Christmas with the Ewings

[Ray_Krebbs]

The McKay Residence; the Lounge – Early Afternoon

“I thought you two weren’t going to be back till this evening!”

“Well, we got our shopping done earlier than expected,” Rose answered suspiciously.

“How long were the two of you at the door?”

“Long enough. What have you been keeping from me, Mac? You can’t get out of it now!”

Mac looked to Richard and back at his wife. He walked over to the window, letting out a big sigh. “You knew that I was with Westar way back when they started. Well, Richard was a runner for them, too…. He wanted a higher position in the company, but Dr. Styles wouldn’t hear any of it. So… Richard left and opened his own little oil company. Dr. Styles and Jeremy Wendell were getting concerned when its business began competing with Westar, and so… they turned to me to spy on Richard. His so-called loyal wife was more than willing to supply information… in exchange for a ‘donation’ to her private account. She informed us of an upcoming, top-secret deal that undoubtedly would’ve made his company bigger and more powerful than Westar could’ve dreamed of being. Richard was completely caught off guard when Westar was present at the other company’s office and made the transaction before his arrival.”

“Mac, should I finish from here?” Richard questioned.

“Go ahead….”

“As you can imagine, I was most definitely shocked. I interrogated everyone at my company in order to find out who the traitor was. I was in for a mighty big shock when I came home one evening and found my wife’s bags packed. She told me everything about working for Westar and the big paycheck that came along with it, and said that she planned to buy a villa down in Tahiti. God, I was so angry…. I found Mac at a local bar, which we practically left in ruins after our fight. That’s when I moved away….”

“…I don’t know what to say,” Rose said in shock. “You may have used me in the past, Mac, but I can’t believe you’d go this far!”

“Rose…” Richard began, “a few years eventually passed, but Mac and I ran into each other at an oil convention. I had come to realize during this time that my marriage was never the greatest in the first place, so I decided that it was time for us to make amends.”

“Was that the trip that my dad first introduced you to us?” Tracey inquired.

Richard smiled. “…Not exactly.”

The look on Mac’s face turned grim quite suddenly.

“It was after your father married your mother Grace. You and Tommy weren’t even born yet….” Richard stopped when he saw the look of disapproval on Mac’s face.

“Something about all of this still doesn’t quite add up,” Rose said, eyeing both McKay brothers curiously.

“It’s the God-to-honest truth, Rose,” Mac insisted. “Now that it’s all in the open, I’d rather we just drop it once and for all.”

 

[Ray_Krebbs]

The Krebbs’s Ranch – Late Afternoon

Ray walked through the front entrance, calling out, “Jenna, are you going to be ready for dinner out with the family in a bit?”

Just then, Jenna appeared down the stairs with her luggage.

“Uhh… what is this all about?”

“I’ve got a flight to Charlie’s in Switzerland. My cab should be here shortly. Look, it’s just not working out between us. I thought we were doing the best thing for Lucas by getting back together, but it’s blindingly obvious you’re not going to get over Allison,” Jenna answered.

“But, she’s not even in Dallas anymore! Why are you doing this without even telling me first?”

“I just wanted to get the hell out of Dodge. I left a voicemail on your phone.”

“I left it in the car while I was inside the building.... Perhaps it’s the only way to go,” Ray said in agreement.

“Yes….”

“Does Lucas even know?”

“I told Charlie that I’d tell him in person when I got there. I think it’s best we do this while he’s away….”

“This is going to be an awkward night out. Everyone’s going to be asking a lot of questions, you know-“

“I already called Miss Phyllis and explained it to her,” Jenna answered. “I’m sure she’ll pass it around to the others, so don’t worry.” The tooting of the cab prompted her to walk to the door. Before leaving, she turned around and said, “Goodbye, Ray. I hope you’ll find the happiness you’re looking for….”

 

[Ray_Krebbs]

The Krebbs’s Ranch – Late Afternoon

Ray walked through the front entrance, calling out, “Jenna, are you going to be ready for dinner out with the family in a bit?”

Just then, Jenna appeared down the stairs with her luggage.

“Uhh… what is this all about?”

“I’ve got a flight to Charlie’s in Switzerland. My cab should be here shortly. Look, it’s just not working out between us. I thought we were doing the best thing for Lucas by getting back together, but it’s blindingly obvious you’re not going to get over Allison,” Jenna answered.

“But, she’s not even in Dallas anymore! Why are you doing this without even telling me first?”

“I just wanted to get the hell out of Dodge. I left a voicemail on your phone.”

“I left it in the car while I was inside the building.... Perhaps it’s the only way to go,” Ray said in agreement.

“Yes….”

“Does Lucas even know?”

“I told Charlie that I’d tell him in person when I got there. I think it’s best we do this while he’s away….”

“This is going to be an awkward night out. Everyone’s going to be asking a lot of questions, you know-“

“I already called Miss Phyllis and explained it to her,” Jenna answered. “I’m sure she’ll pass it around to the others, so don’t worry.” The tooting of the cab prompted her to walk to the door. Before leaving, she turned around and said, “Goodbye, Ray. I hope you’ll find the happiness you’re looking for….”

 

[Ray_Krebbs]

The McKay Residence – Evening

Mac escorted Richard to his car after allowing him to stay for dinner. Looking to the door to make sure no one was around, he whispered, “For a second there, I also thought you were going to blab about the other thing… regarding Tracey. I guess I owe you an apology. It seems I misjudged your reasons to coming to Dallas.”

Richard flashed a devilish grin that puzzled his brother and folded his arms. “I guess now is a good time to break the news to you.”

“What in the hell?!”

“I’m afraid the truth of the matter is that this trip wasn’t exactly a friendly visit to get reacquainted….”

“Go on….”

“When I stopped in our hometown, I also took the time to see how our family home was doing. The new owner happened to be outside and asked what I was doing. I explained that I was one of the McKays, who had grown up there. They told me they had something that was left behind there, you know, when you sold the place and moved to Colorado. It turned out to be Grace’s diary. And, boy… did she have the things to say about… us and how I’m the father of Tracey and not you.”

“What do you want from me, you son of a-“

“I’d keep my tone down if I were you. I know you don’t want either Rose or Tracey to hear us, do you?”

“I thought you already got your so-called revenge by bedding that whore I was married to and fathering her child!”

“At the time I thought it was enough, and I agreed to keep quiet about the whole thing. But, now I know you have the one thing I’ve always wanted – Westar Oil – and I have proof of Tracey’s parentage…. Dr. Styles only judged me by my young age and never considered how valuable I could be to the company. When I lost that deal due to the actions of several people involved, I never got to show how powerful I could be in the oil business-“

“Just get on with what I have to do!”

“Sell me your shares in Westar Oil and convince the board members how valuable I can be as the new CEO. At the upcoming Oil Baron’s Ball, you will make the formal announcement there. If you don’t go along with this, then… Tracey’s in for a big surprise. What’s it going to be?”

 

[Ray_Krebbs]

A Pizzeria in Braddock – Evening

Miss Phyllis, J.R., Cally, Gary, Val, Lucy, Mitch, Rob and Betsy had already arrived at the family-owned establishment in Downtown Braddock. It was impossible to fit everyone at the Southfork dinner table, so the family had to settle for dining out for each evening of the visit. They were still waiting for the others to arrive.

“Knots Landing sounds like such a beautiful place, Valene,” Miss Phyllis said with a smile. “Nolan often took several trips out to California while we were still living together, but he refused to ever take me. And, I’m sure he took one of his many mistresses along.”

“That’s why I can’t understand why you even want to go to his Christmas party, Auntie Phyllis,” J.R. retorted.

“Well, Junior, I figured that if I go, it’ll prove to him once and for all that I can be around him and not feel intimidated.”

“Perhaps this summer, you could come down to visit us in Knots Landing, Auntie Phyllis,” Gary said. “Even better the whole family!”

J.R. rolled his eyes, but he tried to hide his reaction.

Miss Phyllis’ face beamed. “That sounds like such a wonderful idea, but… I don’t want to intrude.”

“It wouldn’t be an intrusion at all, Miss Phyllis, believe me. Our summers are usually pretty dull, so it would be refreshing to have company,” Val assured, patting Miss Phyllis’ hand.

Just then, Bobby and Sue Ellen arrived at the table.

“J.R.,” Bobby began, “if you plan on pulling what you did this morning again, then tell us right now so that Sue Ellen and I can find some place else to eat!”

“I’m truly very sorry for doing that to you two. It was a bad joke, and I’ll never do that again….”

Lucy rolled her eyes, commenting, “Oh, brother – that speech again. We haven’t even eaten yet, and I’m already losing my appetite!”

The waitress appeared at the table and asked if they’re ready to order.

“No, not yet. We’re still waiting for one more person,” Miss Phyllis answered. After the waitress left the table, she began to reflect on the past. “I remember when I was growing up, this building used to be a family restaurant, always very crowded, especially Sunday mornings. That's back in the day when everyone in Braddock knew everyone else. I think it was called Wade’s.

“Wade’s?!” Bobby asked curiously. “Were they related to Jenna?”

“As a matter of fact, yes, they were-“ Miss Phyllis stopped herself. “You know, we better stop talking about her so that we don’t upset Ray.”

Ray appeared a few moments later and sat with the others. “Now, before anyone says anything, I’m doing fine. Things just weren’t working out for Jenna and me. It was meant to happen this way.”

“If you need anything, Ray,” Bobby began, “we’re all here for you.”

 

[Ray_Krebbs]

Michelle’s Apartment – Evening

Michael opened the door for Michelle and closed it for her. They had spent the evening at the Cattleman Club and had a bit much to drink.

“My, what a gentleman you’re becoming,” Michelle said while slightly hiccupping.

“You inspire me, Michelle… more than any other woman I’ve ever known….”

Michelle placed her coat on the rack, fixed herself a drink, and sat down on the sofa. “There’s a part of me that still can’t get over the fact that I’m dating J.R. Ewing’s cousin – after how much he and James have hurt me.”

“Unlike them I see the worth in you, Michelle,” Michael said after he fixed his own beverage and sat down next to her. “I have a feeling we’re going to go a long way together. And once my divorce from Jill is finalized, that can happen.”

Batting her eyes with a smile, Michelle set her drink on the table. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were just proposing to me, Mr. Michael Darth!”

Michael’s eyebrow perked up. “Hmm… perhaps I just did. So, what do you say? Do you think you can put up with me for the rest of your life?”

“I’ve never known any other man I’ve enjoyed being with more than you. Does that answer your question?”

“I just wonder what my cousin, the Good Ol’ J.R. Ewing, is going to think once he finds out you’re entering his family again,” Michael answered with a chuckle.

“I don’t know, but I can’t wait to find out!”

 

[Ray_Krebbs]

A Pizzeria in Braddock/Motel – Evening

The family had finished their pizza and were just given their bill. Everyone commented how good the food was compared to other places….

“You know, Auntie Phyllis, why don’t you try to get yourself a boyfriend or something?” Lucy asked with a sly grin.

“Oh, heavens no! I already put up with Nolan Darth most of my life. I don’t need any more of that!”

“Come on! Not all guys are like that! I could show you a few of my old favorite hangouts in Dallas-“

“No offense, dear, but I think those places you used to hang out at are the last places I’d look if I ever got interested again!”

Suddenly, Ray’s cell phone rang. He checked the number and didn’t recognize it. “Hmm…. Guys, I’ve got a call I need to take,” he said before going to a private corner of the restaurant. “Hello?”

Allison, who had just taken a shower and was dressed in a bathrobe, was silent for several moments. “Ray?”

“Allison… I don’t believe it. Where are you?”

“I decided to come back-“

“You’re back?! Where are you?”

“I’m not at liberty to reveal that just yet, Ray,” Allison responded unsurely. “I’d like to meet up with you tomorrow morning. We’ve got certain things to discuss.”

“Of course…. Where and when?”

“Umm… I’ll call you and let you know once I find a place, all right?”

“Okay. See you, then….” Ray returned to the table and kept silent about his call, but he was questioned anyways. “Oh, that was just someone I had to convince got the wrong number is all.”

 

[Ray_Krebbs]

A Family Restaurant in Dallas – Morning

Ray hurried inside the establishment, removing his sunglasses. He grinned at the sight of Allison, who noticed him as well.

“Can I seat you, sir?” the hostess asked.

“No, that’s okay. I was going to meet somebody here, and I see her,” Ray answered before hurrying over to sit across from her.

“Ray….” Allison muttered after setting down her cup of coffee.

“There’s so many things I want to say right now. You don’t know how happy I am to see you back….”

“I got as far as Little Rock, Arkansas, and that’s where a waitress from a Waffle House got me to really think. She told me to come back to Dallas and fight to get you back. Ray, whether you realize it or not, Jenna is not-“

“About Jenna… we’re not together anymore,” Ray quickly answered.

Allison blinked in surprise. “What?”

“Jenna moved back to Switzerland. She said I’d never get over you, and she was absolutely right. I’m so sorry for throwing you away like yesterday’s trash just to replay some broken record with her. Can we… start over?”

“You don’t know how much I want that as well… but there’s something else you have to know….”

“Well, what is it?”

“Ray, I’m pregnant….”

 

[Ray_Krebbs]

Westar Oil; Mac’s Office – Morning

Mac sat at his desk. His hands folded, he seemed to have his mind on things other than work. He jumped when his secretary’s voice came over the intercom.

“Mr. McKay?”

“Yes. What is it?”

“That private detective is here.”

“Oh, thank goodness. Please send him in!”

Mac got out of his seat and waited near the door until his secretary led the detective to him. “Well, did you find it?”

“I searched every nook and cranny of your brother’s hotel room and didn’t see any sign of your wife’s diary-“

“Damn it to hell! Don’t give me that crap! I’m paying you good money, so I expect results!”

Slightly startled by Mac’s belligerence, the detective responded, “Look, I’m doing the best I can. Even if I come across it, don’t you think he made copies of the pages?”

Mac slumped down into his seat and nodded. “I suppose you’re right…. Why did Richard have to go back to the old family home for?”

“I take it there’s something in that diary you don’t want people knowing about….”

“Oh, yes, you could say that. I had no idea Grace was keeping one for all the time we were married. Besides that particular piece of information, I want to know just what in the hell she wrote about me. You already know the locations of Richard’s safety-deposit boxes. Well, I want you to check each and every one of them! Don’t come back till you’ve got results… got it?”

 

[Ray_Krebbs]

A Family Restaurant in Dallas – Morning

Ray stared blankly at Allison and finally shook his head. “Pregnant?!”

“I almost considered getting rid of it, but-“

“Don’t do that! I want to have children with you more than anything, but look at our ages. Would you be at some kind risk?”

“My doctor said that it’s definitely a risk, but… I want this baby, Ray… I need it. I consider it to be a gift from Alexis….”

“Well, I plan to stand by you no matter what,” Ray assured, gripping Allison’s hand.

 

[Ray_Krebbs]

Dallas Love Field Airport – Late Morning

J.R. and Miss Phyllis waited anxiously at the airport terminal when three familiar faces appeared….

“Oh, that’s them, Auntie Phyllis!” J.R. said gleefully, waving to get the attention of James, Debra Lynn and Jimmy. “Son, it’s been too long.”

“Hey there, J.R.,” James answered as he embraced his father.

“Mr. Ewing, hello,” said Debra Lynn.

“Not that nonsense again!” J.R. exclaimed. “It’s J.R. And, my God, Jimmy… I can’t believe how much you’ve changed. You’ll be working at Ewing Oil before you know it!”

“I didn’t think you owned Ewing Oil….” James answered with suspicion.

“No, unfortunately, but… there’s a place for him when the time comes,” J.R. assured.

Miss Phyllis cleared her throat. “Umm….”

“Oh! This is Auntie Phyllis that I’ve told you about….”

“Good to meet you, Aunt Phyllis,” James said with a smile.

“I believe your father made it pretty clear that it’s Auntie Phyllis!”

James gave Debra Lynn a very peculiar look and rolled his eyes. “Okay there, Auntie… Phyllis. Sorry about that.”

“The limo’s waiting outside, so I think we should get a move on!” J.R. said in an attempt to clear the air of any tension.

“James, I can’t over how much you look like your grandfather Jock!” Miss Phyllis commented in astonishment.

“Is that so?”

“You’re the spitting image of him when I first came back to Southfork….”

“Where were you at?” Debra Lynn asked curiously.

“Oh… well, I was such a handful as a young girl… nothing at all like Ellie. The whole family finally had enough and sent me to live with my mother’s parents. They thought they would straighten me out, but….” Miss Phyllis paused to laugh. “…they just spoiled the hell out of me, made me more of a wild child than when I lived at home. I didn’t meet Jock till after he and Ellie married, but you really do take after him and so does your handsome son. How old are you, young man?”

“I’ll be turning 18 in a couple of months,” Jimmy answered.

“Oh, God, does that make me feel old! I have a great-great-nephew who’s about ready to become a legal adult. Time sure does fly by, doesn’t it?”

“You’ve got that right!” Debra Lynn responded. “I remember when he was just born.”

“They’re quite precious at that age,” Phyllis said, reminiscing on her children and their innocence at the time.

“There it is.” J.R. pointed to a limo and escorted them to it.

“You know,” James began, “I thought we were picking up John Ross and Christopher, too.”

“Oh, they came in on an earlier flight. They’re at home now…. Bobby and Sue Ellen have something very interesting to tell them,” J.R. answered while quirking his eyebrow.

 

[Ray_Krebbs]

Bobby fixed a couple of mixed drinks for John Ross and Christopher, who were sitting on the sofa, and handed those to them. He walked over to Sue Ellen and looked at her before turning back to them.

“What is this all about, Dad?” Christopher asked.

“Yeah. This is getting me worried,” said John Ross.

“Well, Christopher, your Aunt Sue Ellen and I have a very big announcement to make, and I’m sure it’ll take both of you some getting used to….”

“You see, boys… Bobby and I are an item now-“

“WHAT?!” was the response from both boys. It was hard to determine if they were pleased or upset.

“You and Uncle Bobby?! When did this all start?!”

“I don’t know….” Bobby began, putting his arm around his lovely lady. “We only just got together a couple days ago, but it’s been there for a long time, even before Jennifer came into the picture. I guess you could say we’re still getting used to this ourselves.”

“But, know that we do care about each other deeply,” Sue Ellen added.

“My dad and Cally are engaged… and now this?! This is really a lot to take in at once,” John Ross said with an awkward chuckle. “If you’re happy, though, Mom, then I am, too.”

 

[Ray_Krebbs]

An Abandoned Parking Lot in Downtown Dallas – Early Afternoon

Mac pulled up next to a Sedan and rolled down his window. The driver of the other vehicle was Richard….

“I see that you wanted actual proof I have this diary and that it actually exists,” Richard said sinisterly.

“Just give it to me already!”

“All right. Here’s a copy of the page, where Grace speaks quite openly about Tracey’s paternity….” Richard handed Mac a sheet of paper.

Looking it over, Mac squirmed and beat his fist against the steering wheel. “That’s definitely Grace’s handwriting all right…. Isn’t there some kind of deal we could arrange? I could bring you on as my top executive or something. Just name it.”

“Nope. Sorry, Mac. It’s all or nothing…. You know, it’s so refreshing to have the upperhand on your for a change. Oh, and I’d suggest you shred that. Wouldn’t want anyone else to see it now, would we?” Richard, then, pulled back onto the main road.

 

[Ray_Krebbs]

Southfork Ranch; the Garden – Early Afternoon

Miss Phyllis was busy, flowering the array of roses in the garden, when Debra Lynn emerged from the sliding glass doors. The sound of the door closing startled the elder….

“I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to scare you,” Debra Lynn answered in an embarrassed tone.

“Oh, it’s all right! Did you get bored in there?”

“Well… my two men – James and Jimmy, I mean – are busy with J.R., and everyone else in engaged in their own conversations. I thought I’d take a walk,” Debra Lynn answered.

“I’m pretty much finished over here. Would you mind some company on your walk, or would you rather be alone?”

“Oh, no! I’d love the company, Miss Phyllis,” Debra Lynn assured.

Miss Phyllis set down her watering can and joined Debra Lynn’s side. “So… what exactly is it that you do to keep yourself occupied up in New Jersey?”

“Actually, I work in a beauty salon-“

“You don’t say! I used to be a hairdresser,” Miss Phyllis said with a laugh.

“Really? When I got the idea to become one, James was sort of on the edge about it. He wanted me to continue being a stay-at-home mom for our son, but I was going bored out of my mind. I needed something to occupy my time. It turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made….”

“I like you, Debra Lynn, and I’m going to be very personal with you…. My ex-husband didn’t exactly treat me very well. He was verbally abusive and neglectful. It got to the point, where I eventually had to go seek therapy. But, you know what… my therapist gave me the best advice anyone has ever given me: establish your own identity and find your place in life. That’s when I enrolled in beauty school. You can bet that Nolan, my ex-husband, was not at all pleased about my sudden decision, but I wasn’t about to let that stop me. Finally, I graduated and went to work for one of the salons in New York City, where I lived at the time. Hearing about everyone else’s problems and struggles helped me to realize that my situation could’ve been a lot worse. After 20 years I retired and moved to Maine, but I can assure you that was the greatest time of my life. I’m glad you’re doing the same….”

“Mine and James’s relationship was nothing like yours, but I’m glad you shared that with me. It helped me get over some of the guilt that’s been haunting me all this time-“

“Don’t feel guilty about anything!” Miss Phyllis snapped firmly. “You’re actually doing your family a favor by showing them you can be strong and self sufficient!”

 

[Ray_Krebbs]

Michelle's Apartment - Early Afternoon

Opening the door for her sister, Michelle threw her arms around her. “Oh, Allison! I was so glad to get your call earlier that you came to your senses and returned to town.”

“You don’t have any sharp knives or anything on you, do you?” Allison asked in a strange manner.

“What kind of question is that?”

Allison backed out into the hallway and nodded her head. Soon Ray joined their presence….

“Oh, my God…. Don’t tell me-“

“Yes, Shelly. We’re back together,” Allison answered firmly.

“After the way that guy threw you to the curb, how could you do such a thing?!”

“Look, Michelle,” Ray began, “Jenna and I broke up the other day after realizing that I couldn’t get over your sister. Allison called me, and we met up earlier this morning. The engagement is back on, and I know about the pregnancy. I think it’s the start of a new chapter in our lives.”

“Well, if I ever hear of you ever hurting my sister again, then… you’ll have to answer to me!”

“Shelly, you’d be doing both me and Ray a world of good if you’d give him a chance and not act this way!” Allison responded defensively.

“Fine…. Just for your information, I also have some big news: Michael and I are engaged!”

Allison jumped for joy and embraced her sister. “Oh, that’s wonderful! Who knows, maybe we could do a double wedding… or something like that?”

“We’ll have to see about that. You see… his divorce from his first wife hasn’t gone through yet, so… it might have to wait a while….”

 

[Ray_Krebbs]

Southfork Ranch; the Lounge – Dusk

The entire family gathered in the lounge for pre-dinner cocktails before leaving for dinner in town. It was made known that a special announcement was going to be made to Miss Phyllis, which she was very anxious about.

“All right, now…. What is this all about?” Miss Phyllis asked, sipping her drink.

Bobby stepped forward and said, “Well, Auntie Phyllis… we know that you felt like you were cheated out of your shares of Southfork. We all love our mama, but it was wrong of her to talk Grandpa Southworth out of leaving you any of the property….”

“Where are you going with this?” Miss Phyllis asked curiously.

Bobby pulled a folded document from his blazer. “We spent a lot of time discussing this, but we all finally agreed that this was the right decision. Auntie Phyllis… what I have in my hands is the deed to Southfork-“

“What?!”

“Yes. Considering that you’re the oldest Southworth living in this house, it’s only right that you own the property. We know that you and Mama bonded again shortly before she passed away, so I’m sure she’d agree to it, too.”

“Oh… I can’t take the land,” Miss Phyllis stated in shock. “It’s just not right.”

J.R. rose from his seat. “Please take it, Auntie Phyllis. After all, this is our Christmas present to you….”

Miss Phyllis was still for several moments before replying, “Well… am I supposed to sign this or something?”

Bobby handed her the document, indicating where she was to sign. Once she was finished, he smiled and said, “Congratulations… new owner of Southfork!”

 

[Ray_Krebbs]

County Road/The Krebbs Ranch – Evening

Ray and Allison were on the way to the ranch following dinner with the family….

“You know what….” Ray’s voice trailed off. “I still can’t believe Bobby sold Southfork to Miss Phyllis. I know she’s Miss Ellie’s sister and all, but… I feel like they’re all going to regret it down the road.”

“Why do you say that?”

“It’s not Miss Phyllis I’m worried about – more so, it’s that ex-husband of hers. I’m just worried he’ll use that to his advantage. And, I know he’ll be our future brother-in-law soon, but I’m not too sure about Michael….”

“Ray, I’ll be perfectly honest – I don’t know about Michael either!”

“Well, we’re home,” Ray said as he pulled into the driveway.

“I’m so glad we got it out of the way of bringing my stuff into the house!”

The two of them proceeded to the door which Ray unlocked, and he surprised Allison by kicking the door open and picking her up….

“What are you doing?!” Allison questioned with a laugh.

“I’m just carrying my future bride into the first night of her new home. What’s wrong with that?” Ray set down Allison in the foyer.

“Aren’t you supposed to save that till after we’re married?”

“Hey, I can always do it again. I guess we could call this… practice."

 

[Ray_Krebbs]

Southfork Ranch; the Lounge - Evening

J.R. entered the lounge and found John Ross, who appeared to be ready to fall asleep on the couch. “Oh, I didn’t realize you were in here, Son….”

“Hey, Dad,” John Ross muttered.

“When are you finally going to come to your senses, leave Greece, and move back home?”

“Christopher and I happen to like it over there. That art school is the coolest place ever!”

“I just wish you’d reconsider… you know, joining your mama and Uncle Bobby at Ewing Oil. I’ll never have a place at my daddy’s company ever again, but I would love for my boys and grandboy to be there,” J.R. answered softly.

Rolling his eyes, John Ross answered, “If James, Jimmy and Jake want it, fine! I want something different out of life than the oil business.”

J.R. sighed. “I guess you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do.... Are you really sure you’re happy over there and with what you’re doing?”

“Yes, Dad, I am! I think it’s about time I went to bed!” John Ross rose from his comfortable position and rushed up the stairs.


Meanwhile, Miss Phyllis and Sue Ellen sat on the patio for a late-night beverage….

“I’m not sure what the rest of the family is thinking, but I think you and Bobby make a lovely couple, Sue Ellen,” Miss Phyllis said, sipping her iced tea. “I can tell the two of you are very happy together.”

“Well, we are, Miss Phyllis…. I’ve cared for him for a very long time now. I guess you could say we’ve always had a special bond since I first met the family,” Sue Ellen answered with a joyous smile.

“Now, who in the world is that?” Miss Phyllis commented, staring at the limo that pulled into the driveway.

“I have no idea. Let’s go and see….” Sue Ellen said in a suspicious tone as she and Miss Phyllis approached the vehicle.

A woman stepped out and stared at them with a very peculiar look. “I’m sorry, but I don’t believe I know you…. My son and his family recently flew in. James told me everyone was expecting me.”

“So, you’re Vanessa Beaumont?” Sue Ellen asked with a lopsided grin.

 

[Ray_Krebbs]

Southfork Ranch – Evening

Miss Phyllis, Sue Ellen and Vanessa talked briefly before J.R. emerged from the house with John Ross….

“What in the hell is going on out here?” J.R.’s eyes set on Vanessa, and a surprised yet delighted smiled appeared on his face. “Oh, my God! I don’t believe it. Vanessa, I didn’t know you’d be coming. It’s been so long.”

“Yes, it has been a long time….”

James soon appeared with Debra Lynn and Jimmy. “Hey, Mother! I was wondering when you’d show up.”

“James, why didn’t you tell them I was coming?! I feel so embarrassed!”

“I told Auntie Phyllis you’d be coming,” James answered. “I guess she forgot to tell the rest of the family.”

“You didn’t tell me a word. I’m not senile, so don’t insult my intelligence! Regardless, it’s nice to meet you, Vanessa.”

“It’s been nice to meet you, too, Mrs. Darth,” Vanessa answered graciously. “I’m still so sorry about this whole thing.”

“The breeze is getting a bit chilly. We should all head inside,” J.R. stated, leading the way into the house. He stopped at the bar and turned to Vanessa. “Can I offer you anything?”

“Uh… I’ll take bourbon….”

The rest of the family came down the stairs, and introductions were made to Vanessa….

Vanessa turned to Cally and said, “Oh, Cally…. I heard about your shooting and becoming paralyzed. I’m so sorry for you.”

“I have therapists coming over to get me back on my feet. So far, I’ve made a little progress,” Cally answered with slight suspicion in her eyes. “Did you come to see James, Debra Lynn and Jimmy?”

“Yes. It’s been a few years since I’ve seen them. I also have… some other business to settle here in Dallas….” Vanessa turned briefly to J.R. before facing Cally again.

 

[Ray_Krebbs]

The Singletree Hotel; the Restaurant – Noon

Richard exited the elevator and entered the restaurant. He looked to the bar and saw Vanessa, who finished her drink. He casually approached and sat next to her. “Well… hello there.”

Vanessa nodded unsurely. “Hello to you, too.”

“I see you’re sitting here all alone. Can I buy you another drink?”

“Oh… I’m afraid I’m taken. I do appreciate the offer, though,” Vanessa answered politely.

“Well, whoever this person is, I’d have to say they’re a very pretty lucky.” Richard rose from his seat and went to another part of the restaurant.

Moments later J.R. appeared and tapped her shoulder. “Oh, J.R.”

“Did you want to stay here, or….”

“Why don’t we find ourselves a table?”

“Fine by me,” J.R. answered, leading her to a private booth.

“It’s been really great seeing you, Vanessa, after this time. I still remember… that special week we spent together back in 1992….”

“…I remember it fondly, but that was not enough to put us back together,” Vanessa stated in a sad tone.

“What was this unfinished business you mentioned last night?”

“Well… J.R., I met someone….”

J.R.’s reaction was a bit hard to describe, but he smiled. “You did? That’s great. I’m happy for you.”

“He’s just a truly wonderful and caring man. He owns a restaurant in one of those little streets in Vienna,” Vanessa said with a content smile.

“Really? How did you two meet?”

“I was sitting all alone in a quiet corner of his restaurant, finishing my meal. He was going around, checking on all the customers and came upon me. Much to my surprise, he sat across from me and asked why I was sitting all alone. I guess you could say we hit it off right away.”

“As long as you’re happy with him, then I am, too….”

“Oh, I am. Really, I am, J.R….”

“You still didn’t answer my original question of what this unfinished business was. Why do I feel like it has to do with me?”

“You’re right. It does have to do with you. I needed to see you to prove to myself that I have truly gotten over you,” Vanessa said as her voice trailed off.

“And, have you?”

“…Yes, I believe I have.”

The waitress appeared and took their orders….

“How long are you going to be in Dallas? I’d love it if you could be at mine and Cally’s wedding,” J.R. said.

“I’m afraid this is going to be a very short visit,” Vanessa answered. “I’m having dinner with James and his family, and, then, I’m flying back to Vienna tomorrow.”