evelyn Moore?"
"That's me. Can I help you?" Mrs. Moore says, walking past him and up the steps as he follows.
"I was told you own this building, and have for over 35 years?"
"39 to be exact," she says. "My husband and I bought this place back in June of 1976. If you're looking to rent you'll have to speak to my son. He manages the place now since my husband passed away eight years ago."
"No, I'm not looking to rent. But I would like to talk to you if you have the time. It's very important. My name is Christopher Ewing."
"Sure. Come on in." Mrs. Moore unlocks the door to her apartment and opens it. She walks in as Christopher follows. She walks into the kitchen and puts her bag of groceries down, then returns to the living room. "So what can I do for you Mr..........Ewing, you say?"
"Yes, that's right. I was wondering......I realize you've probably had hundreds of tenants here over the years, but I'm looking for information on a young woman who lived here back in the early 80s. Actually, from around December, 1980 until the early summer of 1981."
"Young man, as you said, I have had a LOT of tenants in and out of these apartments over the years. Now how am I supposed to remember one tenant who lived for just a few months 34 years ago?"
"Maybe this'll help," Christopher says. "She was pregnant. Here's a photo of her."
"Wait a second," Mrs. Moore says. "Yes. Yes, I actually do remember her."
"You do?" Christopher asks excitedly. "That's great. I'd appreciate anything you can tell me."
"Well, she was pregnant most of the time she was living here. She had a boyfriend. A real deadbeat. Actually, she had a couple different boyfriends that came and went. But this one I remember in particular because he was the one who was around the most."
"Do you remember his name?
"Hmmmm.....started with a 'J.' Jim? Jack?"
"Was it Jeff?"
"Yes, that's it," Mrs. Moore says. "Jeff. Farley, or Fairweather or something like that. Anyway, he was bad news. He turned that poor girl onto drugs and her pregnant. She got behind on her rent by three months, and my husband wanted to kick her out, but I felt sorry for her because of the pregnancy. So, I let her stay. Then she had the baby, and not long after that she left town, still owing us more'n three months rent. She never came back, and I heard later that she had died. What is all this to you? Are you a relative?"
"Yes. She was my mother."
"Your.......oh, my. Then that was YOU she was carrying when she lived here?"
"Yes ma'am. I was adopted. And I'm here trying to find any information I can about Kristin's time here in L.A. Is there anymore you could tell me?"
"I'm afraid not, young man."
"Well, what about friends?" Christopher asks. "Do you remember anyone that she may have been close to? Maybe another tenant?"
"Well, there was this one girl who lived upstairs. She and Kristin were pretty good friends, as I recall. I can't remember her name."
"What about records? Do you have some kind of records from those days with tenants' names, or receipts from when they paid their rent?"
"I have a box full of that stuff in storage. But honey, it would take me months to go through all that stuff."
"Mrs. Moore, this is very important to me. Any help you could give me would be appreciated."
Mrs. Moore looks at him for a moment. "Alright. The stuff is stored down in the basement. I'll go down there this afternoon and bring it out and look through it tonight. Luckily, most of it's filed by year, but some of it isn't."
Christopher smiles. "Thank you, Mrs. Moore. I'll give you my cell number. Please, give me a call as soon as you find something."
Back in Dallas.......Ewing Global.....
Surprised to hear that John Ross has come to see her, Sue Ellen hesitates a moment. "Umm, thank you, Karen. Please send him in." Sue Ellen stands and walks around to the front of her desk as John Ross walks in.
"Mama," he says.
"John Ross. I'm very surprised to see you. But I'm GLAD to see you."
"How you been?"
"Just fine. And you?"
"John Ross, what is it? What's going on?" Asks a concerned Sue Ellen.
"Bum found Elena for me. In San Francisco. So I flew out there to see her a couple days ago."
"I see. And I take it that it didn't go well?"
"No," he says.
"What about the baby?"
John Ross looks at his mother a moment before answering. "Baby's dead, Mama. It was stillborn a month ago. You had a grandson."
Sue Ellen's heart breaks upon hearing the devastating news. "Oh my God. John Ross, I am SO sorry," she says, embracing her son. "Why didn't she let us know?"
"Because she's a hateful bitch. She obviously hated me so much she didn't think I deserved to know."
Sue Ellen pulls out of the embrace and looks at him, her hand on his shoulder. "I can't believe it. John Ross, I know how much that child meant to you. What are you going to do now?"
"Just hope and pray that baby Amanda's carryin' is mine."
"Amanda," says Sue Ellen. "I really suppose I should go to Southfork and see her. I just haven't completely forgiven her for deceiving us all. But, if she is carrying my grandchild....." "That's the word, Mama. IF. We had the prenatal DNA test done yesterday. Now we gotta wait 5 to 7 days for the results. Those are gonna be the longest days of my life." |
"Only the fact that she lied to all of us about who she was. The fact that she was workin' for Cliff Barnes, and she drugged me to get me to marry her on New Years Eve."
"Yes. I see your point. With Amanda's history, anything is possible."
"She swears up and down that it's mine," John Ross says.
"And what if the child is yours, John Ross? Then what? Do you plan on staying married to her? Making the marriage work?"
"Mama, I honestly don't know. I did love her. But what she did.......any feelin's I had for her died when I read that text she sent me confessin' that she was workin' for Barnes to try to destroy us. And I really don't know if I could ever trust her or feel anything for her again after that. Even if the child she's carryin' turns out to be mine." At that moment, John Ross's cell phone rings. He takes the phone out of his pocket and sees that Krystina Carrington is calling.
"Aren't you gonna answer that?" Sue Ellen asks.
"No," he says sadly. "It's a business associate. I'll call 'em back later."
Meanwhile.....the Carrington mansion in Denver
"It's okay, Mom."
"I thought you'd be at the office today."
"I have a meeting at 3. I forgot some of my notes, so I came home to get them and prepare a little."
"Krystina, is everything, alright?"
"Of course," Krystina replies. "Why would you think otherwise?"
"Yes, Mom. It was."
"Is business all there is to it?" Krystle asks.
Krystina turns and looks at her mother. "Why all the questions about John Ross Ewing?"
"Oh, because I've noticed that since you returned from Texas, you've been a lot more quiet. You seem a little down. Lonely, even. And I remember when I talked to you when you were in Texas, you sounded happier than I've heard you sound in a very long time."
"You could tell I was happy by the way I sounded on the phone?"
Krystle smiles. "I'm your mother, Krystina. It's a mother's job to know when her child is happy, sad, hurt, angry. And I could hear something in your voice when you came home and talked about your trip, and young Mr. Ewing. So, is there more than just business on your mind with him?"
"Maybe," Krystina says, looking at her mother. "But I can't let it become more than a business relationship. He's married. Yes, it's a very unhappy marriage and one in name only, but he's still a married man. And I swore that I would NEVER let myself go down that road again." Krystina turns and looks out the window toward the garden, a sad expression on her face.
Los Angeles........evening
"So how'd it go today?" Bobby II asks. "Any luck?"
"I think so," replies Christopher. "I found the owner of the apartment building where Kristin Shepherd lived when she was pregnant with me."
"Really, after so many years?"
"Yeah. It's a step in the right direction anyway. The lady said she would go through her old records and see if she can find the name of a woman Kristin was friends with back then," Christopher says as his phone vibrates in his pocket. "Hang on a minute, Bobby." He takes the phone from his pocket, looks at the caller ID, and answers when he see it's Ann calling. "Ann, how's it goin'?"
"I was just wonderin' how it's goin' out there," Ann says.
"Oh, sweety that's great," Ann says. "Do you think you'll be home in time for the party this Saturday?"
"Yeah, don't worry. I'll be home in plenty of time for Saturday. And Uncle Gary and Aunt Val say they'll be there, too."
"I'm happy to hear that."
"Listen, Ann, I can hardly hear you! I went out for a few drinks with Bobby and we're at the bar now. I'll call you tomorrow."
"Alright," Ann says. "I'm havin' dinner with your father at The Cattlemen's Club and just thought I'd check in with you while he's talkin' to a friend of his. You take care of yourself and be careful. I'll talk to you later. I love you. Bye."
"I love you too, Ann. Bye." Christopher ends the call and puts the phone back into his pocket.
"Everything okay back home?" Bobby II asks.
"Yeah, everything's fine. Ann just wanted to know if I'll be home in time for the party Saturday for Grandma's 100th birthday."
Bobby II smiles. "Chris, there's something I wanted to talk to you about. I've been thinking about this ever since you arrived the other day, and it was on my mind all last night."
"Sounds kinda serious. What's up?" Christopher asks, taking a sip of his beer.
"I remember you telling me about your venture into alternative energy."
"That's right."
"You ever think about going into business again for yourself?" Bobby II asks.
"Yeah, sometimes I do. I mean I love working at Ewing Global, and I love working at the ranch. But sometimes I am kinda ready to branch out. To have something that's really mine, you know?"
Christopher smiles. "You got me curious, Bobby. What kind of business proposition did you have in mind?"
"Well, how'd you like to go into business with me?"
Christopher looks at his cousin, curious as to what he has in mind.
Back in Dallas.....The Cattlemen's Club
"What did Lt. Walden have to say?" Ann asks. "You did ask him about the investigation into Jack's murder, I'm assumin'."
"Yeah. But, he has nothin' new to tell me."
"What a shame. I feel so bad for poor Conner, he must be goin' out of his mind wonderin' who killed his father," Ann says as John and Linda Baxter walk over to their table with their son Dylan.
"Well, Bobby Ewing, I don't believe it," Linda says with a smile. "It's been a long time."
"Harriett?" Bobby asks, surprised. "Oh my gosh, Harriett and John Baxter, how are you?"
"Just fine, Bobby."
"I'd like for you to meet my wife, Ann. Honey, this is Harriett Smithfield Baxter and her husband, John. These are Todd's parents."
"Hello," Ann says with a smile, shaking Linda's hand.
"Very nice to meet you," Linda says. "And Bobby, NO ONE has called me HARRIETT since Daddy died, and he was the only one who could get away with it for years before that."
"She's right," John says. "Called her Harriett once and it took three months for my ribs to heal."
"I go by my middle name now.....Linda."
"Oh, well, I'll try to remember that," says Bobby. "And this young man must be......"
"Our youngest son, Dylan," Linda says. "He just started college at SMU this year."
"Well, Dylan, are you gonna be goin' into the family business and become a lawyer, too?" Bobby asks the young man.
Dylan smiles. "Not sure yet, Mr. Ewing."
"Ann, I just want you to know, that I had the BIGGEST crush on this handsome husband of yours when I was a little girl," Linda says.
"Oh, really?" Ann asks.
"I never knew that," Bobby says.
"Of course not," says Linda. "Bobby was of course, about eight years older than me, and I remember Mama and Daddy took us to a couple barbecues at Southfork when I was a little girl, and the first time I saw this handsome, muscular boy, I was smitten. But, of course, he never even knew I existed because I was just a little girl." |
"The moment I met you, my darling," Linda says with a smile. "Anyway, Bobby, it was nice seein' you again. Ann, nice to have met you."
"Nice to have met you all," says Ann. "Enjoy your dinner."
"Thanks, you, too," Linda says. She, John, and Dylan then walk away and take seats at their table across the room.
"So that's Todd Baxter's parents," Ann says.
"Yeah," Bobby says, seemingly deep in thought.
"Bobby, anything wrong?"
"No, honey, I'm sorry. I was just thinkin' about Todd. Wonderin' how he's doin'. Jay told me a while back he'd been worried about Todd ever since John Ross's court case to overturn J.R.'s codicil."
Cliff, Afton, Pamela, and Tripp are also having dinner at The Cattlemen's Club that evening to celebrate Afton's new business venture. After Cliff tries and fails to open a bottle of champagne, Tripp takes the bottle and opens it successfully, then pours four glasses.
"Thank you, Tripp," Afton says.
"You're very welcome."
"I am so happy we could have this little family dinner tonight to celebrate Afton buying the old Stardrift," says Cliff. "I have a lot of great memories in that place."
"So do I," Afton adds. "I began my singing career there many years ago."
"And, if it wasn't for that place, Pamela, YOU wouldn't even be here today," Cliff says.
"How's that?" Tripp asks.
"Because Afton and I met at The Stardrift when she was singing there back in, what year was that, Afton?"
"1981, Cliff," Afton replies.
"I guess that's one thing we have to thank J.R. Ewing for," says Cliff.
"J.R.?" Pamela asks. "Why would you say that?"
"Because J.R. got your mother the job at the Stardrift."
"Cliff, I'd rather not talk about that, if you don't mind," Afton scolds.
"Oh, sorry. Well, anyway, I propose a toast." Cliff raises his glass in the air. "To Afton, and her new restaurant-bar. May she have much success."
"Here, here," Tripp says as all four clink their glasses in the toast.
"Well, Mom's new venture isn't the only thing we have to celebrate."
"What do you mean, darling?" Asks Afton.
"Mom, Dad, pretty soon the two of you are going to have a new.........son-in-law."
"What?" Cliff gasps.
"Pamela, really?" Afton asks.
"Yes. Tripp proposed and I said yes."
"Oh my God, that's wonderful." Afton happily embraces her daughter.
"Pammy, I couldn't be happier about this," says Cliff. "Tripp, welcome to the family, son."
"Thank you, Cliff."
"Now this REALLY calls for a toast. The Barnes and the McKays go way back, and I never in a million years thought that our two families would ever be joined like this. But once you two are married, the Barnes-McKay dynasty begins and we're gonna be unbeatable. Those Ewings had better watch out because a lot of old scores are gonna be evened."
"I'll drink to that," says Pamela, raising her glass in a toast.
The next morning, Gary and Valene Ewing's home, Knots Landing....
Mrs. Moore's apartment....later
"Please, come in, Mr. Ewing," she says.
"Won't you please call me Christopher?" He says, walking into the apartment.
"Of course."
"You said you had something that might help me?"
"I think so. After you left here the other day I went down and pulled out all the old records I could find that my husband kept from 1980 and '81. I found some old receipts that made me remember the name of that other girl who lived here I was telling you about. The girl who was good friends with Kristin. Her name was Sharon. Sharon.....Jackson. I found a copy of her lease, as well." Mrs. Moore takes a seat on her sofa and picks up a shoe box. Opening it, she takes out a faded old piece of paper and unfolds it. "Sharon moved out of her apartment upstairs in June of 1982, when her lease expired."
"Do you have any idea where she moved to after she left here?" Christopher asks.
"I'm sorry, but I really have no idea. That was a very long time ago, and after she left, I never saw her again. Things were done very differently in those days. Someone wanted to rent an apartment, you just rented it to them, no questions asked. Not like today, when it's common to do a background check and all that on perspective tenants. For all I know she could be dead by now."
Christopher sighs deeply. "Thank you, Mrs. Moore. I really appreciate all your trouble."
"You're more than welcome to have this," Mrs. Moore says, handing him the lease. "I really have no use for it after all these years. And if it'll help."
"Yes, thank you. It just might," says Christopher.
Outside Mrs. Moore's apartment....a few minutes later
Southfork....three days later
As Ann chats with Sue Ellen, Dusty, and Debra Lynn, Ray walks over. "Hello, everyone," Ray says.
"Ray, it's so nice to see you," says Sue Ellen.
"You too, Sue Ellen, Ray says, greeting her with a kiss on the cheek. "You look lovely. Dusty, nice to see ya."
"You too, Ray," Dusty says, shaking hands with him.
"Ann, when's Bobby comin'?" Ray asks.
"They should be back any minute now. Bobby went to pick Christopher up at the airport. That was the only legitimate excuse we could come up with to get him out of the house for a while so we could set up before everyone started arrivin'. Gary and Val are comin' in on the same flight, but, they're gonna try to avoid Bobby seein' them at the airport so the surprise isn't spoiled. And Sue Ellen, I cannot thank you enough for all your help in puttin' this party together."
"Ann, it was my pleasure."
At that moment, Ray looks up and sees Donna walk in with Margaret. He smiles. "Y'all excuse me for a minute. I see Donna and Margaret are here." Leaving the others, Ray walks over to his daughter and ex-wife. "Hey, you two."
"Hi, Daddy." Margaret says, kissing her father.
"Ray," Donna greets.
"Donna. Surprised to see you here."
"Well, when Sue Ellen called and invited me, I couldn't resist," Donna says. "You now how I always felt about Miss Ellie. "And she always loved you, too. Where's Matt?" "He couldn't make it," Margaret replies. "He has meetings in Austin all weekend. But he sends his love." Ray smiles. "Wedding's comin' up real soon, huh?" "Oh, yes, in just a few weeks, and we still have SO much to do before the big day. That's why I'm happy that Mom's gonna be staying with me in Austin until after the wedding." "Really? Donna, that's great." "Well, you know I told you that I'd been considering making the move from Washington. And with the planning of Margaret and Matt's wedding, I figured now was the time to just go ahead and do it. That way I can really help her and Luann with the wedding preparations." As Ray chats with his ex-wife and daughter, Jenna stands across the room watching them intensely. Lucas, standing near his mother, also watches Ray and Donna with interest. |
"Okay, everybody," Ann says. "Let's get ready to yell surprise when Bobby walks in."
Meanwhile, outside, Bobby brings his car to a stop in the parking area. He and Christopher get out of the car, Christopher grabs his suitcase, and closes the backdoor of the car. "Son, I know how much this trip to California meant to you, and searching for answers about Kristin, but it sure is good to have ya home."
"It's good to be home, Dad. I just hope it doesn't take Bum long to find some information out about this Sharon Jackson."
"Well, you don't have much to go on, so it may take a while," Bobby says as he and Christopher reach the patio. Opening the sliding glass doors leading into the breakfast room, they walks inside and Bobby stops short when he sees the group of family members gathered.
"SURPRISE!!!!" Everyone yells in unison. Ann walks over to her husband and kisses him.
"Honey what is all this? What's everybody doin' here?"
"It's a party, Bobby. To celebrate Miss Ellie's 100th birthday."
"What? You......you planned this?"
"I had some help."
"Yeah, I purposely stayed in California and extra day so I could fly home this morning and you'd have to come pick me up at the airport," says Christopher.
"I don't believe it."
"Sue Ellen helped me with the party plans and everything," Ann says.
"And Uncle Gary, Aunt Val, and Bobby flew in from California with me," Christopher says. "But they were renting a car at the airport so you wouldn't see them. We wanted this to be a total surprise."
"Jimmy and Justin were even parkin' everybody's cars over at the cottage so you wouldn't see them when you came home and wonder what was goin' on," says Ann.
Ann smiles, then kisses him.
Southfork....later
"Yes, they are," replies Dusty.
"Ann and I had to go through nearly all of Miss Ellie's albums to choose just the right ones we wanted for this collage."
Dusty sighs deeply, which causes Sue Ellen to worry.
"Dusty, is something wrong?"
"Clayton loved you very much, Dusty. And he knew that you loved him. But you had your own life to live. He never faulted you for that. And I never heard him say anything but loving things about you. He was very proud of you."
Dusty takes her by the hand and manages a smile as he continues to look at the photos of his father and Miss Ellie.
"You know one of my most vivid memories of Miss Ellie?" Ray asks the group.
"What's that, Ray?" Bobby asks.
"That time you and J.R. were missin' after that plane crash, and none of us knew whether you were alive or dead."
"Oh, I remember that," Lucy says. "What a terrible time."
"When was that, Dad?" Christopher asks.
"Yes, Bobby, you never told me about that," says Ann.
"J.R. and I were flyin' home from a business trip and the small private plane we were on went down. The pilot was killed, but J.R. and I managed to stay alive until we were found, thanks to some very useful survival techniques Daddy had taught us when we were growin' up."
"Ya know, while you and J.R. were missin', everybody was tryin' real hard to keep the news from Jock because this was right after he'd had a heart attack, and Miss Ellie didn't wanna upset him." Ray laughs. "I remember this one reporter who managed to make it to the front door...."
"Gary," she says. "What's wrong?"
"Just......all the stories everybody's telling here today. So many memories everyone has of Mama, Daddy. Even J.R. And I can't add too many of my own, because I don't have as many."
"Gary, that wasn't your fault," Val says.
"Maybe it was, Val. Especially later, after I'd gotten on my feet and sobered up. Mama wanted me to come back here more and be a real part of this family. But I couldn't bring myself. I was too weak and I let J.R. and all the bad memories keep me away, and now, I can never get all those years I lost with Mama back."
As John Ross stands at the bar and pours himself a drink, Christopher walks over to him. "John Ross," Christopher says, pouring his own glass of bourbon.
"Christopher," John Ross says coldly, taking a sip of his drink.
"You seem awfully gloomy this afternoon. This is supposed to be a party to celebrate Grandma's life. You look more like this is a funeral instead."
"Hittin' the booze a little hard, aren't you?"
"What if I am? It's my business, cousin." Without another word, John Ross turns and walks away.
Sue Ellen walks over to her nephew. "Christopher," she says. "Is everything alright?"
"I dunno, Sue Ellen. John Ross is even more unpleasant today than he usually is."
"Don't mind him, Christopher," Sue Ellen says. "I'm afraid he received some very bad news the other day."
"He found Elena. She's living in San Francisco. John Ross went to see her."
"Oh? How is she?"
"Christopher.....she gave birth to a son last month. But, the baby was stillborn," Sue Ellen replies. "John Ross is heartbroken."
The look on Christopher's face is one of hurt, his lingering feelings for Elena still very apparent. "Sue Ellen, would you excuse me?" Christopher asks. He then turns and walks away. He and Sue Ellen are both unaware that Amanda is standing nearby and overheard Sue Ellen's news.
After Christopher walks away from her, Sue Ellen walks a few feet over to the large collage of Miss Ellie. She looks at the photos as her own memories of her former mother-in-law begin to flood her mind......one memory in particular......
"Thank you for helpin' Annie put this party together in memory of Mama," he says.
"Miss Ellie was more of a mother to be than my own mother ever was. I loved her. She was the wisest woman I've ever known. I could use some of her wisdom right now to know how to help John Ross through his ordeal."
"Mama may be gone physically, Sue Ellen, but she's still here. In this house. In our memories and in our hearts. Just look around at all the people here today. Three generations of the family that Mama and Daddy founded. They are still the ties that bind us all together."
Sue Ellen looks at Bobby and smiles, then squeezes his hand.
"Followin' me, cousin?"
"Look, John Ross, Sue Ellen told me about Elena. And about the baby. I'm really sorry, man. Despite all of our differences, I do know how much that baby meant to you."
John Ross turns to him. "She had the baby a month ago. February 14, my son was born and died, and Elena hated me so damned much that she didn't even think I deserved to know."
"John Ross, I know that things haven't been great between us for a long time. But despite all that, we're still cousins. Family. And no matter what problems this family has had among ourselves, we've always managed to band together when faced with any threat from outside. If you need someone, John Ross......I'm here."
John Ross looks at his cousin for a moment and hesitates. "Thanks. That really does mean a lot, Christopher," John Ross says as his cell phone rings. Taking the phone from his pocket, he looks at the caller ID, then answers. "This is John Ross," he says. "Yes, Dr. Braswell? You have the results of Amanda's test yet?"
Christopher looks on with curiosity as John Ross listens to the doctor on the other end of the line.
"I see," John Ross says to the doctor. "Yes, well, thank you, Dr. Braswell, and I do appreciate you puttin' a rush on this for me. You will be very well rewarded." Without another word to the doctor, John Ross ends the call and puts the phone down.
"John Ross, anything wrong?" Christopher asks.
"That was Amanda's doctor. The results of the prenatal DNA test are back. Amanda was tellin' the truth. I am the father of the baby she's carryin'."
Christopher looks at John Ross, unsure of whether to be happy for John Ross, or to feel sorry for Amanda because of having a tie to John Ross for the rest of her life.
Meanwhile.....a mansion California
"Good afternoon, sir," the butler greets Michael. "Miss Ramirez." He takes Elena's coat.
"Afternoon, Charles," says Michael. "Are my father and sister home?"
Charles smiles. "They are, sir. They're out back in the garden."
"Thank you. Erica, let's go in."
She pauses for a moment in the foyer as Charles walks out. "Michael," she says. "I've been doing a lot of thinking since John Ross came to see me. Maybe I should just pack my things and leave. What if John Ross finds out....."
"Hey, now you listen to me. I thought we'd already put those fears to rest. John Ross Ewing can't do a thing to you here. You're perfectly safe. Now come on. Let's go see Dad and Angie."
Elena smiles and nods. Then she and Michael walk a short distance down a hall. A moment later, they exit a back door of the mansion and walk onto the beautiful patio, where a young woman and an older man sit by the pool, the young woman, who is about 24, holding a baby.
"Well, look who's here," the young woman says.
"Hey, Angie. Dad," says Michael.
"Hello, son. Erica."
Elena/Erica smiles. "Of course.....Richard."
"Oh, be quiet," a smiling Richard says to his son.
Elena takes the baby lovingly and kisses it. "Hello, sweetheart," she says.
"He's been a perfect angel," says Angie.
"I can't thank you both enough for taking care of him for me," Elena says.