EPISODE 219 - All In The Family, Part 2

Bobby, Ann, Christopher, Courtney, Jacob, Lucas, Heather, Michael, Sue Ellen, Catlin, John Ross, Krystina, Justin, Alex, Clay, Bridget, Michelle, Cass, and Lila are gathered in the living room at Southfork after the revelation that J.R. was Lila's father has been revealed.  

 

''Well?''  Lila says.  ''I'm waitin' for an answer.  Did you all know the truth all this time?  Sue Ellen, did YOU know the truth?  That J.R. was my father?''

 

Sue Ellen looks at the woman and nods.  ''I knew.''

 

''You KNEW about this?''  Cass asks.  ''Sue Ellen, you and Catlin both knew how important this was to Lila, to find out who her father was, and you kept it from her?''

 

''I don't understand,''  Lila says.  "Why?''

''Lila, I'm sorry,''  Bobby says.  ''We all knew, and we should've told you.''

 

''I don't understand why you didn't.  Especially YOU, Sue Ellen.  You're the one who recommended that private investigator to me.  Did you know then?"

 

"No I didn't.''

 

''Look, we found out about all this after you hired Bum to find out who your daddy was,'' John Ross says.  

 

''Then why didn't you tell her?"  Cass asks.

 

"It was because of me,"  Sue Ellen says.  

 

"Because of you?  Sue Ellen, I don't understand,''  Lila says.

 

''Well, then let me just explain,'' says John Ross.  ''My father was married to my mother at the time of your conception and birth, which means that you are a livin', breathing reminder of his infidelity.  My mother has been hurt enough.''

 

"And what about MY hurt?''  Lila angrily asks.  ''Doesn't that count for somethin'?"

 

"Lila, of course it does,''  Bobby says.  

 

''Boys, come on,''  Heather says to Michael and Jacob.  ''You two go out to the livin' room and watch TV or play a game or somethin' for a little while.''

 

''Awww, Mom, can't we stay?''  Michael asks.  "It's just gettin' good."

 

"Nope, come on, out,"  Heather says.  

 

"Darn, everytime something good happens, we have to leave the room,''  Jacob says as he and Michael walk out of the living room.  

 

''Lila, I don't think anyone purposely meant to hurt you,''  Catlin says.  

 

''Yeah?  Well, you sure could've fooled me,''  Lila says.  ''My whole life, there has been somethin' missin' in me, and it's because I didn't know who my father was......who I was.  So what were you people gonna do?  Never tell me the truth and let me continue to go through life not knowin' who my father was?''

 

''Lila, this was a very difficult situation for everyone involved,"  Bobby says.

 

''And why IS that?''  Lila asks.  ''Because my Mama was nothin' but a hooker and her daughter wasn't good enough to be a part of the precious Ewing family?"

 

"Lila, that's not what my father meant,"  Christopher says.

 

"Then what exactly DID he mean?  Maybe you were all afraid I was gonna try and claim a piece of that all mighty Ewing empire.''

 

 

''If you want to blame anyone for this, then blame me, Lila,"  Sue Ellen says.  ''I was the one having trouble facing this.  All during my marriage to J.R., he cheated on me. With one woman after another, even with my own sister.  When I found out that you were J.R.'s daughter, I was deeply hurt.  It was yet another reminder of the pain I endured when I was married to him.''

 

''And to hell with me and MY pain, right?''  Lila asks.  

 

"You think this is is about you?"  John Ross asks.  "Well, I got news for you, lady, it's NOT.  We were ALL taken by surprise when we found this out.  My mother just found out that her husband, the man she loved, had another child out of wedlock born while he was married to her, and time, the mother of that child was a damned prostitute, so how the hell do you think she felt about that?  How's any of us supposed to feel about that?  Were we supposed to just accept you into this house and this family like everything was perfectly normal?"

 

''John Ross, that's enough!"  Bobby angrily says. 

 

"No, it's alright,"  Lila says.  "This has been a really enlightening evening.  I finally know the truth.  After a lifetime of wonderin', I finally know who my father was.  I also know now that I have a family, and just how that family feels.  I see what kind of people you are, and I can tell you, John Ross, and you, too, Sue Ellen, that you don't have a damned thing to worry about.  Because this is the LAST family that I would EVER want to be a part of.  So you can all go straight to hell!"  Lila turns and walks out of the room.

 

"Lila, wait!"  Justin calls to her as she walks into the foyer, but Lila ignores him and storms out of the house.

 

"Cass, I'm sorry,"  Catlin says.  

 

"So am I.  Lila has wanted to find her father and her family for years.  It's a real shame that family turned out to be the Ewings,"  Cass says, then he leaves, following Lila out of the house.  

 

''Nice going, John Ross,"  Christopher says.  "You handled that with all the grace and tact that you handle everything else."

 

''Christopher, this is none of your damned business, so just stay out of it.''

 

''Oh yeah?  You wanna say that to my face?"  Christopher angrily asks, walking over to John Ross.

 

''Alright, that's enough out of both of you!"  Bobby says as John Ross and Christopher stand face to face, angrily glaring at each other.  

 

"Krystina, I think that you and I should go out to dinner,"  John Ross says.  ''Alex, you and Bridget comin'?"  John Ross storms out of the room.  Krystina follows him, and, after a brief hesitation, Alex and Bridget also follow.  

 

Bobby shakes his head and sighs in frustration at this latest dramatic turn of events to plague the Ewing family.

 Cass comes out of his bedroom the next morning and finds Lila standing in the living room, looking out the window.  He watches her for just a moment before walking over to her.  "Lila?"

 

"Mornin',"  she says.  

 

''Did you get any sleep?"  Cass asks.

 

"Not a whole lot.  Kept thinkin' about those people last night.......those Ewings.  Especially Sue Ellen.  I thought I'd found a real friend here.  A friend I could go shoppin' with, share girl talk with, and just enjoy spendin' time with, even if she was older.  But she lied to me.  They all kept the truth from me, Cass.  How could they do that?"

 

"Lila, I'm sorry.  I wish there was something I could say, or do to make you feel better.  Look, I don't understand why the Ewings decided to keep this truth to themselves.  But maybe you shouldn't write them all off.  I think you should reach out to one of them.  Maybe Bobby.  He seems like a decent guy.  Or Justin.  I'm representing him, you know, in an assault case.''

 

''Why should I reach out to them?  They sure as hell didn't reach out to ,me, did they?"

 

Cass lowers his head for a few seconds, then looks at her again.  "What are we gonna do about Cory?"

 

"Cory?  What do you mean?"  Lila asks.

 

''Well, are we gonna tell him about this?  That we now know who his maternal grandfather was, and that he has all these relatives right here in Dallas?"

 

''I don't want our son hurt, Cass.  Cory's just now startin' college down in Austin, and I don't think we should disrupt his life."

 

"Lila, I don't think this would disrupt Cory's life,"  Cass says.  "Cory, and Jasmine both have a right to know, just as you did."

 

At that moment, the doorbell rings.  Cass walks over and opens the door to find Justin.  ''Hi, Cass,''  Justin says.  ''Can I come in?"

 

"Of course, Justin.  Come in."

 

Justin walks into the apartment, and Cass closes the door behind him.  

 

''Justin can I offer you anything?"  Cass asks.

 

''No, thanks, I'm fine.  I just came by to see Lila."

 

"Well, what do you want?"  Lila asks.

 

''I was just hopin' to talk to you,'' Justin says.  "Lila, first of all, I wanna apologize for last night, especially for John Ross.  He never was one for tactfulness.''

 

"Well, at least he said exactly what he felt, which is more than I can say for the rest of you.''

 

"Y'know, you kinda took us all by surprise, showin' up at the ranch like you did last night.  Lila, I for one, would like to start over with you, fresh.  And I'd like to do that by welcomin' you into the family."

 

"You really mean that, don't you, Justin?"  Cass asks.

 

"Yes, I do,"  replies Justin.  "Lila, I'd really like to get to know you, and your fam'ly.  Of course, I know Cass here, since he's actin' as my attorney right now.  But I'd like to know you, and your son........Cory, is it?"

 

"That's right,''  Lila says.  "I also have a daughter, Jasmine."

 

"A daughter?  Really?  Well, where is she?  I mean, she wasn't with you when you came to Southfork for Christmas."

 

"No, Jasmine is back in Bay City.  She goes to college there.  She's a senior this year."

 

"That's great."

 

"What about you?"  Lila asks.  ''You have any children?"

 

"Well, I do have two little stepsons I love like they're mine.  But none of my own yet.''

 

Lila smiles.  "This feels so weird.  Here we are, you're supposed to be my brother, and we're total strangers.  My whole life, not knowin' who my father was, I always wondered if I had any brothers or sisters out there anywhere.  So, I have two brothers.......you and John Ross, huh?''

 

"Well, there were three of us,"  Justin replies.  ''James was our oldest brother.  He died almost two years ago.''

 

"I'm sorry to hear that.''

 

"You also have a sister........Jill.  She and her husband and son live out in California.''

 

''Wow,''  Lila says.  "I've got this whole great big family that I never even knew existed.''

 

"Yeah, you do.  We're a pretty big clan.  There's me, and John Ross, and Jill.  Uncle Bobby, and his wife Ann, and his sons, Christopher and Lucas, Uncle Ray, Uncle Gary, and a whole bunch of other cousins scattered here and there.''

 

''Lila, I have to get to the office,''  Cass says.  ''You two just get acquainted.  Justin, it's good to see you.''

 

''Good to see you, Cass,''  Justin says as Cass grabs his brief case and leaves.

 

''Have you had breakfast?"  Lila asks.

 

"Yes, as a matter of fact, I have.  But I could use a cup of coffee, and we could sit down, and I'll fill you in on the Ewing family tree, and a little history."

 

 "I'd like that,"  Lila says.  "I really would like that.  Make yourself comfortable, and I'll go make us some coffee."

 

''Fine,''  Justin says.  As Lila goes into the kitchen, he takes a seat on the sofa.  

Ewing Oil....

 ''Well, what do you ladies think of our new offices?"  John Ross asks Sly and Sally as he shows the secretaries 

"And I agree,"  says Sally.  "I like this even better than our old offices."

 

"And best thing is, we're a floor above where we use to be, so the view from here'll be even nicer,"  John Ross says.  "Now, then, Sly, your desk will be over there, and Sally, that's yours on the opposite side of the room."

 

''Terrific, I can't wait to get to work,"  Sally says.

 

"And I just love that new office smell,"  Sly says.

 

"Well, I'm glad you ladies like it.  First order of business is to unpack all our files we brought up from the old office, and get those filed away as soon as possible."

 

"We'll get started on that right away, John Ross,"  Sly says.  

 

"Good,"  John Ross says, looking over at his mother's open office door.  He walks over and knocks on Sue Ellen's door.

 

"John Ross, come in,"  she says.

 John Ross walks in and looks around.  "How do you like your new office?"

 

"It's lovely.  I'm glad we made the decision to move."

 

"So am I.  When I heard this floor was for sale, I couldn't pass it up.  We can use the old offices downstairs for our geology department and keep all our other offices there for the time bein'"

 

Sue Ellen nods. "Good idea,"  she says, unenthusiastically.  

 

 

office and takes his phone from his pocket.  He dials Bum's number.  Bum answers after the second ring.  ''Bum, it's me,"  John Ross says.  "Need you to stop by my office in one hour.  Cancel it.  I need to see you in an hour.  Got somethin' I need you to do for me.  I'll see you then."  John Ross ends the call and puts his phone away.

 

 

 

Ewing Oil....later....

 John Ross and Bum are meeting in John Ross's office a little more than an hour later.  ''Bum, I know that Lila Winthrop hired you to find out who her father was, and, unfortunately that led to J.R.  Now, I need for you to tell me everything you know about my newly found half-sister.  What you don't know, I need you to find out."

 

"John Ross, I can't do that," Bum says.  

 

''Bum, I'm not sure I heard you right,"  John Ross says.  "Did you say you can't do that?"  

 

''John Ross, Lila Winthrop is a client.  I can't betray that trust."

 

"Can't?  Or won't?  Bum, do I really have to remind you who has been providin' you with most of your business over the last decade or so?  And who made it possible for you to pay for not only your house, but also your last THREE pickup trucks in cash?  Now tell me, Bum, who WAS that?"

 

"The Ewings,"  Bum replies.  

 

"Yes, that's right.  And I seriously doubt Lila Winthrop could buy that kinda loyalty.  Now, tell me what you know about my new sister.  And her husband, Cass Winthrop."

 

''Well, as you know, I've already told you a good bit of what I know about Lila the night I told you she was J.R.'s daughter,"  Bum says.  ''Lila was born in New Orleans on September 19, 1972.  Her mother was Jessica, or Jessie Hart, a prostitute who often used the aliases Amber Hart, Amber Roberts, and Leanne Rees.  When Lila was 6, Jessie moved here to Dallas and left Lila was her grandmother.  Now at that time, Jessie was using the name Leanne Rees and she was calling Lila Sarah Roberts. That was the name under which she registered the child in kindergarten.  While she was here in Dallas, Jessie, or Leanne, got a job as a model working at The Store in downtown Dallas.  That was retail chain here in Dallas and other cities in Texas back in the early 70s to the mid-80s."

 

"Yeah I know what it was, Bum,"  John Ross says.  "Doesn't that strike you as a bit odd?"

 

"What's that?"

 

''Jessie Hart.  If she knew that J.R.was Lila's father, then, obviously she didn't want Lila to know that or J.R. either, or she would've told him. Yet, she moves here to Dallas, right to the city where J.R. was, and she worked at The Store with my Aunt Pam, Uncle Bobby's first wife, and J.R.'s sister-in-law.  She had to have known that she would run into him eventually.  And if she and my father had some kind of an affair years before, she had to have known there was at least a chance he was her child's father."

 

"Well, there was no shortage of mystery that surrounded Lila's mother, John Ross,''  Bum says.  "Jessie Hart was a lady with a lot of secrets."

 

''So get back to Lila,"  John Ross says. "Tell me more."

 

"Well, after Jessie Hart left Dallas in early '79. she took her daughter back to New Orleans, and resumed her old profession."

 

"Prostitution?"  John Ross asks.

 

"You got it.  For the next year or so, she and Lila, or Sarah as Jessie still called her daughter, lived in a modest apartment in New Orleans, and Jessie did some modeling in addition to her.......other career.  She dated a few men, had a couple relationships, and it was  one of those relationships that turned tragic.  In early 1981, about two years after she left Dallas, and when Lila was just 8, Jessie got into a violent altercation with one of her former lovers on a stormy and rainy night, and the guy pulled out a knife and stabbed her several times........while little Lila stood in the hallway and watched.''

 

''That must have been awful for an 8-year-old,''  John Ross says.

 

"Lila had some pretty bad psychological issues stemmin' from that. After her mother's death, Lila went to live with her grandmother, Elizabeth Hart.  She stayed with the grandmother until she died when Lila was 15.  Then the girl was on her own for a while.  She had an early relationship with a guy she had grown up with, whose family had known Lila's grandmother.  The guy's name was Shane Roberts.  He was a little older than her, and he was a medical student, but the two got into a relationship, and they later got married.  Lila got pregnant, had a miscarriage, and her marriage to Shane started to crumble. Then, things got interesting."

 

"What do you mean.....interesting?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Shane had an affair with a woman named Rebecca Ambrose, and Lila was REAL jealous.  Rebecca ended up dead, murdered, and, Shane was arrested and convicted of the crime.  He was sentenced to death."

 

"So Shane was executed for the murder?"

 

"No,"  Bum replies.  "Turns out, he was innocent.  Shane went to prison for the murder to protect Lila, because he thought SHE had killed Rebecca Ambrose.  But, when the real killer was caught, Shane was released.  By that time, Lila was living with Shane's sister, who took care of her after Shane's conviction for Rebecca's murder.  After Shane got outta prison, he moved up north to Bay City, Illinois to start a new life.  When Lila found out he'd been released, she moved to Bay City, too, in order to get Shane back.  But by that time, Shane was involved with a woman named Victoria Hudson."

 

"Victoria Hudson?  Why does that name sound so familiar?"

 

"Maybe because you know her by her married name, Victoria Hudson McKinnon.  Your son, Alex, is dating this Victoria's daughter."

 

''Victoria Hudson........yes, Bridget and Michelle's Mama."

 

"That's right,"  Bum says.  "To make a long story short, Lila did everything in her power to get Shane away from Vicky Hudson, and she eventually did.  The two got back together, Vicky moved on and ended up with Bridget's father, Jake McKinnon.  Lila wanted to have Shane's baby, but, when she failed to get pregnant by him, she had an affair with another man and got pregnant with his child.  Unfortunately, around that time, Shane Roberts got in a car accident and was killed, along with Vicky's father, Michael Hudson.  Naturally, Lila was devastated."

 

''Sounds like Lila has had quite the drama filled life,''  says John Ross.  

 

''Oh yes.''

 

''So what happened to her after Shane died?"

 

"Well, Lila was a little money hungry.  I guess she inherited that trait from the Ewings."

 

"Very funny.  Would ya get on with it?"

 

"Well, wanting to land herself a rich husband Lila set her sights on the father of her child,a young man by the name of Matthew Cory, who, umm, you're never gonna believe this, had previously been married to an older woman........Vicky Hudson's mother, Donna Love.''

 

John Ross looks at him and smiles.  "You're kiddin'.  So, Donna Love had a thing for younger men, huh?"

 

"Yes, she did."

 

"And I thought Dallas was a town filled with drama.  Sounds like this Bay City has us beat down here."

 

''Lila and Matthew Cory began seeing each other, and he actually delivered their child.  She and Matt Cory got stuck in an elevator, and Lila went into labor.  She almost died but she gave birth to a baby girl, Jasmine Rachel Cassandra Cory, who was born on October 22, 1998, in Bay City.  Lila and Matthew Cory got married a few weeks later, on November 11, 1998, but she didn't get along too well with Cory's mother.  The marriage only lasted a few months, and then it was annulled the following spring. Apparently, Cory had no interest in Lila, except for the child they shared.  So,   By that time, Lila had fallen in love with Cass Winthrop, and after her marriage to Cory was annulled, she and Cass were married on June 25, 1999.  They settled into a fairly quiet life for a while after that.  Their son Cory was born on December 22, 2000.  Cass and Lila separated several times over the years, the last time being in 2016.  The finally divorced in late 2017.''

 

''Bum, just how the hell did you find out all this stuff?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Well, Lila told me a good bit of her life story when she hired me to find out about her family.  The rest, I dug up myself.  I had one of my men go to Bay City, and talk to some people who knew Lila, including Bridget's aunt, Marley Hudson, Donna Love's daughter.  I also did some digging in New Orleans."

 

John Ross sighs.  ''Doesn't really sound like there's much there that I can use as leverage.''

 

''Lile has plenty of skeletons in her background, but, they're all pretty much out in the open."

 

''Well, I just feel like there's gotta be somethin' more there,''  John Ross says.  ''A woman who's got that much drama and chaos in her background has to have somethin' to hide.  I want you to dig a little deeper Bum.  If Lila has any skeletons still in her closet........I want you to find them."

 

''John Ross, would you mind if I ask why?  Lila Winthrop is your half-sister.  She's J.R.'s daughter.  You're gonna have to accept that."

 

"Well, you pretty much said it yourself, Bum.  Lila is money hungry.  And you can bet your bottom dollar it won't be long before Lila tries to lay claim to part of the Ewing fortune, or anything that was J.R.'s.  And I for one, have no intention of givin' up anymore of my inheritance than I've already had to.  Find somethin' on this woman that I can use, Bum.  If you can't find anything on Lila, then check out her husband.  Hell, check out both of her kids.  But find somethin'."

 

Bum sighs as he stands from his seat.  "John Ross, I don't like this.  Lila Winthrop is a nice lady."

 

"Bum, you don't have to like it, just DO it.  Right now."

 

Bum nods, then quickly leaves the office.  After he's gone, John Ross walks to his bar and pours himself a glass of bourbon.  He walks to the window and looks out as he takes a sip of his bourbon.  ''No, sir,"  he says to himself.  "I have enough siblings.  I don't need anymore."

Braddock Middle School......afternoon....

''Boy that test in Mr. Connor's class really kicked my butt,"  Jacob says as he and Michael make their way down the crowded hallway of Braddock Middle School.  "I studied like crazy, but I still didn't know half the answers.  How do you think you did?"

 

"I think  did alright,"  Michael says.  

 

"Yeah, well I suck at science and you're good at it.  Dude, I could really use your help tonight with our homework."

 

"Yeah, okay, sure, I'll help," Michael says as the bell rings.

 

"Well, I gotta get to Mr. Miller's class,"  says Jacob.  "I'll see ya later."

 

Michael nods as Jacob walks away from him down the hall.  Michael stops at his locker.  As he is unlocking it, he looks down the hall at some of the other kids.  Once again, Michael begins to feel small compared to some of the other middle school boys, almost all of whom are taller than he is.  Michael sighs as he angrily slams his locker shut after retrieving the book he needs.

 

''Hey, what's got you so pissed off?"  Asks another boy, standing two lockers away from Michael.  

 

"What?"  Michael says.  

 

"I asked you what's got you so pissed off that you'd take it out on that locker," the other boy says.

 

"It's.......nothin',"  replies Michael.  "Just not havin' a very good day, that's all."

 

The other boys sighs deeply.  "Yeah, neither am I."

 

"Hey, you're new here, aren't you?"  Michael asks.

 

"Yeah, I am.  This is my first day.  My Mom and I just moved here to Braddock."

 

"Oh, cool.  Well, welcome."

 

"Thanks.  I'm Bryce.  Bryce Richardson."

 

"Hi.  I'm Michael Ewing."

 

"Nice to meet you, Michael Ewing.  What grade are you in?"

 

"6th."

 

"I'm in 7th,"  Bryce says as the bell rings.  

 

"Hey, I'd better get to Social Studies,"  says Michael.  "It was real nice meeting you, Bryce.  Hey, you wanna maybe hang out after school?  You could come over to my house.  I live on a ranch."

 

Bryce smiles.  "I'd like that.  I'll call my Mom right after school.  She's workin' late tonight, so I'm sure she won't mind."

 

"Great.  Umm, meet me out front right after school,"  Michael says as he hurries down the hall.  

 

"I'll see ya then,"  Bryce yells to him as Michael hurries away.  Bryce smiles again, happy to have made a friend on his first day at a new school.

Klyde Warren Park....afternoon....

 Brad and Pamela purchase two chili dogs at a food truck at Klyde Warren Park in Dallas in the afternoon.  "Thank you,"  Brad says as he pays the cashier for his and Pamela's chili dogs.  Taking their food, the two begin walking.

 

"Thanks for the chili dog," Pamela says.  

 

"You're welcome.  How are things with you and Justin?"  Brad asks.

 

''Not so great.  I feel like we're at a stalemate.  Justin was so angry. So hurt.  I really messed up this time."

 

"Pamela, what exactly happened between you and Justin?"

 

"Do you really care?"  Pamela asks.

 

''Pamela, I'm not gonna lie to you,"  Brad says.  "I haven't been shedding any tears over your and Justin's separation."

 

"Well, gee, thanks,"  Pamela says.  

 

''Oh, come on, I didn't mean it the way it sounded.  But you know how I feel about the Ewings, and I hate my sister being married to one of them.  What exactly happened between the two of you, anyway?"

 

''I really don't wanna talk about it.  Why did you wanna see me, anyway?"

 

"I have some news,"  Brad says.  

 

"Well, I sure hope it's good news."

 

"Oh, it's great,"  Brad says.  "You are at this very moment, having lunch with the newest member of the newly formed Oil Regulatory Commission."

 

Pamela stops walking and turns to him.  "What?"

 

"That's right.  I'm going to be appointed to the Commission.  The governor should be making the announcement in the next week or two."

 

''What?  Brad, how is that possible?"  Pamela asks.  "That's a major conflict of interest since you work for Westar, an oil company that Commission is set up to oversee."

 

Brad smiles.  "No, there's no conflict of interest at all, because I resigned from Westar a few days ago."

 

"You quit your job on hopes of being appointed to the ORC?"

 

"That should make you happy,"  Brad says.  "You've been after me to quit Westar ever since I started working there."

 

"Yes, but I only wanted you to quit for the right reasons, Brad,"  Pamela says.

 

''And being appointed to one of the most powerful positions in the entire state isn't a right reason?"

 

"Not if you're just gonna use that position to wage war on the Ewings.  And I know that's exactly what you're gonna do.  That's the same position Daddy wanted a year ago, and now the governor is going to appoint YOU in his place?"

 

''Who better to carry on Cliff's legacy than his own son?"

 

"That depends on which legacy you're talking about,"  Pamela says.  "Brad, our father did a lot of good in his life.  As a young lawyer, he was a crusader for truth and good.  But he also had a darker legacy.  A legacy that was characterized by his hatred of the Ewing, and unfortunately, that's the legacy that drove him.  Daddy spent so much of his life and energy on fighting the Ewings and trying to destroy them, that it ended up destroying HIM more than once.  I don't wanna see you go down that same road."

 

"So, "I'm supposed to just forget and forgive everything the Ewings have done to our family.  What they did to our father?  To our grandfather?  What they've done to ME?''

 

"I'm not saying that.  The past can never really be forgotten.  But you don't have to repeat it, and that's exactly what you'll be doing if you use that Commission to wage war on the Ewings."

 

Brad is about to say something when he looks over Pamela's shoulder and sees Justin walking toward them.  "Speaking of the Ewings, here comes that husband of yours now."

 

"What?"  Pamela asks.  Turning around, she sees him.

 

Justin walks up to them.  ''Pamela,"  he says.  ''Brad.''

 

''Justin,'' Brad says, a tone of rudeness in his voice.

 

''Pamela, can we talk?''  Justin asks.

 

"Well, that's my cue to leave.  I have a meeting, anyway.  Pammy, I'll talk to you later.''  Brad kisses  his sister on the cheek, then walks away.  

 

 

''How'd you know I would be here?"  Pamela asks.  

 

"I went by the apartment.  Afton was there with the boys and she told me you were meetin' Brad here."

 

"What did you want to talk about?"

 

''About us,''  Justin replies.  

 

"Good.  I've been wanting to do just that for the last couple of weeks.  Justin, before you say anything, let me say something.''

 

''Sure, go ahead,''  Justin says.

 

"Justin, I made mistakes.  A lot of them.  One of the biggest mistakes of my life was letting Shawn into it.  I'm not making excuses, but it was at a time in my life when I felt more alone than ever.  I had the boys, and my Mom and Dad were there for me, but I still felt so alone without you.  Alone, miserable, and hopeless.  Shawn was so kind and understanding.  Of course, I had no idea then that all he wanted was to get me into a position to be able to blackmail me for Hunter's Westar stock.''  Pamela pauses for a moment and begins to cry.  ''You had pushed me away.  Told me to get on with my life and not to come see you again.  I needed someone."

 

Justin moves closer to her and places his hands on her shoulders.  "Pamela, I know.  What hurt me the most was not the fact that you slept with that snake.  Although I do admit, that DOES hurt.  But the most painful thing is that you kept this from me."

 

"I know,"  Pamela says in tears.  "But I was so afraid to.  I love you so much, and I didn't want to lose you."

 

"Did you really think that I was gonna leave you for makin' a mistake?  Pamela, no, I wouldn't.  Pamela, my pride was hurt.  It also hurt me that you didn't have enough faith in me or in our marriage to tell me the truth.  That made me feel bad, Pamela.  REAL bad.  So I needed some time away from you to do some thinkin'."

 

"And?  Have you done your thinking?"  Pamela asks.

 

"Yeah, I have.''

 

"And did it help?"

 

 

"Oh yes.  It helped a lot,"  Justin says with a nod.  "Pamela, I love you.  And I love the boys. I love y'all with all my heart, and I don't wanna live without you.  I'm not sure that I could live without you and those two little guys."

 

"Justin, are you saying what I hope you're saying?  That you're coming home?"

 

Justin nods.  "Yeah.  I had a talk with Krystina last night, and I spent most of today with Lila.  She had so many questions about the family, and I tried to fill in the blanks for her as best I could.  Those two helped me realize that family is the most important thing in the world, and I want mine back."

 

Pamela looks at him and smiles through her tears.  Then he and Justin kiss.

Braddock Middle School....

 Bryce Richardson, the new boy at Braddock Middle School, is waiting outside the school with his skateboard that afternoon when Michael and Jacob come out of the building at the end of the school day.  Seeing his new friend waiting on the side of the building, Michael rushes over to him, followed by Jacob.  "Hey, Bryce,"  he says.

 

"Hey, Michael."

 

"Bryce, this is my cousin, Jacob,"  Michael says.  

 

"Hey, man,"  Jacob says, shaking hands with the new boy.  "Michael told me about you today.  Said you just moved here?" 

''Hey, guys,"  Heather says.

 

"Mom, this is my new friend, Bryce,"  Michael says.  "He just moved here and this was his first day of school."

 

"Well, hello, Bryce, it's good to meet you."

 

"Good to meet you too, Mrs. Ewing."

 

''Mom, can he come over to Southfork this afternoon? I told him we could ride horse or four wheelers."

 

"Well, I dunno.  Bryce, have you asked your folks?"

 

"Yes, ma'am I called my Mom at work, and she said it's fine with her as long as I get home by 9 tonight."

 

''Alright, then, y'all hop in,"  Heather says.   The three boys toss their bookbags into Heather's trunk, then get into the car, Michael in the front seat with his mother and Jacob and Bryce in back  "Buckle up,"  Heather says.  She starts her car, and drives off.

The Krebbs Ranch....

 Loaded with bales of hay on a trailer hooked behind it, a large green truck drives up to a gate leading into a pasture at the Krebbs Ranch that afternoon and comes to a stop.  Dylan gets out of the truck, opens the gate, and Ray drives the truck into the pasture.  Dylan closes the gate again as Ray drives the truck on into the pasture and brings it to a stop again.  Dylan runs over to him as Ray gets out of the truck.  ''Well, this is the last load,"  Ray says.

 

"Uh-huh,"  Dylan says, beginning to unload the hay from the truck.  The two begin working in silence, unloading the bales of hay from the truck.  After almost a full minute, Ray looks over at Dylan.  

 

''Dylan, uh, somethin' botherin' you?"  Ray asks.

 

"What makes you ask?"

 

''Well, you've hardly said ten words all day, and ya been walkin' around here for the past couple weeks lookin' like you lost your best friend,"  Ray says.  

 

Dylan looks down and half way smiles.  "Never could fool you, could I?"

 

"No, you never could.  You're kind of an open book.  You're a lot like me.  You wear your heart on your sleeve."

 

"Guess it runs in the family,"  Dylan says.  

 

"Yeah, I guess it does.  Dylan, if there's something botherin' you that you need to talk about, let's get it out in the open."

"Well, you're right, Ray,"  Dylan says.  "I do have something on my mind, but, I'm not real sure I can talk about it."

 

"Might help.  Is there a problem between you and Ashley?"

 

''No, Ashley and I are fine.  Just fine."  Dylan pauses for a few seconds, then lets out a deep sigh.  "Ray, let me ask you something.  If you know something about someone.........something that no one else knows, and this person asked you to keep it to yourself.......would you?"

 

"Sure I would,'' Ray replies.  "Did this person tell you this secret in confidence, or did you just happen to find out about it yourself?"

 

"I found out by accident.  When I confronted........this person........they begged me not to tell anyone."

 

"This.......secret.........sounds real serious,"  Ray says.  

 

"Yeah, it is."

 

"Well, I can tell it's really botherin' you."

 

"It's doin' more than that, Ray.  It's eating me up inside."

 

"Well, Dylan, I'm not gonna try to pressure you or anything but, if this thing is so important it's got you this worked up, then maybe it'd help if you DID tell somebody.  You know, I'm a good listener, and I might be able to help.''

 

''Ray.......I........I just don't know.  I trust you more than I trust just about anybody else.  I feel like I'd be breaking a confidence if I tell, but then on the other hand, if I don't tell somebody and get this off my chest, I feel like I'm gonna go crazy."

 

"Well, I don't think you wanna go crazy, now, do ya?"  Ray asks.

 

Dylan smiles slightly.  "No, I wouldn't.  I've already been there and done that."

 

"So why don't ya tell me what's eatin ya?"

 

''Ray, I found out something about Debra Lynn.  Something she doesn't want Jimmy and Ashley to know yet."

 

"Somethin' real serious, you say?"

 

Dylan nods.  "As serious......and bad......as it gets.  Ray, Debra Lynn is dying."

 

A look of complete shock comes over Ray's face upon hearing Dylan's words.  ''What?  Did you say that Debra Lynn is.......dyin'?"

 

"Yeah,"  Dylan replies, struggling to hold back his tears.  "She has cancer, and she only has a short while to live."

 

"My God.  And Jimmy and Ashley don't know?"

 

"No, they don't.  You see, Debra Lynn sees her kids and how their lives have seemed to have fallen into place lately.  Jimmy is running Ewing Records, and he seems happy with his life.  He and Ashley are happier right now than they've been in a long, long time.  And Debra Lynn doesn't want to destroy that for them.  She doesn't wanna take their happiness away, so she wants to keep this awful news from them for as long as possible."

 

''Well, how long does she think that's gonna be possible?"  Ray asks.  ''Especially if she only has a little while left to her."

 

"I dunno.  I've tried and tried to convince her that they need to know, but, she won't have it.  But it's only a matter of time before they're gonna have to know."

 

"Well, they need to know now.  Debra Lynn needs the love and support of her family. Not just Jimmy and Ashley, but all of us."

 

"Ray, I know,"  Dylan says.  "But convincing Debra Lynn of that is like talking to the back of that truck right there.  One of my biggest concerns is how this is gonna affect Ashley.  She and her mother are so close.  And not only that, if Ashley finds out that I've known since Christmas about her mother's illness.........will she ever forgive me for keeping it from her?"

 

''That's a tough spot to be in, Dylan,"  Ray says.  ''Son, I wish I could tell you what to do here.  But really, it's all up to Debra Lynn.  It's her life, her sickness.  And if she doesn't want anybody to know, then you're just gonna have to honor and respect that.

 

Dylan looks at him and nods.  "Yeah, you're right.  Well, might as well get this hay unloaded."

 

Ray smiles at him and the two resume their work.

Southfork....

"How ya doin', Bryce?"  Lucas asks.

 

"Just fine, Mr. Ewing, thanks."

 

"You call me Lucas.  So what are you boys up to?"

 

"Just out ridin',"  says Michael.  

 

"Okay, well you boys be careful on those things."

 

"We will, Dad."

 

"Well, Ricky and I have got some work to do, so we'll see y'all later.  Bryce, real nice to meet you."

 

"Nice to meet you, too, Mr. Ewing........uh........Lucas,"  Bryce says.

 

Lucas smiles, then gets back into the truck and drives away with Ricky. 

 

''Your Dad's kinda young,"  Bryce says.

 

"Yeah, he's 32, I think.  He and my Mom were real young when she got pregnant with me."

 

''Hey, guys, let's ride up to two stick pasture,"  Jacob says.  "I'll race ya."

 

"Let's go,"  Michael says.  The three start up their vehicles and race off across the prairie.

Cass Winthrop's apartment....evening....

 Cass walks into his apartment as darkness begins to set over the city of Dallas that evening.  As he walks into the apartment, he is instantly hit by the aroma of food coming from the kitchen.  ''Lila?"  He calls out.

 

"Well, hey," Lila says, walking into the living room.

 

"Hey, what smells so good?  Is that........"

 

"It sure is,"  Lila says with a smile.  ''Your favorite dish, chicken cacciatore."

 

Cass takes in a deep breath.  "Hmmm, when I walked in I thought I'd died and gone to Heaven.  No one makes chicken cacciatore like you.  Why'd you decide to make it tonight?"

 

''Well, judging from the good mood you're in, you must have had a really good day."

 

 Heather's car pulls up in front of the Richardson home in Braddock that night and comes to a stop, Heather and Michael in the front, and Bryce in the back seat.  "Thanks for drivin' me home, Mrs. Ewing,''  Bryce says. ''And thanks for havin' me over today.''

 

''Oh, you're welcome, sweety,"  Heather says with a smile.  

 

"I had a great time, Bryce,"'  Michael says.  

 

''Me, too."

 

"Maybe you can come over this weekend and spend the night.  Okay, Mom?"

 

"It's okay with me if it's okay with Bryce's Mom,"  Heather says.

 

''You wanna come in and meet her?''  Bryce asks.

 

''Maybe next time, honey, it's gettin' late,"  Heather replies.  

 

"Okay, well, thanks again.  Bye, Michael.''

 

"See ya at school tomorrow,"  Michael says as Bryce gets out of the car.  Heather and Michael watch as Bryce walks up the driveway to the house and goes in, then they drive away.

 

Meanwhile, Bryce walks into his modestly furnished home and tosses his book bag onto the floor in the front hall.  

 

"Bryce, is that you?"  A woman's voice calls from another room.

 

"Yeah, Mom, it's me.''

 

 

Bryce's mother, an attractive middle aged woman, walks into the room.  "Hi, honey.  Did you have a good time at your friend's house?"

 

"Yeah, I did.  Thanks for letting me go over.''

 

"Well, I figured it was better than you spending another evenin' here at home by yourself.  So, tell me about your friend.  You said his name is Michael?"

''Yeah, Mom,'' Bryce says.  ''You should see the ranch the Ewings live on.  It's called Southfork, and you won't believe how big this place is."

 

The smile quickly disappears from Bryce's mother's face.  "Bryce, did you say........Ewing?  Southfork?"

 

"Yeah, I did.  Why?"

 

"Bryce, your friend, he's a Ewing?"

 

"Yeah, Mom.  Michael Ewing.  He and his cousin Jacob are really cool.''

 

''The.......The Ewings of Southfork?"  Bryce's mother asks, her voice shaky.

 

"That's right.  Well, I'm pretty tired, Mom, so I'm gonna go get a quick shower and head to bed.  Night, Mom.''

 

"Night, honey,"  Mrs. Richardson says as her son leaves the room.  She leans against the wall and tries to fight the tears that begin streaming down her cheeks.  Obviously, something about the mention of the Ewings, and the realization that her son befriended one of them, had upset the woman.  

Southfork....the next morning....

 John Ross and Alex walk into the living room at Southfork the next morning.  ''What'd you wanna talk to me about?"  Alex asks.

 

"Bridget's older brother, he still run that computer software comp'ny?"   John Ross asks.

 

"Yeah, Steven he runs Frame Technologies.  Why?"

 

''Well, I was thinkin' about throwin' a little Ewing Oil business his way.  Our contract with Brent Software ends next week, and we need a new firm to buy all our comp'ny computers, software, and computer supplies from.  So, I thought about Bridget's brother and his comp'ny."

 

''Hey, that's great,"  Alex says.  "I know Steven would love to have Ewing Oil's business."

 

"Great.  I know his comp'ny did business with Westar a while back, so why not Ewing Oil, too?  So, since you're datin' his sister, I was thinkin' maybe you could talk to him about handlin' our business."

 

"Sure, I'd love to,"  Alex says.  "In fact, next week we have a three day weekend from school.  Bridget's been talking about wanting to see her brother.  So, she and I could go to New York this weekend and I can talk to Steven about it, and I could see Mom while I'm there, too."

 

"That's just what I was thinkin'."

 

Alex smiles.  "I'll tell Bridget when I see her at school this morning.  Michelle might wanna come along, too."

 

"Y'all can take the Ewing jet,"  John Ross says.  "Come on, let's have some breakfast."

Justin and Pamela's apartment....

 

Justin and Pamela are laying in bed that morning after spending their first night together in more than two weeks.  Justin smiles as he looks at his wife.  "It's 8 o'clock.  The boys will be up in a few minutes.  We should be gettin' up.''

 

''I know.  But I don't wanna get up.  I could stay right here in your arms for the rest of my life."

 

"So could I."

 

"I'm so glad you're home,''  Pamela says.  ''Where you belong."

 

"Me, too.  I love you, Pamela.  And, now that I'm home, I think it's time I started figurin' out what I wanna do with my life."

 

"What do you mean?"  Pamela asks, looking at him.  

 

"I need somethin' to give my life meanin'.  Providin', that is, I don't go to jail for beatin' the crap out of that snake Shawn Smith."  

 

''I don't even wanna think about that."

 

"Neither do I.  Cass said that the longer he can put the case off, the better."

 

"This whole thing is all my fault,"  Pamela says.  

 

Justin sighs.  "No, darlin', it's MINE.  I shouldn't have gone after Smith the way I did.  Least not until I calmed down some.  I was just so damned mad at what that bastard had done to you."

 

Pamela sits up in bed.  "Justin, please, let's not talk about Shawn Smith.  I'm too happy to have you home to spoil it with talk about him."

 

Justin sits up in bed and smiles at her as he gently strokes Pamela's brown hair.  "You're right.  Y'know, I think I might drop in on Jimmy today.  Maybe see if he wants to have lunch.  We haven't seen much of each other at all lately, since his Mama's been in town."

 

"I think that would be nice.  I'm having lunch with Mom today."

 

"Pamela, is Afton still thinkin' about sellin' Afton's Lounge?"  

 

"No, I think she's changed her mind about that,"  Pamela replies.  "Which, I'm happy she has.  With my father gone, Mom needs something to keep her busy."

 

Justin sighs.  "Yeah, I know the feelin'."

 

"You sound like you're bored."

 

"Well, yes, AND no.  I could never be bored with my life with you and the boys.  But I AM bored with other parts of my life.  I mean, I know with that Westar stock and with your inheritance AND mine, neither of us has to worry about workin' another day in our lives.  We have enough money to last us two lifetimes."

 

"But, you don't like just sitting around and doing nothing,"  Pamela says.

 

"That's right, darlin', I don't,"  Justin says.  "In fact, I can't stand it.  Because that's never been me.  I need somethin' to do.  Somethin' that's mine."

 

"What about Ewing Records?"

 

"I turned that over to Jimmy.  Besides, sittin' in an office, that's not my thing either.  Y'know, Pamela, sometimes, I really miss my ranch."

 

As Pamela is about to say something, the bedroom door opens and little Hunter walks in.  

 

"Mommy,"  the toddler says.  

 

"Oh, good morning, baby,"  Pamela says as she goes over to meet her son and pick him up.  "Are you ready for breakfast?"

 

"Yes!"  The boy replies enthusiastically as Pamela and Justin laugh.  

 

"Well, then come on.  Let's get your brother and get you two fed,"  Pamela says, leaving the bedroom with Hunter.  Justin watches them with a smile, happy and proud of his little family.

Southern Methodist University....later....

   Alex is walking out of Dallas Hall at SMU later that morning, after his first class, when he sees Bridget walking away from the building with one of her friends.  He smiles, then hurries to catch up to the girls as they stop on the walkway and begin talking.

 

"Are you and Alex going to Tiffany's party this Saturday night?"  The other girl asks.

 

"I dunno,"  Bridget replies.  "I'll have to see if Alex wants to."

 

 

''Well, if you do come, bring your sister,''   the other girl says.

''Well, I don't think we'll be able to,'' says Alex.

 

''Oh, how come?"  Bridget asks.  

 

"Well, you know we have a long, three day weekend coming up, so, how would you like to go with me to New York to see your brother Steven?"

 

"New York?  To see Steven?"  Bridget asks excitedly.

 

"Yeah.  My Dad wants me to see Steven about handling all of Ewing Oil's computer and tech needs from now on,  So, I thought it'd be a great time for you to go and visit your brother, and we could see my Mom while we're there."

 

"Well, definitely YES!"

 

Kaylee smiles.  "Well, looks like I won't be seeing the two of you at Tiffany's party, then."

 

"Afraid not.  Sorry,"  says Bridget.

 

"Hey, don't be, girl.  I would much rather have a weekend in New York than go to that party, myself.  Listen, I gotta get to Chemistry class.  I'll see you guys later."

 

"Bye, Kaylee,"  Alex says as Kaylee walks away.  

 

Bridget smiles and hugs him.  "Alex, I can't believe it.  A trip to New York, to see Steven.  And I'll get to meet his new wife."

 

"His wife?  I didn't know your brother got married."

 

"Oh, I thought I told you.  Yeah, he got married a few days ago.  He called Grandma and told her,and I talked to him.  Some girl he met in New York at a party or something."

 

"Maybe Michelle would like to come with us,''  Alex says.

 

''Sure, I'll ask her.  If she can tear herself away from your cousin Clay long enough.''

 

Alex smiles as he and Bridget begin walking.

Ewing Oil....

 Sally is working at her desk at Ewing Oil, while Sly is placing a file into the file cabinet when Lila steps off the elevator.  She looks around the elegant new office, impressed, then approaches Sly as she returns to her desk.  ''Excuse me,"  Lila says.

 

"May I help you?"  Sly asks.

 

At that moment, Bobby comes out of his office.  "Lila?"  He says, walking over to her.  "Well, hello."

 

"Hello, Bobby."

 

"This is certainly a surprise."

 

"Well, actually, I came by to see Sue Ellen."

 

"Well, I think she's in her office, itn't she, Sly?"  Bobby asks.

 

"No, I'm afraid she's left,"  Sly says.  "Catlin came by and took her to lunch early.

 

"Darn, I was really hopin' to see her."

 

"You could leave a message if you'd like.  May I have your name?"

 

"Lila Winthrop."

 

John Ross comes out of his office.  He is surprised to see Lila in the office.  "Well, well,"  he says, walking over to her and Bobby.  "Lila.  What are you doin' here?"

 

"Not that it's any of your business, but I'm here to see your Mama."

 

"I kinda doubt she wants to see you,''  John Ross says.

 

"John Ross, why don't you give it a rest?" Bobby asks.

 

"It's alright, Bobby, I think I can handle John Ross,"  Lila says.  

 

"Why don't you step into my office?"  John Ross asks.  "There are some things I think you and I need to discuss."

 

"John Ross,"  Bobby says.

 

"It's fine, Bobby,"  says Lila.  "I think John Ross is right.  There ARE some things he and I need to talk about."  Smiling, Lila walks past John Ross and into his office.  John Ross follows her in and closes the door behind them as Bobby and Sly watch.  

 

  "Lovely office,"  Lila says as she looks around John Ross's new office. 

 

"Thank you.  Offer you a drink?"

 

"I'd love one,"  Lila replies.  "Bourbon, please."

 

John Ross looks at her curiously.  "Bourbon," he says, walking to his bar.  "That was always Daddy's drink of choice, bourbon and branch.  It's mine, too."

 

"I guess a taste for bourbon must run in the family, then."

 

"I suppose."  John Ross pours two glasses of bourbon and hands one to Lila.  

 

''What did you wanna see me about?"  Lila asks.

 

  Michael, Jacob, and Bryce are walking out of Braddock Middle School that afternoon.  "You wanna see if you can come over to Southfork this weekend?"  Michael asks.  "Maybe you can spend the night."

 

"Sure, I'll ask my Mom,"  Bryce says.  "There she is now."  Bryce points to a Toyota Camry parked in front of the school.  

 

"I thought your Mom worked in the afternoon,"  says Jacob.  

 

"She works at the hospital, so she works different shifts.  "She goes in later tonight.  Come on, I'll introduce you guys to her."  The three boys make their way down over to where Bryce's mother is parked.  "Mom,"  Bryce says to her.  

 

"Hi, honey."

 

"Mom, I'd like to meet my friends.  This is Michael Ewing, and Jacob Reed.  Remember I told you about them yesterday?"

 

"Yes, of course,"  Mrs. Richardson says.  "Hello, boys."

 

"Hi, Mrs. Richardson,"  Michael says.  

 

"Mom, Michael invited me over to Southfork this weekend."

 

"Yeah, maybe Bryce could spend the night on Saturday."

 

"Well, I.....I don't know,"  Mrs, Richardson nervously says.  "We'll.....we'll see."

 

Courtney's car drives up and comes to a stop behind Bryce's mother's car.  "Hey, there's my Mom,"  Jacob says.  

 

Courtney gets out of the car and walks over to them.  "Hi,"  Courtney says.

 

"Hi, Mom,"  Jacob says.  

 

"Hi, honey.  Hello, Bryce,"  says Courtney.  

 

"Hi.  Mrs. Ewing, this is my Mom," Bryce says.

 

 

Courtney walks up to the car.  "Hi, Mrs. Richardson.  Courtney Ewing."

 

''Hello.  I'm Connie Richardson.  I really wanna thank you for having Bryce over yesterday."

 

"Oh, it's no problem," Courtney says.  "We were glad to have him.  Jacob says that you and Bryce just moved here.''

 

''Yes, we just moved here from San Antonio,''  Connie Richardson says, appearing to be very nervous talking to Courtney.  ''Bryce, honey, we'd better go."

 

''Okay, Mom.  I'll see you guys tomorrow, and I'll let you know if I can come over,"  Bryce says, getting into his mother's car.

 

"I have an idea,"  says Courtney.  "Mrs. Richardson, are you free tomorrow night, by any chance?"

 

"Yes, as a matter of fact, I am.  I'm off tomorrow."

 

''Terrific,''  Courtney says.  "Why don't you and Bryce come over to Southfork for dinner?"

 

"Oh, we couldn't impose."

 

"Believe me, it would be no imposition.  Please, we'd really love it if you could come.  Show you some real Braddock hospitality."

 

"Can we, Mom?"  Bryce asks.

 

Connie looks at her son, then at Courtney.  "Sure, why not?"  She finally says.  

 

"Wonderful,"  Courtney says.  "We always have dinner at 7, so, come around 6:30?"

 

"Yes, fine."

 

"Okay, we'll see you then,"  Courtney says.

 

Connie looks at her and nods, then she starts the car, and she and Bryce drive away, Connie appearing to be very nervous and reluctant about her upcoming dinner at Southfork. 

 

"Mom, how do you like Michael and Jacob?"  Bryce asks his mother in the car.

 

"Umm, they seem like very nice boys."

 

"Yeah, I told you they were.  I think I'm really gonna like living here, especially now that I've made two really good friends."

 

Connie looks at her son sadly, a look of worry on her face, making it obvious that she somehow knows the Ewings, and isn't at all happy about having dinner with them.

The Cattlemen's Club....that night....

 ''Thank you,"  Bobby says to the waitress who refills his glass at The Cattlemen's Club as he and Ann are having dinner with Ray and Donna that night.  After refilling Bobby's glass, the waitress refills Donna's and then Ray's.

 

"Thanks,"  Ray says, and the girl walks away.  

 

''Well, I sure am glad that the four of us came out to dinner tonight,"  Donna says.  

 

"So am I,"  agrees Bobby.  "It's been a long time since we've all been out together like this."

 

"And it's been fun, we should do this more often,"  Ann says.  

 

"I'll second that,"  says Donna.

 

Bobby looks over at Ray and takes notice of how bothered Ray seems to be about something.  "Well, it appears that not ALL of us are havin' such a good time,"  he says.  Ray completely ignores the statement.

 

Donna looks over at her husband.  "Ray?"

 

"Huh?   I'm sorry, what?"

 

"Ray, you have been acting strange all evening,"  Bobby says.  "It's not like you to be so quiet.  Obviously somethin's botherin' you."

 

''I'm sorry, everyone, I don't mean to be such a downer,"  Ray says.  

 

"Honey, what is it?  You've been unusually quiet all day,''  Donna says.  

 

"Oh, I guess I've just got a lot on my mind tonight, but it's nothin'.  Bob, I guess I'm havin' a little trouble processin' what you told us.  That Lila Winthrop is J.R.'s daughter and our niece."

 

"Yeah, well, I'm still tryin' to process that one myself,"  Bobby says.

 

"Well, I have to say that I'm not at all surprised,"  Donna says.  

 

''Why do you say that, Donna?"  Ann asks.

 

''Because, given the fact that J.R. slept his way through at least half the women in Dallas, maybe Texas, I'm not surprised that another of his offspring has turned up.  What honestly DOES surprise me is that 50 more haven't arrived on Southfork's doorstep yet."

 

Bobby, Ann, and Ray laugh at the comment.  "Hey. how about you?"  Ann asks, looking at Bobby.  

 

"What about me?"  Bobby asks.  

 

"Should I be expecting any surprises to show up some day claiming you as their father?"

 

"Well, I don't think so, I was always careful,"  Bobby says.   "How about you, Ray?"

 

"Bite your tongue,"  says Donna.  "I think Heath is enough to last us a lifetime."

 

"Speakin' of Heath, how's he doin' down in Galeveston?"  Bobby asks.

 

"He's doin' real good,"  replies Ray.  "He's managing that housing development down there and he seems to be enjoying it."

 

"Well, hello,"  comes the voice of Cass Winthrop as he and Lila walk up to their table.

 

''Cass, Lila, hello,"  Bobby says.  

 

"Imagine seein' you twice in one day,"  Lila says to Bobby.

 

"Oh, I know.  Cass and Lila Winthrop, I'm not sure if you officially met Ray and Donna at Southfork on Christmas, but, this is Ray and Donna Krebbs.  Ray is my brother, and J.R.'s brother."

 

Lila looks at Ray and smiles.  "Well, then, I guess that makes you my uncle, too, then, huh?"

 

Ray smiles.  "Yeah, I guess it does."

 

"I remember seeing you both at Southfork on Christmas, but there were so many people there, we didn't get a chance to actually speak,"  Donna says.  "It's nice to officially meet you both."

 

"It's great to meet you both, too,"  says Cass.  "Well, enjoy the rest of you evening. I have to be in court early in the morning, so I have to get home and get some sleep."

 

"You two come out to Southfork real soon,"  Bobby says.

 

"Oh don't worry, we will, maybe when our son Cory comes home for the weekend,"  says Lila.  "Goodnight."

 

"Goodnight," Bobby and Ann say in unison as the Winthrops walk away.  

 

"Well, they seem like a nice couple,"  Donna says.

 

"Well, actually, they're not really a couple,"  Bobby says.  "They've been divorced for a couple years now."

 

''Really?"  Ray asks.  "All divorced couples should get along so good."

Cass's apartment....a short time later....

  Cass and Lila open the door to Cass's darkened apartment after returning home from dinner.  As they walk in and start to switch on the light in the living room, they notice that a light is on in one of the bedrooms.  The two exchange worried looks.  "Did you leave the light on in your bedroom?"  Cass asks.

 

"No, I didn't."

 

"Are you sure?"

 

"Of course, I'm sure,"  Lila says.  

 

Cass puts his finger to his lips to indicate to Lila to be quite.  Picking up a fireplace poker, Cass slowly moves toward the hallway, Lila behind him, as they intend to confront any intruder.  The two stop abruptly at the entrance to the hallway, as they hear someone moving around in one of the bedrooms.  Then, they hear footsteps coming down the hall.  Cass raises the fireplace poker, ready to strike.  Suddenly, someone emerges from the hallway into the living room.  As Cass is about to strike with the poker, the young woman who is their intruder screams, and Cass stops the poker mid air, just before hitting her.  Lila switches on a light to reveal the intruder is her own daughter!

 

"Jasmine?"  Lila asks.

 

"Mom, Cass, what the HELL?"  The young woman asks.  

 

"Jasmine, what are you doing here?  How'd you get in?"  Cass asks.

 

"I told the doorman or security guard or whatever he is that I was your daughter.  I showed him an old family photo to prove it.  Aren't you guys glad to see me?"

 

Lila breathes a sigh of relief.   "Baby, of COURSE we're glad to see you.  We're just.......surprised, that's all."

 

Jasmine looks at her mother and stepfather.  "So, you guys are staying here.....

.....TOGETHER?"

 

Cass and Lila exchange looks.  

The Krebbs home....

  Ray and Donna are getting ready for bed in their room that night.  "Well, what did you think of your new niece?"  Donna asks, turning down the covers on the bed.  

 

"She seems okay."

 

Donna looks at him.  "Ray, what is it?  What's wrong?"

 

"Nothin'.  Everything's fine."

 

"Come on.  Its ME you're talking to.  I can always tell when somethin's bothering you."

 

Ray sighs deeply as he takes a seat on the bed.  He pauses for a moment, then looks at her.  "Dylan told me somethin'.  Somethin'  I promised I'd keep to myself."

 

"Somethin' about he and Ashley?"

 

"In a way."

 

"I see.  Ray, you know you can tell me anything.  This is obviously weighing very heavily on your mind.  Look, we promised each other......no more secrets."

 

Ray nods.  "Yea, we did.  Alright, look, Donna.  You gotta promise you won't say anything.  I suppose everybody's gonna know about this soon enough, but, for right now, neither of us can say a word.  Can you promise me that?"

 

"Yes, of course,"  Donna says.

 

Ray sighs.  "Dylan found out somethin' a few weeks ago that nobody else knows.  It's about Debra Lynn."

 

"Alright, well, what is it?" Donna asks.

 

Ray hesitates again before answering her.  "She's dyin', Donna.  Debra Lynn has cancer, and she only has a little while left to live."

 

Donna's mouth falls open upon hearing the terrible news.  "Oh my God.  I take it, Ashley doesn't know?"

 

"No,  No one knows except Dylan, and now you and me."

 

"Poor Debra Lynn,"  Donna says,holding back tears.  

 

"She wants to keep this news from her kids for as long as possible,"  Ray says, standing from his seat on the bed.

 

Donna walks over to him.  "I.......don't know what to say."

 

"I know,''  Ray says, embracing his wife.

 

"Just hold me, Ray," Donna says.

Southfork....the next morning....

 Alex comes out of the house the next morning carrying a suitcase and a smaller travel bag.  John Ross and Krystina follow him out of the house.  ''Okay, so, Bridget and I are leaving right after we get out of class at noon today,"  Alex says.  "We're gonna pick up her sister Michelle, and the head to the airport."

 

"Good.  The Ewing jet and our pilot, Scott, will be all ready for you at 1 o'clock this afternoon,"  John Ross says.

 

"Great,"  Alex says, opening the trunk of his Ford Escape.  He places his bags in the trunk and closes it.  

 

"Well, you have a good weekend, and call me when you get to New York,"  John Ross says.

 

"I will."

 

"And give your mother our love,"  Krystina says, hugging her stepson.

 

''I will."

 

"Travel safe, son,"  says John Ross.

 

"Yeah.  I'll see you guys on Monday."

 

"Have a good trip, and try to have some fun while you're in New York,  says Krystina.  

 

Alex smiles, then gets into his Escape.  John Ross and Krystina watch as he drives away, and wave at him.  

 

''I wish we were going to New York, too,"  Krystina says.  "You know, we haven't taken a trip in a long time."

 

''Yeah, you know, you're right,"  says John Ross.  "Well, darlin, just as soon as things calm down at Ewing Oil, I promise, we'll take a trip.  Anywhere you wanna go."

 

"Gonna hold ya to that,"  Krystina says.  She gives him a quick kiss, then the two head back into the house.

Cass Winthrop's apartment....

 Lila is clearing the kitchen table of breakfast dishes that morning when her daughter Jasmine walks in.  "Morning, Mom,"  the young woman says.

 

"Mornin'."

 

"Cass gone already?"

 

"Yeah, he had to be in court early.  Did you sleep well?"  Lila asks.

 

"Like a baby,"  Jasmine replies.  "So, what's REALLY going on with you and Cass?"

 

"Nothin'."

 

''Mom, come on.  You living here in Cass's apartment with him.  My little brother off at college, the two of you here, all alone."  

 

"Jasmine, there is NOTHIN' goin' on between Cass and me."

 

"But you do WANT something to be going on, don't you?"  Jasmine asks.  

 

Lila looks at her daughter and smiles.  "No comment."

 

"That's what I thought.  I hope it works out, Mom.  I think it would be great if you and Cass got back together.  I imagine that would make the squirt really happy."

 

''Jasmine, when are you gonna stop calling your brother a squirt?"  Lila asks.

 

"When he stops being one."

 

"So what about you?"  Lila asks.  

 

"Me?  What about me?"

 

"How come you're really here?  And don't tell me you just wanted to see me and Cass.  You didn't even wanna spend Christmas with me because you were goin' skiiin' with your friends.  Is there somethin' goin' on?  Trouble with a guy, maybe?"

 

Jasmine looks at her mother, a sad expression on her face.  

Ewing Oil....later....

 Sue Ellen comes out of her office and approaches her secretary, Sally's desk.  "Sally, would  you file these reports, please?"

 

"Of course, Mrs. Ewing,"  Sally says.  

 

"Thank you."

 

"Sue Ellen,"  Sly says.

 

"Yes, Sly?"

 

"Did John Ross tell you that Lila Winthrop stopped by to see you yesterday after you'd already left for lunch with Catlin?"  Sly asks.

 

"Uh, no, he didn't.  Did she say what she wanted?"

 

"No, I'm afraid not.  But John Ross talked to her, so he might know."

 

"Thank you, Sly,"  Sue Ellen says.  She walks over to John Ross's office and knocks on the door.  

 

"Come in,"  he says.  

 

Sue Ellen walks into the office.  "John Ross, why didn't you tell me that Lila came by to see me yesterday?"

 

''I didn't think it mattered.  Didn't think you'd wanna see her, anyway."

 

"Well, I would like to have decided that for myself.  What did she want?"

 

John Ross looks up at his mother, then stands to his feet.  "A lot,''  he says, walking to his bar.  "That lady is greedy and hungry, Mama.  She wants somethin' from us.  Feels like she's entitled to a piece of the Ewing empire because she had such a hard life.  Mama, I'd really like it if you'd stay away from Lila for now.  I've got Bum checkin' her out, and until I find somethin' I can use, I think it's best we keep Lila and Cass Winthrop at arm's length."

 ''And what makes you think you're going to find anything?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"I just know.  Because my newly discovered sister hasn't exactly lived the kind of a life Billy Graham would approve of.   I know there's somethin' there in her background we can use, Mama.  I just gotta find it."

 

Sue Ellen sighs.  "John Ross, maybe we should just accept Lila into the family.  She seems like a very decent woman."

 

"Nothin' doin'."

 

"You accepted Jill as your sister."

 

"That was different."

 

''How?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"Jill had a connection to Westar.  She was useful to this fam'ly.  Lila, on the other hand, is the daughter of a common whore. A hooker.  How would it look if it got out that J.R. had fathered a child by a lowly prostitute?"

 

Sue Ellen looks at her son, reluctantly agreeing with what he said.

New York City....Steven Frame's apartment....that evening....

 

 

Alex, Bridget, and Michelle step off the elevator in the hallway of a high rise apartment building in upper east side Manhattan that evening.   ''It sure was nice seeing your Mom again," Bridget says as the three make their way down the hall.

 

''She enjoyed seeing you, too,"  Alex says.  "Which is your brother's apartment?"

 

"Uh, here it is,"  says Michelle.  "Apartment 1402."

 

Alex walks up to the door and rings the bell.

 

"I can't wait to meet Steven's wife,"  Bridget says.

 

''Neither can I,''  says Michelle.  "I wonder what she's like."

 

"I hope she's nice."

 

After a few seconds, Bridget and Michelle's older half-brother, Steven Frame II, answers the door.  "Michelle,  Bridget,"  he says excited to see the twins.  Alex watches as the three siblings hug.  "God, it's great to see you both.  Come in."

 

"Steven, it's great to see you, too,"  Bridget says.

 

"Alex, how ya doing?"  Steven asks.

 

"Great man, I heard you got married.  Congratulations."

 

Steven smiles.  "Thanks, bro."

 

"So when do we get to meet your new bride?"  Michelle asks.

 

 

"In just a minute,''  Steven says.  "She's checking on dinner, which is just about ready.  Listen, why don't you all have a seat and make yourselves comfortable while I go in the kitchen and see if I can help.  I can't wait to catch up with my two beautiful sisters.  I haven't seen you since Bridget's graduation almost two years ago.  And after dinner, Alex, you and I can talk a little business."

 

"Sounds good to me,"  Alex says.  

 

''Be right back,"  Steven says, going into the kitchen.

 

Michelle walks around the elegant living room, checking the place out.  ''Would you just look at this place?  Looks like our big brother is thriving."

 

"Oh, he is,"  says Bridget.  "Grandmother said that Frame Technologies is worth around 20 million dollars now."  

 

Bobby, Ann, Christopher, Courtney, Jacob, Lucas, Heather, Michael, John Ross, and Krystina are gathered in the den at Southfork that evening for cocktails before dinner.  Various conversations are going on around the room.  

 

"House sure seems empty without Alex tonight,"  says Krystina.  

 

"Yeah it does,"  agrees John Ross.  "I guess they ought to be sittin' down to dinner right about now."

 

"Speaking of dinner, shouldn't Bryce and his mother be here by now?"  Christopher asks.  "Honey,, what time did you tell them?"

 

"I told Mrs. Richardson 6:30,"  Courtney says.  

 

"Well, it's only 6:34,"  Heather says.  

 

The doorbell rings at that moment.  "That's gotta be them now,"  Lucas says.  

 

Maria the Ewing maid walks into the foyer and opens the door to Bryce and his mother, Connie.  The mother and son walk into the house, and Maria takes their coats.  

 

"Mrs. Richardson, so glad you could make it,"  Courtney says, walking into the foyer to greet them.  

 

"Well, it was very nice of you to invite us,"  Connie says.  

 

Michael and Jacob walk over to greet their friend Bryce.  

 

''Connie, this is my husband, Christopher Ewing,"  Courtney says.  "And his brother, Lucas."

 

"Hello," Connie says.  

 

''Very nice to meet you.  And this is my wife, Heather."

 

Connie and Heather look at each other, Connie with a slight smile, but Heather looks at the older woman with an expression of shock.  "Hello, Heather.  It's been a long time,"  Connie says.  

 

 

''Oh my God,"  Heather says.  "YOU?  YOU'RE Bryce's mother?"

 

"Yes, I am,"  Connie replies.  

 

"Wait a minute,"  says Lucas.  "Heather, you two know each other?"

 

''Oh, yes, Heather and I know each other VERY well,"  Connie replies.  "She's my daughter."

 

Lucas, Michael, and everyone else in the room look on, Lucas's mouth falling open in shock at the revelation that Connie Richardson, the mother of Michael and Jacob's new school friend, is also Heather's mother!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

END OF EPISODE 219....