EPISODE 212 - Ewing Bar-B-Q

 Ann wakes up early a couple of mornings after Thanksgiving and finds Bobby already out of bed and gone.  "Bobby?"  She calls out as she sits up in bed.  Getting out of bed, She looks around.  She puts on her bedroom slippers, then she sees that Bobby is standing on the upstairs balcony off their bedroom.  Ann grabs her bathrobe 

she walks onto the balcony and finds Bobby lookin out over the ranch.  "Hey, there," she says.

 

"Well, good morning,"  Bobby says.  

 

Ann walks over to him.  "I woke up and you were gone."

 

"I woke up real early and couldn't go back to sleep. I didn't wanna wake ya, so, I came out here.  I've just been lookin' out over the 

ranch.  You ever see anything so beautiful as Southfork is early in the morning?"

 

"No, I never did."

 

"Mama always said this was the best part of the day, and I sure do agree with her.  She loved this ranch with her whole heart."

 

"And she passed that love on to you,"  Ann says.  

 

"Yes, she did.  And I hope that I've passed it on to my sons and my grandsons.  There's somethin' special about this ranch, Annie, and, even though I've loved Southfork my whole life, I don't think I ever really appreciated it as much as I should until I had my heart attack.  Southfork is more than just a ranch.  It's more than just a home.  It's the backbone of this family, even more so than Ewing Oil.  My great-grandfather, Enoch Southworth, started this ranch way back in 1858 when he came here from East Texas at the age of 21 and bought up thousands of acres of land to raise cattle.  He got the name Southfork because of a creek that divides at one point on the south end of the property."

 

"Really?"  Ann asks.  "I never knew that.  I always thought the name Southfork was derived from Miss Ellie's family name, Southworth."

 

"Nope.  The name comes from the fork in the creek."

 

"Hmm, learn somethin' new every day."

 

"Y'know what we've gotta do?"  Bobby asks.

 

"What's that?"

He turns to face her and puts his arms around her.  "Now that Thanksgiving is over, we have got to start planning the Ewing Barbecue."

 

"What?  The Barbecue?  Bobby, you just came out of the hospital a little over a week ago."

 

"I know that.  But honey, I WANT to have the Barbecue this year, especially since we didn't have it last year.  And, we need to get on the ball, with Christmas comin' up in less than four weeks.  Now, I was checking the weather forecast last night for the next month, and Saturday after next the temperature is supposed to be in the mid-70s, so that'll be perfect."

 

"Saturday after next?  Bobby, that's only TWO weeks away."

 

"I know it's short notice, but I know we can do it,"  Bobby says.  "Especially if we put the whole family to work.  I wanna do this, and I wanna do it before Christmas."

 

Ann looks at her husband and smiles.  "Alright, then we'll do it.  I'll talk to Courtney, Heather, Krystina, and Lucy, and I'll also ask Sue Ellen and Donna to help.  We'll get started on the invitations and get them out in a couple days.  I'll also call the caterer."

 

"This is going to be the best Ewing Barbecue ever,"  Bobby says, kissing her.

 The following Saturday, two vans are parked at Southfork, one from Dallas Catering and the other from a construction crew who is building a bandstand on the back lawn for the next week's Ewing Barbecue.  As the workmen hammer on the bandstand, John Ross walks onto the patio, then rubs his head, irritated at the noise.  

Krystina comes onto the patio.  

 

"John Ross?"  She says.  

 

"Mornin', darlin'."

 

"I thought we were gonna sleep in this morning."

 

"How could you sleep with all this noise?''  John Ross asks.  "I could hear even in the house all the way up in our bedroom."

 

"I guess I was just knocked out,"  says Krystina.

 

"Why the hell do they have to start work at 8:30 on a Saturday mornin', anyway?"

 

"Because there's a lot to be done before the barbecue next Saturday.  Why don't you come on back to bed?"

 

"Nah, I couldn't sleep anyway,"  John Ross says.  "No place around here to get away from all this noise.  I think I'm gonna go into town to the Athletic Club for a while.  It opens at 9.  You wanna come with me?"

 

"No, I really should stay here and see if Ann and the other ladies need any help with last minute plans for the barbecue and  rodeo."

 

"Alright.  I guess I'll call up Brandon Harwood and see if he wants to play a game of racquetball, then,"  John Ross says. 

 

"I have a better idea,"  says Krystina.  "Why not call up your brother Justin and see if HE wants to play a game of racquetball with you at the club?"

 

"Now, Krystina, you know Justin and I aren't on real good terms right now."

 

"Yes, and don't you think it's time to let go of that whole issue about those Westar shares Jill sold to Justin instead of to you?  John Ross, it's been MONTHS since Jill sold Justin those shares, and the two of you have barely spoken since, and when you HAVE spoken, it's been an argument.  You made up with Sue Ellen on Thanksgiving.  Why not make up with your brother now, especially with Christmas coming?"

 

"Krystina......."

 

"Do it for me?"  She asks.  "He's your brother, John Ross.  The only brother you've got left."

 

John Ross sighs.  "Okay, I'll give him a call on my way into town."

 

Krystina smiles and kisses him.  "Thank you.  I'll give you a reward later."

 

"Gonna hold ya to that,"  John Ross says.  "I'll be back early this afternoon."

 

"Okay, see you when you get back,"  Krystina says.  She kisses John Ross again, then he turns and walks toward his car.  Krystina watches him with a smile as he walks to his car, gets in, then drives away.  After he's gone, she  

goes back into the house, walking from the patio into the kitchen, where she finds Ann, Courtney, and Heather seated at the table, several sheets of paper spread on the table in front of them.  "Well, ladies, what can I do to help?"  Krystina asks.

 

"Help me check off these RSVPs we've already gotten back this week,"  Ann says.

 

"Sure,"  Krystina says, taking a seat at the table. 

 

"Krystina, you want some coffee?"  Heather asks.

 

"I'd love some, thanks."

 

Heather gets up from the table and walks over to the counter, pouring two cups of coffee, then returns to the table, handing one to Krystina as she retakes her seat.

 

"Thanks," Krystina says.  

 

"You're welcome."

 

"Okay, let's see,"  says Courtney.  "We've got the list of people who have already said they're coming, and a couple who've said they can't make it."

 

"Oh, shoot,"  Ann says.  "I was hopin' Congressman Sanders and his wife would be able to come, but they send their regrets.  Their granddaughter is gettin' married next Saturday."

 

"Well, how nice,"  Courtney says.  

 

"I think this is gonna be the best barbecue and rodeo ever,"  says Ann.  "I just hope it's not too much for Bobby so soon after his surgery."

 

"I'm sure Bobby won't over do,"  Heather says.  "So far, he's been followin' doctors' orders to a tee since he came home from the hospital."

 

"And I'm gonna continue to make sure he does just that,"  Ann says with a smile.

Justin and Pamela's apartment....

 Justin and Pamela are in bed asleep that morning when Justin's cell phone begins ringing on the table beside the bed.  The ringing phone wakes the couple up.  "What time is it?"  Pamela asks.

 

Justin picks up his phone and looks at it.  "A little after 8:30.  It's John Ross calling."

 

"At 8:30 on a Saturday morning?"

 

"Must be important for him to be calling me,"  Justin says.  He answers the call.  "John Ross"

Meanwhile....

"Hey, little brother, what's up?"  John Ross asks, talking on his phone from his car as he drives toward Dallas.

Justin and Pamela's apartment....

"John Ross, what's goin' on?" Justin asks, surprised to hear from his brother.  "What's wrong?"

A  road headed toward Dallas....

 

"Nothin's wrong,"  John Ross says.  "I know this has to be a surprise, hearin' from me after all this time, but, I was just wonderin', if, you're not doin' anything this mornin', if you'd like to join me in a game of racquetball at the Athletic Club.  Like we use to.  So, are, you?  Doin' anythin'?"

Justin and Pamela's apartment....

"Uh, no, as a matter of fact, I'm not doin' anything,"  Justin replies.  "Since it's Saturday and the boys spent the night with Afton, Pamela and I were just sleepin' in."

 

"Well, good,"  says John Ross.  "Meet me at The Athletic Club in half an hour."

 

"Yeah, sure, John Ross, I'll.......I'll be there.  Bye."  Justin ends the call and puts his phone down, a surprised look on his face.  

 

"What in the world was that all about?"  Pamela asks.

 

An hour and a half later, John Ross and Justin are enjoying their third exciting game of racquetball, the two brothers playing very competitively against each other as if playing on opposite professional teams.  Justin scores a point against John Ross, but soon, John Ross comes back and scores first one point, then another against his younger brother.  As the adventurous game comes to an end, John Ross steps almost in front of Justin, bumping into him, knocking Justin off his feet and scoring the final point to win the game.  Drenched with sweat and barely able to catch his breath, John Ross looks down at Justin and smiles.  "Last two games go to me, little brother."

 

"Okay, okay, ya got me,"  Justin says, laying on the floor, exhausted.  "I didn't realize I was so out of shape.  What the hell have you been doin' to get that much energy?  You're like 12 years older than me and you ran circles around me."

 

"Just been workin' out three times a week,"  John Ross replies, extending his hand  to help his brother up.  Justin takes his hand and John Ross pulls him to his feet.  "Once I hit 40 last spring, I realized I just had to stay in shape.  Especially with two little ones.  I gotta be around to walk my daughter down the isle one day in about 20 years."

 

"Or, maybe you're just afraid of gettin' old,"  Justin says with a smile.  

 

"Hey, now, who's callin' who OLD?  As you said, I ram circles around your out of shape young ass, didn't I?"

 

Justin laughs.  "Yeah.....you sure did.  John Ross, this has been great.  Just like old times before........"

 

"Before those Westar shares came between us?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Yeah, before that.  Speakin' of which, I'm kinda surprised you haven't brought those shares up.  We been here over an hour and you haven't even mentioned 'em.  You tryin' to lull me into a false sense of security, or somethin'?"

 

"No.  I'm not gonna pretend I don't still want those shares.  But I also thought it was time that you and I put that aside and made amends, especially with the barbecue and Christmas comin' up."

 

"I'd really like that, John Ross."

 

"So would I.  And like you said, today was like old times.  Anyway, it's only 10:14.  Too early for lunch.  So, what say we hit the showers for about half an hour, and by that time, it'll be gettin' toward lunch time, and I'll treat you?"

 

"I like the sound of that,"  says Justin as he and John Ross exit the racquetball court.

Mitch Cooper's apartment....

 Lucy and Mitch are laying in each others' arms in Mitch's bed that morning.  Lucy smiles.  "I wish we could stay like this forever,"  she says.

 

"So do I,"  says Mitch.  "But, I have to soon get up and get ready to go in to the hospital. But at least I have a shorter shift today, so, we can go out to dinner tonight."

 

"I'd like that.  Or, I could cook you a nice home cooked meal here."

 

Mitch smiles.  "I like that even better,"  he says. 

 

"Good, then it's all settled."  

 

A moment of silence follows.  Finally, Mitch lets out a deep sigh.  "Lucy, I've been doing a lot of thinking."

 

"Thinking?  About what?"

 

"About us.  And, I don't want to keep going on like this."

 

Lucy props herself up on her  elbow and looks at him.  "Going on like what?"

 

"Like.......this.  You spending a couple nights a week here at my apartment.  Us going out to dinner, you cooking for me here.  This whole........dating thing."

 

"Mitch........what are you saying?"  Lucy asks.  "I happen to like this whole dating thing."

 

"Well I DON'T,"  Mitch says.

 

"So what are you suggesting?  That we break up?  That we stop seeing each other?"

 

"No, that's not what I'm suggesting at all.  I'm suggesting we see more of each other."

 

And how are we supposed to do that if we're not dating or seeing each other?"  Lucy asks.

 

"Easy.  The whole problem could be solved if you move in here........as my wife."

 

Lucy is stunned.  "As your.......as your WIFE?"  She asks, sitting up in bed.  "Mitch, are you........."

 

"Yes, I am,"  Mitch replies as he sits up in bed, too.  "Lucy Ewing, I'm asking you to marry me.......again."

 

She looks at him, her eyes filling with tears.  "Oh my God.  Mitch, I.......I don't know what to say."

 

"Well, 'yes' would be a nice start,"  Mitch says.

 

"Yes,"  Lucy says, looking at him with a smile.  "Oh yes, Mitch.  I'll marry you.  This time, forever."

 

Mitch smiles, then the two begin to kiss.

 

Meanwhile, as Mitch's son Daniel is returning home and heading down the hallway to his bedroom, he hears hoops and yells of jubilation coming from his father's room.  Daniel stops in the hallway and listens, a look of anger on his face knowing his father is in there with Lucy Ewing, the woman he hates more than anyone else on Earth.  After a moment, Daniel is startled when the bedroom door flies open and Mitch, dressed in his bathrobe, 

comes out of the bedroom.  

 

"Oh, Daniel,"  Mitch says, surprised to see his son.

 

"Dad, is everything okay?  I.......heard yelling."

 

Mitch smiles.  "Oh, yes, as a matter of fact, everything is more than okay.  Everything is perfect."

 

"Perfect?  And why is that?"  Daniel asks.

 

At that moment, Lucy comes to the door.  "Mitch, don't forget......"  She stops short when she sees Daniel.  "Oh, sorry.  Hello, Daniel."

 

"Lucy,"  the young man replies in a cold tone.

 

"Well, I guess this is as good a time as any to tell you the good news,"  says Mitch.  

 

"What good news?"  Daniel asks.  

 

"Son, I have asked this lovely lady to be my wife........AGAIN.......and she said yes."

 

"What?  The two of you are getting married?"

 

"Yes, we are,"  Lucy replies with a gloating smile.  "And I'll be moving in here with you and your father."

 

"Daniel, Lucy is going to be your new stepmother,"  says Mitch.  "Which means I want the two of you to start getting along better.  I was just about to go and get a bottle of wine and some glasses to celebrate."

 

"Wine?" Daniel asks.  "I thought you had to work this afternoon."

 

"I do, but a couple sips of wine isn't gonna make me drunk or incapacitated.  You wanna join us?"

 

"No, thanks,"  Daniel replies, looking angrily at Lucy, who is still smiling at him as if she has won.  

 

"Well, I'll get that wine,"  Mitch says.  He kisses Lucy, much to Daniel's disgust, then walks past his son and down the hall.

 

"You may think you've won,"  Daniel says to Lucy after his father is gone.  "But you haven't."

 

"Oh, that's where you're wrong, sweet cheeks,"  Lucy says.  "I HAVE won.  Your father has asked me to marry him.  So you'd better get use to the idea, and to me being around here.  And if you don't like it, you can always move out."

 

"That wedding will NEVER happen, Lucy.  I won't let it happen."

 

"You have no say in the matter. So either get use to me being around here from now on and start treating me with some respect........or you can pack your little bags and get out.  Your Aunt Afton has a spare bedroom.  Maybe you can move in with her."  Lucy smiles again, then walks back into the bedroom, closing the door.  

 

"Bitch,"  Daniel says.  "Don't you count on marrying my father, Lucy.  That's one wedding I'll never let happen.  No matter what I have to do to stop it."  Daniel walks down the hall and goes into his bedroom, closing the door behind him.

Dallas Athletic Club....

John Ross and Justin are coming out of the locker room at the Dallas Athletic Club after showering and changing clothes.  "Where you wanna eat lunch?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Doesn't matter to me.  We could just eat here.  The food's great."

 

"Okay, then, we'll eat here."  

 

As the two proceed around a corner, they almost bump into none other than Shawn.  John Ross is annoyed at coming face to face with Shawn.

 

"Well, well, look who it is,"  Shawn says.  "The Ewing brothers."

 

"Well, Justin, we may not be havin' lunch after all," says John Ross.  "I suddenly lost my appetite."

 

"Well, I sure hope I can take credit for that,"  Shawn says.

 

"John Ross, come on, let's just go,"  Justin says.

 

"Justin, how are you?"  Shawn asks.

 

"Fine, thank you."

 

"And how's Pamela?"

 

"Pamela's just fine.  Come on, John Ross, we should go,"  Justin says.  He and John Ross brush past Shawn and head down the hall.

 

"John Ross,"  Shawn calls.

 

John Ross stops, hesitates a moment then turns back to him.  

 

Shawn walks up to them.  "You declared war in my office that day at Westar, so I hope you're ready."

 

"Oh, I'm ready,"  John Ross says.  "Ready to kick your sorry little ass four ways from Sunday.  I warned you not to mess with Ewing Oil or my fam'ly, Smith.  You almost caused my Uncle Bobby to die, and I'm not gonna forget that.  I'm gonna make you pay for that and for goin' after Ewing Oil if it's the last thing I do."

 

"Really think you're high and mighty, don't you?"  Shawn asks.  "But need I remind you that Westar is bigger and far more powerful than Ewing Oil will ever hope to be.  You're no match for us."

 

"Awfully big talk comin' from a no account little punk who still needs someone to wipe his nose.  Let me tell you somethin', Shawn.  While Westar may  be a larger company than Ewing Oil.......Westar is run by a cocky, inexperienced kid who still needs directions to find the washroom, and whose strings are bein' pulled by a man wanted by the police, and in the end, those two things are gonna be your downfall. I'm gonna take you down, Shawn.  And I'm gonna enjoy every minute of it."

 

"We'll see who takes who down,"  says Shawn.  "Justin, give my regards to Pamela."  He smiles, then turns and walks away.

 

"What a jackass,"  Justin says.

 

"Yes, and that jackass is gonna come down hard, and soon.  Little brother, you wanna put those Westar shares to good use?"

 

"What do you mean, John Ross?"

 

"How'd you like to join me in takin' that cocky kid down?  And in takin' Westar away from him?"

 

Justin sighs.  "John Ross, when I got those shares from Jill, I swore I wouldn't get involved in any war between Ewing Oil and Westar, and I intend to stand by that."

 

"Justin, like it or not, you're already involved.  You're a EWING who owns stock in the company Ewing Oil is at war with.  Little brother, I hate to break it to ya, but there's no way you're gonna be able to stay out of this, especially if that little son of a bitch comes after Ewing Oil.  Would you really stand idly by and let a punk like Shawn Smith attack your fam'ly's company without doin' anything about it? A company our grandfather started with his blood and  sweat?  Can you live with that?  War is comin', Justin, and soon, you're gonna have to choose which side you're on."

 

Justin looks at his brother, fearing that what John Ross said will soon happen,and fearing that this coming war between Ewing Oil and Westar will destroy a lot of lives.

Justin and Pamela's apartment....that evening....

 Justin is sitting up in bed that night staring into space, still thinking about the confrontation he and John Ross had with Shawn earlier in the day.  Pamela comes into the room.  "Hunter was so wound up after spending last night and all day with my mother that I had a hard time getting him to go to sleep," she says as she takes off her robe and gets into bed.  "He's that way every time he comes back from her place."

 

"Mmm hmmm,"  Justin mutters.

 

Pamela looks at him.  "Justin, what's wrong?  What happened when you hung out with John Ross today?  You've been as quiet as a church mouse since you came home."

 

Justin sighs.  "I'm sorry.  I just have a lot on my mind."

 

"John Ross brought up the Westar stock, didn't he?"  Pamela asks.

 

"No, not exactly."

 

"What do you mean?"

 

"We ran into Shawn Smith at the Athletic Club,"  replies Justin.  

 

"Shawn?"  Pamela nervously asks.  "You......you saw Shawn there?"

 

"Yep, and he and John Ross traded insults and threats, and after Shawn left, John Ross reminded me that those shares place me square in the middle of a comin' war between Westar and Ewing Oil, and that's a place I sure don't wanna be."

 

"Then why not get rid of the shares?"  Pamela asks.  

 

"Because Jill entrusted them to me, Pamela,"  Justin says, getting out of bed.  "She wanted ME to have them to keep John Ross or Shawn from gettin' them."

 

"And therefore placing you right in the middle when you had  absolutely nothing to do with the oil business,"  Pamela says, getting out of bed.  "Look, I'm not saying to sell the shares to John Ross.  Sell them to someone else, someone outside the family."

 

"Like who?"  Justin asks.

 

"I don't know, but there has to be somebody you can sell to and be rid of it."

 John Ross and Christopher walk onto the patio early the following Tuesday morning, 3 days later.  "Okay, John

Ross, would you mind telling me what we're doing out here at 7:30 in the morning in freezing cold weather when we could've just as easily talked inside where it's warm?"

 

"I didn't want Uncle Bobby to over hear us,"  John Ross says.

 

"John Ross, what's going on?  This sounds serious."

 

"It is.  Christopher, we've gotta do somethin' about Shawn Smith and Westar."

 

Christopher sighs.  "John Ross....."

 

"That little bastard caused your father to have a heart attack,"  John Ross says.  "Now are you gonna let him just get away with that?  Because I sure as hell am not.  And not only that, he's comin' after Ewing Oil.  For weeks, Westar has been swipin' deals right out from under us, and how?  Another spy in the company, maybe?  That's why I didn't wanna wait to have this conversation until we got to the office, because we haven't had the placed swept for bugs lately.  Shawn as much as told me the other day that he's comin' after Ewing Oil, and I'll be damned if I'm gonna just sit back and let that happen."

 

"Okay, so what do you propose?"  Christopher asks, unaware that Ricky has walked up to the house from the stables.  Carrying some papers with him when he sees Christopher and  John Ross talking by the pool, he stops, hides himself, and listens.

 

"I don't know, but if we put our heads together, I'm sure we can come up with somethin'."

 

"Look, John Ross, the last thing I want is to start some big war with Westar, so whatever we do, it's gonna have to be subtle."

 

"You soft on Shawn Smith, Christopher?"  John Ross asks.  "Maybe due to the fact that Shawn is your wife's half-brother?"

 

Christopher looks at his cousin, stunned that John Ross would know about Shawn's true paternity.  "What?"

 

"You heard me."

 

"John Ross, how the hell did you know about that?"

 

"How I know itn't important,"  John Ross says.  "What IS important is that I do know.  I've known for a while now. Just been waitin' for the right time to use that information to my advantage."

 

"To your advantage?  John Ross, you're not gonna use that information at all,"  Christopher angrily says.  "I don't know how the hell you would know about that unless you've been spying on me and Courtney, but you're gonna forget about what you know, and you're gonna forget about using it."

 

"The hell I am.  Christopher, this information could blow that little bastard out of the water."

 

"And deeply hurt my wife's family, and I'm not gonna let that happen. You wanna deal with Shawn, then find another way."

 

Just then, John Ross looks over Christopher's shoulder and sees Ricky.  "We're not alone,"  he says.  Christopher turns around and also sees the young ranch hand.  "Hey what the hell do you want?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Ricky, what can we do for you?"  Christopher asks.

 

 

"Christopher, I am very sorry to intrude,"  says Ricky.  "But I have this month's feed bill for either you or your father to sign."

 

"I'll take care of it,"  Christopher says.  Ricky hands him the papers and a pen.  As John Ross looks on impatiently, Christopher quickly sign the three papers and hands them back to Ricky.  "There you go,"  Christopher says.  

 

"Thank you,"  Ricky says.

 

"Sure, no problem,"  Christopher says.  Ricky flashes a smile, then walks away.  After he's gone, Christopher turns back to John Ross.  "Let's get something straight, John Ross,"  he says.  "You use that information about Shawn in any way that hurts Courtney's family.......then I'll just have to tell my Dad and Sue Ellen about some of the things you've been up to, like that secret deal you made with ColbyCo after they both told you NOT to do business with Alexis Colby's company."

 

John Ross's mouth falls open in shock.  "I don't know what you're talkin' about."

 

"Don't lie to me, John Ross, I can prove you're involved with ColbyCo's offshore tract in California."

 

"What the hell?  You spyin' on me now?  Maybe Westar's not the enemy I need to be worried about."

 

"Come on, John Ross,"  Christopher says.  "You didn't REALLY think I was gonna leave you to run Ewing Oil completely unattended these last few months, did you?"

 

"So what are you gonna do?  Blackmail me?"  John Ross asks.

 

"No.  Blackmail is more your style than mine.  I was, however, waiting for the right time until I needed this information.  John Ross, Courtney doesn't Shawn or anyone else to know he's her brother because she doesn't want Phyllis to know.  Phyllis was devastated when she found out Andrew Murray had an affair while they were married and had a child with that other woman.  It would practically kill her to know that Andrew cheated on her with more than one woman while she was married to him, and that Shawn Smith is the result of that other affair.  So just keep  your damned mouth shut, and I'll keep mine shut about the ColbyCo deal."

 

"I am just not believin' this,"  says John Ross.  "I asked you out here to talk about pullin' together to bring down a common enemy, and damned if you don't turn on me."

 

"John Ross, I'm not turning on you.  I'm just trying to stop this war between you and Westar before it begins. This family has faced enough destruction without yet another costly battle with Westar."  Christopher walks past his cousin and goes back into the house, leaving John Ross shaking his head in frustration.

 

Watching this play out from a distance is Ricky, who is wondering what Christopher and John Ross were arguing about and how he could find out.

Mitch Cooper's apartment....

 Lucy is in the kitchen at Mitch's apartment that morning cooking some eggs for breakfast when Daniel walks in.  The young man is again annoyed to see Lucy Ewing in his kitchen.  "Good morning,"  Lucy cheerfully says to him.

 

"Spend the night here again last night, did you?"  Daniel asks.

 

"Yes, I did.  And as I told you the other day, I'm gonna be spending all my nights here, and mornings, and days once your father and I get married, so you might as well get use to seeing me."

 

"Still expecting to marry my father, are you, Lucy?"  Daniel asks.

 

"I AM gonna marry him, and there's not a damned thing you can do about it."

 

"Don't be too sure."

 

Sitting her eggs off the fire, Lucy walks over to the young man and looks him in the eye.  "You try anything to ruin my wedding, or my relationship with your father, and I swear, you'll be sorry."

 

"Threatening your future husband's teenage son?" Daniel asks.  "That's not a good way to start off your marriage with my Dad, Lucy.  It's also kinda funny."

 

Lucy musters all her will power to keep from punching this punk in the mouth.  "Let me ask you something.  What have I EVER done to you?  As I recall, NOTHING.  But you've disliked me from the first time you ever met me.  Why?  Is it because you have this delusion of your father getting back together with your mother, and you think I'm standing in the way of that?  Well, I have news for you, little boy........that's never gonna happen.  Your parents divorced almost 5 years ago and it's time you accepted that.  And it's time you accepted that your father has moved on to find happiness with me."

 

"I want my Dad to be happy."

 

"Good.  That makes two of us,"  says Lucy.

 

"I just don't want him to be happy with you.  And if I have my way........he won't be."

 

"Why you belligerent little punk!"  Lucy says, drawing back her hand to slap Daniel just as Mitch walks into the kitchen.

 

"Lucy, what's going on here?"  Mitch asks.

 

"Nothing,"  Lucy replies.  "Daniel and I were just.......talking."

 

"Dad, that's not true,"  says Daniel.  "The woman's crazy.  If you hadn't walked in when you did, I think she would've hit me."

 

Mitch looks at his former and future wife.  "Lucy, is this true?"  He asks.  "Were you about to strike my son?"

 

Lucy looks at him.  "Mitch, I......I temporarily lost my temper, that's all.  He said some things........"

 

"That's not true,"  Daniel says.  "Dad, all I did was ask her about the wedding, and she went nuts."

 

"That's a lie,"  Lucy says.

 

"Okay, stop it both of you!"  Mitch says.  "Now look, I wanna make something perfectly clear to both of you.  First of all, Daniel, Lucy is the woman I love and the woman I plan to spend the rest of my life with.  Second, Lucy, Daniel is my son, and the two of us come as a package deal.  Now if we're all going to co-exist as a family, then the two of you are just gonna have to learn how to get along, and that's all there is to it.  I'm sorry, but I don't have time to mediate this dispute.  I have to get to the hospital."

"But Mitch, I'm cooking breakfast."

 

"Lucy, I'm sorry, but I got a call before I came in here.  One of my appointments has been changed to 9 A.M. this morning, so I have to get to the hospital,"  Mitch says as Daniel smiles, taking ple/asure in Lucy's disappointment.  "Now you two settle whatever is wrong between you.  I'll see you both later.  Lucy, we'll have lunch in the cafeteria this afternoon."

 

"Alright, I guess I'll have to settle for that,"  Lucy says.  

 

Mitch kisses her, then looks at his son.  "Daniel, shouldn't you be leaving for class?"

 

"Yeah, as soon as I have some orange juice."

 

Mitch nods, then walks out of the kitchen.  A couple seconds later, the sound of the front door of the apartment can be heard opening and closing.

 

Lucy angrily looks at Daniel.  "You do something like that again, and......."

 

"And what?"  The boy asks.  "See, I already have him believing that, given the chance, you'd hit me.  Lucy, what you don't understand is that my Dad and I are very close.  He feels guilty because he divorced my Mom and that I came from a broken home.  He also feels guilty because of his other son.......his dead son, Jesse.  You remember him, don't you?  The son my Dad never got to meet because of YOU.  This wedding ISN'T gonna happen, Lucy.  I don't think my Dad would ever let you cost him another son."

 

"Your father loves me,"  Lucy says.  

 

"Maybe so, but, it's all gonna come down to who he loves more.......me, his own son who can make him feel as guilty as I need to to get whatever I want........or you, some short, aging two-bit whore he's already married and divorced twice."  Daniel walks to the kitchen door, pauses, and grabs a Hershey's Kiss from a bowl on the counter.  He opens it and pops it in his mouth, then smiles at her.  "You have a nice day, Lucy," he says, then quickly leaves.

 

"UGHH!!!!"  Lucy yells after Daniel is gone.  "I really hate that kid."

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital....

 Debra Lynn is buttoning her blouse in the office of her doctor at Texas Health Presbyterian that morning.  For almost a whole minute, there is silence in the room as Dr. Curtis looks over her test results.  "Boy, this silence is deafening,"  Debra Lynn finally says.  "I had really hoped that you'd have some good news for me this time, Dr. Curtis, but from the look on your face, you don't."

 

Dr. Curtis takes off his glasses and looks at her.  After a very brief hesitation, he stands and walks over to her.  "I wish I had better news, Debra Lynn, but I don't."

 

"But, the tests could be wrong.  You told me way back in the summer when I first arrived in Dallas that I'd probably be on my death bed by December.  Well, here it is early December, and I actually feel better than I have in months."

 

"Debra Lynn, how you feel physically has no bearing on the spread of this cancer, at least not yet.  Yes, the spread of the cancer has slowed and hasn't progressed as rapidly as we originally thought it would, but the cancer is still spreading.  It's already in your liver, and it's in your lymph nodes, which means it will soon spread to other parts of your body, possibly even your brain."

 

Debra Lynn fights back tears.  "I........I had just hoped........."

 

"I know.  And I'm sorry."

 

As Debra Lynn is about to  say something, she suddenly winces in pain.  

 

"The pain is becoming more severe, isn't it?"  Dr. Curtis asks.

 

"Yes.  God, yes."

 

"Alright, I'm gonna prescribe something."

 

"I already have my pills,"  Debra Lynn.

 

"I'm not prescribing pills, but injections.  Morphine injections."

 

"Morphine?  No.  I don't wanna become addicted to that stuff."

 

"Debra Lynn, I'm sorry to have to say this, but, at this point, addiction isn't even an issue."

 

Debra Lynn looks at him.  "Okay, obviously you're revising your original prediction.  So how long now do I have?"

 

"It could still happen by Christmas.  But likely, a little more gradual.  When you begin hurting all the time, when your bones start to ache and  even the Morphine doesn't help.......you'll know the end is  near.  At that point, we can call Hospice in to help your children with your care.  Debra Lynn, you HAVE told your children that you have terminal cancer, haven't you?"

 

"No."

 

"For Heaven's sakes, why not?"  Dr. Curtis asks.  "Debra Lynn, you have to tell them, and soon.  Once the pain becomes so bad, you won't be able to hide this."

 

"I know.  I'm just hoping that I can get through Christmas.  Dr. Curtis, my oldest children are adults now.  Jimmy is 30 and Ashley is 20.  But to me, they're still my babies.  And both of them love Christmas.  My son has been through a very bad couple of years, and my daughter right now is dating this incredible guy.  They're happy.  Unless I absolutely have to, I will NOT spoil their Christmas by telling them that their mother is going to die.  That this will be my last Christmas.  I won't."

 

"Alright.  But Debra Lynn, if things get bad......."

 

"If things go bad and I'm left with no choice, I'll tell them,"  Debra Lynn says.  "But not unless I absolutely have to during the holidays."

Westar....later....

 Shawn's secretary buzzes his office.  "Yeah, Carol?"  He asks.

 

"Mr. Smith, there's a young man here to see you."

 

"What young man?  Who is it, Carol?"

 

"He won't give his name, but he says it's about the Ewings, and it's very important."

 

"Okay, I'll see him.  Send him in,"  Shawn says, curious.  Shawn stands to his feet.  A moment later, Carol opens the office door and walks in, followed by none other than Ricky Hernandez!  

 

"Mr. Smith, thank you for agreeing to see me,"  Ricky says.  

 

"Okay, so who are you?"

 

"My name is Ricky Hernandez."

 

"Mr. Hernandez, I'm a very busy man, so make this quick.  Carol, leave us, please."

 

Carol nods then leaves the office, closing the door.  

 

"Okay, so what do you want?"  Shawn asks.  "You said this was about the Ewings?"

 

"Yes.  I work at Southfork as a ranch hand,"  Ricky says.

 

"Well, Mr..........Hernandez, is it?  Why would I be interested in a visit from a Southfork ranch hand?"

 

"Because I believe that you and I have a mutual interest.  That being we both hate the Ewings."

 

"Wait a second," Shawn says.  "You hate the Ewings, but you work for them?"

 

"Yes, well, I have my reasons.  I think that I might be able to provide you with information about the Ewings.  This morning, I happen to overhear part of a conversation between Christopher Ewing and his cousin, John Ross, and your name was mentioned."

 

"MY name was mentioned?  And what did the Ewing cousins say?"

 

"I could not hear everything that was said, but it was something about Ewing Oil and Westar."

 

"Mr. Hernandez..........Ricky..........how old are you?"  Shawn asks.

 

"17."

 

"17?  Wow, you're just a kid."

 

"And, you are how old, Mr. Smith?  20, and you are head of a large oil company?  I looked you up on the internet before I came to see you.  The fact that we are both very young does not mean that we could not be a formidable team against the Ewings."

 

"How do I know that you're not here working for the Ewings to try to set me up?  You already told me you work for them at Southfork.  What's in this for you, besides money?"

 

"Money means nothing to me,"  Ricky says.  "But getting justice does.  Justice for my father."

 

"Your father?  I don't understand."

 

Ricky pauses a moment, then looks at Shawn.  "Five years ago, Christopher Ewing killed my father, Nicolas Trevino.  Because of him, my family was destroyed.  And I am here to make him pay for that.  Him, and his family."

 

"I see.  Well, I'm sorry about your father.  Nicolas Trevino?  I've heard the name.  Maybe you can be of use to me, after all.  Alright, Ricky.  Since you work at Southfork the Ewings obviously trust you, and that will work to our advantage.  See what you can find out for me, and I'll definitely make it worth your while."

 

"The only thing that I want is to see Christopher Ewing's life destroyed, and anyone close to him,"  Ricky says.

 

Shawn smiles.  "You wanna take down Christopher, I wanna take down John Ross.  Well, with the two of us working together, we can make that happen.  But, just one thing I wanna make crystal clear.  Don't even think about double crossing me.  If I find out you're really working with the Ewings to set me up.......I'll destroy your life, along with theirs.  Understood?"

 

"Understood,"  Ricky says.  

 

"Ricky, I know you're under age, but then again......so am I, but why don't we have a drink to celebrate?"  Shawn asks.  "Being able to drink before the age of 21 is one of the perks of being the youngest CEO in the oil business."  

 

"Thank you, I would love one,"  Ricky says with a smile.  "I think I am going to enjoy our new working relationship."

 

 

 

Smithfield And Bennett....

 Attorney Cass Winthrop is unpacking his things and arranging his new office at Smithfield and Bennett that afternoon when Jay Smithfield walks by and peaks his head into Cass's open office door.  "Cass," Jay says.

 

"Well, hey there."

 

Jay walks into the office.  "Well, you all settled in?"

 

"Getting there," Cass replies.  "This move comes at exactly the right time, before the Christmas holidays. My son is even coming to Dallas to spend Christmas with me, since he spent Thanksgiving with his mother."

 

"Oh, that's nice.  Say, Cass, do you have any plans for this weekend?"  Jay asks.  "Specifically for Saturday?"

 

 

"Are you kidding?  No, I don't.  Why do you ask?"

 

"Good, because I'd like to invite you to come with Gail and I to the annual Ewing Barbecue and Rodeo out at Southfork Ranch."

 

"You and Gail, huh?  You and she, uh......"

 

Jay smiles.  "Yes.Yes, we are.  Gail and I have been seeing each other for a while now.  Ever since my divorce."

 

"Well, counselor, take my advice.  Don't ever let what goes on in the courtroom affect your relationship outside the courtroom when you and Gail find yourselves on opposite sides of a case.  Just leave it at the door and don't even discuss work with each other at all."

 

"We've been doing just that, and so far, it's worked,"  says Jay.  "Well, partner, I have to be going.  I have to drive up to Harris Correctional Institute this afternoon."

 

"All the way there?"  Cass asks.  "Mind if I ask why?"

 

"To meet with a client.  A young kid, Tim Martin.  Justin Ewing actually talked me into taking the case of Tim, who was convicted on very flimsy evidence at best.  I've been working all year to get Tim a new trial, and I can finally go see him with some good news."

 

"You got the kid a new trial,"  Cass says.

 

Jay smiles.  "Sure did, FINALLY.  I had to take the case all the way to the State Supreme Court, but they finally granted Tim a new trial to begin in January, and the best news of all is, pending the new trial, Tim is being released into the custody of his parents.  I asked them to meet me at the prison at 4 o;clock so I could give them all the good news at the same time."

 

"Well, good luck,and congratulations."

 

"Thanks.  This is one reason I became a lawyer........that, and because my father and grandfather always wanted me to be a lawyer like them,"  Jays.  "Cass, I'll see ya tomorrow."

 

"See ya tomorrow, and drive safe."

 

"Don't worry, I will,"  Jay says, leaving the office.  Jay walks to the elevator and presses the button, then waits.  A moment later, the elevator doors open and a young man steps off.  "Can I help you?"  Jay asks him.

 

"I dunno,maybe,"  the shaggy haired young man replies.  "I'm looking for Cass Winthrop."

 

"You'll find him in that office all the way at the end of this corridor,"  Jay says, stepping onto the elevator,

 

"Thanks,"  the young man says.  The elevator doors close with Jay and  the young man walks down the hall to Cass's office and sees Cass, in the office hanging his law degree on the far wall, his back to the door.  The young man knocks on the open door.  

 

"What'd you forget something?"  Cass asks, thinking Jay had returned.

 

"No, but that degree on your wall needs straightening,"  the young man says.

 

 

Cass stops what he is doing and turns to look at him.  A look of happy surprise comes over his face, then he smiles.  "Oh my God, I don't believe it,"  he says.  "Cory."

 

"Hey, Dad,"  Cass's son, Cory Winthrop says.

 

Cass walks over and greets the young man with a hug.  "I can't believe it, I wasn't expecting you until near Christmas.  What on Earth are you doing here?"

 

"Well, I finished all my finals early, and, so, here I am.  Figured I'd spend most of the month of December with you.  Unless, of course, you'd rather I not."

 

"What, are  you kidding?"  Cass asks.  "I couldn't be happier.  I'm glad you're here.  Makes this whole move from Bay City to Dallas a little less......scary."  Cass again embraces his son, but a sad look comes over Cory's face, a look that would indicate that he is a young man who is hiding something.

Southfork....four days later....

some of the guests are mingling and talking while some are dancing to the music of a live country and western band plays.  

"Well, Bobby Ewing, hello,"  Fenton says, shaking Bobby's hand.

 

"Fenton, it's great to see you.  You remember my wife, Ann?"

 

"I sure do.  Miz Ewing, how are ya?"

 

"I'm fine.  We're glad you could make it,"  Ann says.  

 

"Thank ya,"  says Fenton.  "Bobby, I heard about your recent heart attack.  You're lookin' real well."

 

Bobby smiles.  "Thank you, Fenton,and all things considered, I feel great.  Like I have a new lease on life after comin' that close to death."

 

Meanwhile, across the crowd, Lucy is showing her engagement ring to Sue Ellen, Catlin, Ray, and Donna.  "Lucy, that ring is absolutely GORGEOUS,"  Donna says.  

 

"Yes, it certainly is,"  Sue Ellen agrees.  

 

"Kinda makes me wanna get engaged all over again,"  says Donna.

 

"Hey now, bite your tongue,"  says Ray.  "We've already been through all that and now we're enjoyin' a happy marriage."

 

"And that's the kind of marriage I want Mitch and I to have this time,"  Lucy says.  "The kind you and Donna have after finding your way back to each other after so many years apart."

 

"Lucy, I'm sure you will,"  Donna says.

 

"Have you and Mitch set a wedding date?"  Catlin asks.  

 

"Yes, we have.  We;re getting married on Christmas Eve."

 

"Christmas Eve?"  Sue Ellen asks.  "So soon?"

 

"Well, yeah, Mitch and I thought it would be the perfect time.  Now, we just have to finda PLACE to get married."

 

"Not gonna have it Southfork this time around, huh?"  Ray asks.

 

"NO, absolutely NOT,"  Lucy says.  

 

"The infamous Southfork wedding jinx,"  Sue Ellen says.

 

"Yes.  Mitch and I have already had two weddings here at Southfork and neither marriage worked out.  I'm determined that this time is gonna be for keeps."

 

"Well, I think that I have the perfect solution,"  Sue Ellen says with a smile.  "Have the wedding at our house.  If that's alright with you, Catlin."

 

"Alright?  I think it's a great idea,"  Catlin says.  "We can have the wedding at our house early in the afternoon, and then everyone can come to Southfork for Christmas dinner."

 

"That would be GREAT!"  Lucy says with excitement.  "Oh, thanks, you guys!" She hugs both Sue Ellen and Catlin.

 

Meanwhile, Christopher and Jacob are chatting with an old friend of Christopher's and his son, who is about Jacob's age.  "Y'know, actually, we had wanted to have a rodeo out here this year, too, but when we started planning the Bar-B-Q after my Dad's heart attack there just wasn't time to put a rodeo together,"  Christopher says.  "So, we're planning to do the rodeo later, maybe after the worst of the winter is over, or early spring."

 

"Well, I sure hope so, Christopher, and be sure'n let me know,"

 

 

"Don't worry, Eric, you'll be the first I'll let know,"  Christopher says.  "Thomas, I'll bet you didn't know that, when we were in high school, your Dad was the champion steer wrestler in all of Braddock County."

 

"Actually, I did know that, Mr. Ewing,"  Thomas replies.  "My Daddy's told me that a thousand times."

 

"Bragging much, Eric?"  Christopher asks.

 

Eric laughs.  "Hey, now, that was my one big talent in high school.  Jacob, your Dad was the one who was always gettin' the girls, he was the smart one.  I couldn't compete with that. By the way, Jacob, when y'all have the rodeo here at Southfork, are you gonna enter any competitions?  Thomas is already really good at ropin', and he's anxious to practice."

 "Oh, I dunno, Mr. Griffin,"  Jacob says.  "I'm not very good at anything yet."

 

"That's not true,"  says Christopher.  "Jacob is a really good rider."

 

"You should enter somethin',"  Thomas says.

 

"I might."

 

"Jacob, why don't you take Thomas and see if you can find Michael, and introduce them?"  Christopher asks.  "You guys can hang out."

 

"Sure, come on, Thomas," Jacob says, and the two boys walk away together.

 

"Michael, now that's your brother Lucas's boy?"  Eric asks.

 

"Yeah.  Hey, you never met Lucas, did you?"

 

"No, I didn't."

 

Christopher looks over Eric's shoulder and sees Courtney.  "Well, I'll introduce you later.  Eric, excuse me, I see my wife over there."

 

"Sure thing, Chris, we'll catch up in a bit."

 

"You bet,"  Christopher says.  He pats his friend on the shoulder and walks away from him, making his way through the crowd, shaking hands with a couple of people on his way to Courtney, finally reaching her as she is chatting with Phyllis and Gavin.  "Hey,"  he says.  "Phyllis, Gavin, you guys havin' a good  time?"

 

"Oh, I'm havin' a great time,"  Gavin replies.

 

"Christopher, I think this has to be the biggest Ewing Bar-B-Q EVER!"  Phyllis says.  "I don't think I've ever seen this many people at one of these, not even in the old days when your grandmother was alive."

 

"Yeah, well, since we didn't have the Bar-B-Q last year, my Dad really wanted to do it big this year,"  Christopher says. 

 

"Well, he sure did that,"  says Gavin.

 

"And the weather today is just perfect for it,"  says Phyllis.  "I can hardly believe it's early December."

 

"Say, would you guys mind if I had a word with Courtney?"

 

"No, of course not,"  Phyllis says, she and Gavin walking away.  

 

"You having a good time?"  Christopher asks his wife.

 

"I'm having a fabulous time as always.  Where'd Jacob get off to?"

 

"He went off someplace with Thomas, my friend Eric Griffin's son.  They're about the same age."

 

Not far away, John Ross and Krystina are walking around, making their way around the crowd of guests attending the Barb-B-Q, greeting people and shaking hands.  John Ross tips his hat to some ladies who walk by.  "I think this is the best Bar-B-Q we ever had,"  he says to his wife.

 

"I think so, too."

 

"And the best part is, no one has ended up gettin' punched or shoved in the pool."

 

Krystina smiles.  "Well, darling, it's still early, so it could happen."

 

John Ross stops walking when he spots Alex and Bridget across the crowd kissing.  He watches the young couple for a moment.

 

"John Ross, what is it?"  Krystina asks.

 

"Oh, nothin', darlin'.  Krystina, is it just me or does it seem like Alex is gettin' real, real serious with Bridget McKinnon?"

 

"No, it's not just you,"  Krystina replies.  "Alex and Bridget do seem to be getting very serious.  Why?  Does that bother you?  I thought you liked Bridget."

 

"I do like her.  She's a great girl.  I just think that Alex is kinda young to be gettin' that serious with any one girl.  When I was his age, I was datin' a different girl every week."

 

"And probably sleeping with a different one every night,"  Krystina says.  "But Alex is NOT you."

 

"I still think he's too young."

 

"John Ross, Alex is 20-years-old.  You're not afraid he's gonna make you a grandpa, are you?"

 

"He'd damned well better not anytime soon,"  John Ross says.   

 

Meanwhile, Alex and Bridget are walking hand in hand when they run into Bridget's grandmother, Donna Love.  "Hi, Grandma, you having a good time?"  Bridget asks.

 

''I'm having a marvelous time, darling.  Alex, I must remember to thank your father for inviting me."

 ''Oh, of course, Ms. Love, you know you're always welcome at Southfork,''  Alex says.  

 

''Well, thank you, dear.  Will you children excuse me?  I see my old friend Cass Winthrop, so I'm gonna go say hello.''

 

''Sure, Grandma,"  Bridget says as her grandmother walks away from them.

 

Alex laughs.  "Did she just call us 'children'?"

 

''To her, we are children.''

 

"I'm glad she came,''  Alex says.  

 

''So am I,''  Bridget says, the smile disappearing from her face. ''I just wish my sister were here.''

 

''I know, Bridget, but you know that situation.  If Michelle would've agreed to come without t Shawn, she could be here right now."

 

"Well, she wasn't gonna come without him,"  Bridget says.

 

''And you know that Shawn Smith isn't welcome at Southfork,'' Alex says.

 

"So how are we supposed to deal with this?"  Bridget asks.  "My twin sister and I are dating guys who use to be best friends, but who hate each other now.  Are we never supposed to get together with them because of the way you feel about Shawn?"

 

"Well, as long as your sister is dating Shawn Smith, I guess not.''

 

"Alex, you and Shawn use to be best friends."

 

"That was before his grandfather helped him become CEO of Westar and he declared war on my family.  Look, Bridget, I really don't wanna talk about Shawn Smith anymore.  I'm trying to have a good time today.''

 

''Well, fine,"  Bridget says.  "Oh my gosh, I don't believe it."

 

"What?"  Alex asks.  

 

"Cass Winthrop's son Cory is here with his Dad.  I grew up with him.  I'm gonna go say hello.  You coming?"

 

"No, thanks, I'm gonna go get some more barbecue."

 

"Okay, then I'll see you later,"  Bridget says, walking away, making her way over to where her grandmother is chatting with Cass and his son, Cory.  "Hello, Mr. Winthrop,"  she says.

 

"Well, hello, Bridget, how are you?"  Cass asks.

 

"Just fine, thank you.  Hello, Cory."

 

"Well, Bridget McKinnon, just look at you,"  Cory says with a smile.  "You grew up."

 

"Yes, and so did you,"  says Bridget.  "I had no idea you were gonna be here."

 

"And neither did I,"  says Cas.  "Cory showed up at my new office the other day, so naturally I asked him to come with me."

 

"Well, I'm glad you did."

 

"Maybe we'll be seeing more of each other,"  Cory says.  

 

"Yes, Bridget, that's right, Cory is attending the University of Texas on a full scholarship,"  Cass proudly announces.  "So he'll only be a couple hours away."

 

The smile suddenly disappears from Cory's face upon his father's mention of his scholastic achievement.

 

"Cass, can you believe how our children have grown up on us?"  Donna Love asks.  "I can still picture these two playing together under the big Christmas tree at my house when they were 5-years-old."

 

"So can I,"  Cass says.  "Seems like yesterday.  Jake and Vicky would be very proud of how their girls turned out."

 

"Speaking of which, is Michelle here?"  Cory asks.

 

"Umm, no, she's not,"  Bridget replies.

 

"Unfortunately, my other granddaughter is dating a young man the Ewings have some issues with,"  Donna Love says.  "So, since Shawn wasn't invited, Michelle elected not to come."

 

"I see."

 

"Michelle's boyfriend is the CEO of Westar Oil,"  says Bridget.  

 

"You're kidding,"  Cory says.

 

"You've heard of it?"

 

"Well, sure, who hasn't?"  Cory asks as he gets a text on his phone.  He immediately reads the text, then types a reply back.  "Umm, Dad, would you mind if I just went back to the apartment?"

 

"What?  You wanna leave?  But why?"

 

"I actually am not feeling that great.  My stomach kinda hurts.  I guess it was that barbecue I ate."

 

"Well, I'll drive you,"  Cass says.

 

"No, that's okay.  I'll call Uber."

 

"Eh, no need in that.  You take my car, and I'll get a ride home with Jay, or maybe Donna could drop me off?"

 

"Sure, I'll be happy to,"  Donna Love says.

 

Cory smiles.  "Great.  I'll......see you at home, Dad."

 

"Sure you can find your way back to the apartment?"

 

"Dad, come on, I've got GPS on my phone,"  Cory says as he walks away.  

 

"Wow, that was sudden,"  Bridget says.

 

"Yeah, you're telling me,"  says Cass.  "He's been acting kinda strange since he arrived in town."

 

Meanwhile, Lucy is showing off her engagement ring to Justin, Pamela, and Afton.  "Lucy it's gorgeous,"  Pamela says.

 

"Thank you."

 

 

"It's a shame Uncle Mitch couldn't have come to the Bar-B-Q today with you,"  Pamela says.  

 

"I know.  Mitch really wanted to be here but he had to work a double at the hospital."

 

"Well, why didn't Daniel come?"  Afton asks.

 

"Afton, I suppose he didn't want to,"  Lucy says.  "Well, if you'll all excuse me, I'm gonna go talk to Ann.  I'm gonna ask her to be my Maid Of Honor."  Lucy smiles, then walks away.

 

"I sure am happy for Lucy and Uncle Mitch,"  Pamela says.  

 

Afton sighs.  "I just hope THIS one lasts longer than their other two marriages."

 

"Mom, what's wrong with you?  You seem bothered by something."

 

"Well, I have to admit, I'm a little annoyed that Lucy would ask Ann to be her Maid Of Honor and not me."

 

"Mom, you know you and Lucy have never been close,"  Pamela says.

 

"Well, I know that, but I AM Mitch's sister."

 

On the the lawn, Ray, Donna, Conner, Dylan, Ashley, and Debra Lynn are sitting at a table eating some Southfork barbecue.  "Boy this is some of the best darn barbecue Southfork has ever put out,"  Ray says.

 

"I totally agree," Donna says.  "And I do believe Ann has finally mastered Miss Ellie's chilli recipe.  If I didn't know better,I'd swear Miss Ellie had made this herself."

 

"Everything sure is good,"  Conner says.  

 

Ashley looks at her mother.  "Mom, are you okay?  You've hardly eaten anything."

 

"I'm fine, sweetheart, I guess I'm just not hungry."

 

"Are you sure you're okay?"

 

"Debra Lynn, you do look a little pale,"  says Donna.

 

"I just feel a little sick to my stomach, that's all.  I have a chronic stomach condition that flares every now and then.  Nothing to worry about.  But I do think that I'll go to the powder room and splash some water on my face.  That sometimes helps.  Excuse me."  Debra Lynn gets up from the table, mustering all her strength and courage not to show the others that she is in terrible pain, and quietly walks away toward the house.  

 

"I'm really starting to worry about her,"  Ashley says.  

 

"Your Mom's been having these spells of nausea pretty often,"  says Dylan.

 

"I know.  Jimmy's noticed it, too."

 

"Come on, if there were something wrong, I'm sure your Mom would tell you,"  Conner says.  

 

Meanwhile, Lucy is chatting with Bobby and Ann about her upcoming Christmas Eve wedding.   "Lucy, I would be absolutely HONORED to be your Maid Of Honor,"  Ann says.

 

"Oh, Ann, thank you!"  Lucy says, hugging her.  

 

"We'd best get started plannin', "  Ann says.  "Christmas Eve is only a little more than two weeks away."

 

"Well, we won't have much planning to do.  Mitch and  I just want a small, intimate wedding, with just our families present."

 

"Well, I think it's wonderful that Catlin and Sue Ellen have offered their home to have your wedding, Lucy, and, the offer stands to have it at Southfork, but, I do understand why you wouldn't want to,"  Bobby says.

 

"Yes, well, thank you, Uncle Bobby, but, I want THIS marriage to last a lifetime. That's why we're steering clear of having our third wedding at Southfork."

 

"I'm sorry that Mitch couldn't come to the Bar-B-Q,"  says Ann.

 

Lucy sighs.  "Yeah, me, too.  Y'know what?  He'll be getting off in a couple of ours, so, I think I'm gonna cut out of here early and go over to his apartment and take him some good Southfork barbecue and some of Ann's delicious chilli."

 

"Well, come on, I'll help you get a big bowl of chilli to take to Mitch and Daniel,"  Ann says.

 

"Daniel can go hungry for all I care,"  Lucy says.  "I just hope he's not at the apartment when I get there.  Last thing I need today is to deal with that demon kid."

 

As Lucy and Ann head into the kitchen, they pass by Dylan, who exchanges smiles with the two women, then 

when he sees her holding a syringe, a tourniquet tied around her left arm.  He watches as Debra Lynn injects herself with whatever is in the syringe.  Could Ashley's mother be a drug addict?  Dylan wonders to himself as he watches Debra Lynn appear to breathe a sigh of relief after taking the drug.  Not wanting Debra Lynn to know he had seen her, Dylan quietly turns and walks away.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mitch Cooper's apartment....a short time later....

 Lucy walks up to Mitch's apartment door half an hour later.  She puts the large bag of food she is bringing on the floor while she takes the key to the apartment from her pocket.  Unlocking the door, she opens it, picks up the bag of food, and walks into the apartment.  Lucy smiles as she closes the door, then heads into the kitchen with the bag containing food from the Bar-B-Q she is bringing for Mitch to have for dinner when he gets home from the hospital.  As Lucy is about to walk into the kitchen, she hears the sound of voices coming from down the hallway, or rather, what sounds like moaning.  A male voice that sounds like Daniel's.  Oops, Lucy thinks to herself.  She's come at a bad time, as Daniel obviously has a girl over.  She again starts into the kitchen, intending to put the food away, then quietly leave, but she stops suddenly when she hears another voice.......another male voice.  Her curiosity aroused, Lucy quietly slips down the hall to Daniel's bedroom.  She stands outside the bedroom door and listens as she hears Daniel and  another male inside the bedroom.  Unable to control herself, Lucy opens the door and  bursts in on her future stepson in bed with another young man.............a young man who turns out to be none other than Cass Winthrop's son, Cory!  At first, Daniel and Cory are too occupied to even notice that Lucy is standing in the door.  

 

"Well, now, isn't this interesting?"  Lucy asks, startling Daniel to the point that he quickly jumps out of bed, grabbing a blanket in front of him as he stands before Lucy, leaving Cory to scramble to pull a sheet over himself.

 

"Oh my God, Lucy!"  Daniel says, his heart pounding.  "What the hell are you doing here?"

 

"I think the question is, what are YOU doing here?  But that's pretty obvious."  Lucy looks at Daniel, then at Cory, and then, without saying another word, she turns and walks out of the bedroom. 

 

"Dude, who the hell was that?"

 

"My future stepmother from hell,"  Daniel says.  "Dude, I gotta....."  He quickly grabs his jeans off the floor beside the bed, slips them on as fast as he can, and runs out of the bedroom after her.  "LUCY!"  He yells as he runs down the hall.  He catches up to her in the living room as she is about to leave.  "Lucy!"

 

She pauses at the door and turns back to face him.  "What?"  She asks.

 

 

''Are you gonna tell my father about this?"  A nervous Daniel asks.

 

"Why shouldn't I?''  Lucy asks.  ''Just why shouldn't I tell your father all about your little secret?  Especially after the way you've treated me."

 

''Look, you......you can't tell him about this.  I'll do anything you want, but you can't tell my Dad about this.''

 

''Well, this is quite an interesting turn of events,"  Lucy says with a slight smile.  "So, you'll do anything I want?  Kinda looks like this little secret of ours puts me in the driver's seat, doesn't it?"

 

 

Daniel looks at Lucy with anger, his temper rising, infuriated at the thought that he is about to be blackmailed by this woman he loathes with a passion!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

END OF EPISODE 212....