EPISODE 237 - It Happened One Stormy Night

Jacob climb out of the pool as Alex, Lucas, and Christopher come out of the house.  

 

"And the winner is.......MICHAEL EWING!"  Michael triumphantly proclaims.

 

Alex, Lucas, and Christopher cheer and clap for him.  "Nice going,"  Lucas tells his son.

 

"I let you win,"  Jacob says.

 

"Oh, you did not,"  says Michael.  "Face it.  Since you moved off Southfork, you haven't had anyone to race with and you're out of shape."

 

"I think he's got ya there, Jacob,"  Alex says.

 

"Hey Alex, wanna challenge the winner?"  Michael asks.

 

"Gonna have to take you up on that later, Michael.  I have a date with Bridget."

 

"A date?  This early on a Saturday morning?"

 

"Yeah, I'm taking her to breakfast,"  Alex says.  "I gotta run. I'll see you guys later."

 

"Bye,"  Christopher says.

 

"See ya later, Alex,"  Lucas says as Alex leaves.  

 

"Come on.  I want a rematch,"  Jacob says to Michael.

 

"You're ON!"  Michael says.  The two dive into the pool again.

 

"Sure is nice seein' those two boys together again, playing here in the pool,"  Christopher says.

 

"Yeah, it sure is,"  Lucas agrees.  "You really miss him, don't you?"

 "Every second of every day,"  Christopher replies.  "Look at him, Lucas.  He's growing up so fast.  I think Jacob gets taller and his voice gets deeper every time I see him.  Hard to believe he was just a little kid when Courtney and I found him in California and brought him home with us.  That seems like so long ago, so much has happened."

 

Lucas sighs.  "I know what you mean, brother.  Christopher, I don't mean to pry, but, what exactly is the status between you and Courtney right now?"

 

"Honestly.......I don't know.  Things are still up in the air.  Seems like Courtney and I can't even talk for more than two minutes these days without getting into an argument."

 

I guess that leads me to my second question," says Lucas.  "What is going on between you and Lucia Trevino?  She and her boys have been staying here for months now, and you spend a lot of time with her."

 

"Lucas, I don't know that, either.  Right now, it feels like my life is in such limbo, I don't know anything anymore."

 

"Christopher, it's not my place to tell you what to do, but if you don't mind some advice some your little brother, maybe it's time you figured out what you wanna do.  Right now, all your lives are in limbo......yours, Courtney's, Jacobs, and Lucia and her sons.  It's not fair to them, or to you, to let things just go on like this indefinitely."

 "I know, you're right,"  Christopher says.  "I tell myself that exact same thing every day."

 

"Do you still love Courtney?"  Lucas asks.

 

"Yeah, I do.  I do still love her."

 

"Do you want her back?  Do you think there's a chance your marriage can be saved?"

 

"I don't know, Lucas.  I don't know how to answer either question.  I do want her back, but I don't know if our marriage could ever work again.  Not the way things are."

 

"What do you mean?"

 

"If Courtney and I did get back together, and she and Jacob moved back here to the ranch, our family wouldn't consist of just the three of us.  It'd be me, Courtney, Jacob, and Joseph Gioberti.  That guy would always be a part of our lives, as Jacob's father.  I've tried, Lucas.  I've tried to get past the fact that Joseph is Jacob's father and not me.  But I just can't.  Especially not with him being a constant presence in our lives and not since.........since Courtney is sleeping with him."

 

"Now, Chris, how can you be sure of that?"  Lucas asks.

 

Christopher looks at his brother.  "I'm sure of it because she told me they've already slept together.  And I can't get past that, Lucas........and I can never forgive Courtney.  Damn it!  If I had just been able to adopt Jacob and raise him as my own, everything would've been fine.  But instead Gioberti just had to come in and worm his way into our lives."

 

Lucas puts his hand on Christopher's shoulder.  "Hey, I've got an idea.   Why don't you and I take the boys and go over to Fort Worth, to the cattle auction?  We can make a day of it.  We'll ask Dad if he wants to come.

 

Christopher nods.  "Yeah, I'd like that a lot.  Been a long time since I've been to one of those."

 

"Great,"  Lucas says.  "I'll go up and change, ask Dad if he wants to come, and tell Heather.  You tell the boys."  Lucas pats his brother on the back, then goes into the house.

 

Christopher again turns his gaze on Jacob and Michael, as the boys continue enjoying their early morning swim.  A somber look comes over Christopher's face while watching Jacob, a boy he loves as if he were his own son.  A boy he is constantly in fear of losing a relationship with to Jacob's real father.

 Sue Ellen and Ann walk onto Sue Ellen's beautiful lanai, where the maid is setting the patio table for two.  "Ann, I hope you don't mind, but it's such a lovely say, I thought we'd have our lunch out here," Sue Ellen says.

 

"Oh, not at all, this is a beautiful spot,"  Ann says.  

 

"Helen, you can start bringing out our lunch,"  Sue Ellen tells the maid.

 

"Yes, Mrs. Ewing,"  she replies, going into the house.

 

"I'm really glad that you came over,"  Sue Ellen says.  "When I phoned and asked you, I wasn't sure you'd come."

 

"Well, why on Earth not?"

 

"Considering how frosty my relationship with Bobby has become recently because of this ridiculous contest he set up for John Ross and Clay at Ewing Oil."

 

 

 "Sue Ellen, with all that's goin' on right now, I feel that it's especially important for you and I to maintain our friendship."

"I couldn't agree more," Sue Ellen says.  "In fact, let's you and I make a deal not to even talk about the contest or Ewing Oil."

 

"Sounds like a good idea.  It's a deal."

 

Helen returns with a tray and places it on the table.  "Will there be anything else, Mrs. Ewing?"

 

"No, Helen, I think we're just fine for now, thank you,"  says Sue Ellen.  

 

Helen smiles.  "Well, if you need anything else, I'll be inside."

 

"Thank you,"  Ann says as the maid goes into the house.  "Sue Ellen, lunch looks and smells delicious."

 

"I know how much you like shrimp."

 

"I love it."

 

Sue Ellen pours two glasses of lemonade.  "It's been too long since we've gotten together like this."

 

"Yes it has.  Sue Ellen, have you heard any news about Dylan?  I know you're his AA sponsor."

 

Sue Ellen shakes her head.  "No, I haven't, and I'm very worried.  Dylan has been gone for weeks, and there's been no word at all."

 

"Poor Ray and Donna, I know they're beside themselves."

 

"Yes, they are.  All we can do is hope that Dylan has just left town and he doesn't want to be found."

 

"I'm sure that's it,"  Ann says.

 

"Part of me can't help but blame myself."

 

"Blame yourself?  Sue Ellen, how in the world could you blame yourself for Dylan?"

 

"Because I'm his sponsor.  If I had checked in with him more often, ,maybe I could've done something to help him."

 

Fort Worth Live Stock Exchange....

 The cattle auction in Fort Worth early in the afternoon is in full swing, and Bobby, his sons and grandsons are in attendance.  As the auctioneer calls out a bid on a beautiful calf, Christopher raises his hand to bid on the animal.

 

"And this beautiful bull calf goes to Christopher Ewing of Southfork Ranch,"  the auctioneer says.  "The Ewings definitely know good stock when they see it."

 

Bobby pats his son on the back, confident that Christopher has chosen a prize calf to add to Southfork's stock.  

 

"Dad, can Jacob and I go walk around and look at some of the cattle?" Michael asks.

 

"Sure, I don't see why not,"  Lucas replies.

 

"You guys don't go too far,"  says Christopher.  "We're gonna go grab some lunch soon."

 

"Don't worry, we won't,"  Jacob says, he and Michael getting up from their seats.  

 

Bobby smiles with pride watching the boys walk away.  "Boy this brings back some memories," he says.

 

"Memories?"  Lucas asks.

 

"Yeah.  Memories of when my Daddy use to bring me, Gary, and Ray here to the cattle auction when I was a kid.  Those were the days.  Some of the most fun times of my youth were spent right here."

 

"You said Uncle Gary and Ray, but what about Uncle J.R.?"  Lucas asks.  "Didn't he ever come with you guys?"

 

Bobby laughs.  "Oh, sure, J.R. came a couple times, but he wasn't much into ranching.  J.R. preferred business to ranching."

 

"Yes, a rancher Uncle J.R. was NOT,"  Christopher says.  "Dad, you remember that cattle drive we all went on that time at Southfork?  I must have been about ten at the time."

 

"How could I forget?"

 

"What happened?"  Lucas asks.  

 

"Well, there was Dad, and me, Uncle J.R., James, and John Ross,"  says Christopher.  "It was gonna be a real Ewing men's outing.  We camped out on the range, like that time we all did the cattle drive a few years ago.  I remember Uncle J.R. barely lasted through the first night."

 

Lucas laughs.

 

"My big brother complained about everything from the coffee to having to sleep on the hard ground," says Bobby.  "Nope, J.R. was definitely not an outdoorsman."

 

"Y'know, I've heard so much about Uncle J.R., I kinda regret that I never really got to know him,"  Lucas says sadly.  "Sometimes I feel like I missed out on a lot, not growing up here with the family.  Listening to all the stories of the fun times you guys had."

 

"Lucas, I'm sorry,"  Christopher says.  "We didn't mean to bring you down with our reminiscing."

 

"You okay, son?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Yeah, I'm fine.  And hell, I had a great childhood.  Ray was a good father to me growing up."

 

"And I owe him a lot for that,"  says Bobby, putting his hand on his son's shoulder.

 

Meanwhile, Michael and Jacob are walking around the stock exchange, looking at some of the beautiful cattle on display.    "Hey, take a look at that one,"  Michael says, pointing to a longhorn bull.  "I'd sure love to have him at Southfork."

 

Jacob nods, a sad look on his face.  

 

"You really miss Southfork, don't you?"  Michael asks.

is.  Mom and Christopher were doin' just fine, we were all doing just fine as a family until she came here.  I swear, Michael, if I knew of some way I could get rid of her and Miguel and Tonio, I would."

 

"Maybe there IS a way,"  Michael says.

 

"What do you mean?"  Jacob asks.

 

"Just that......maybe there's a way to get rid of Mrs. Trevino.  Just leave it to me.  I'll think of something.  Then when she's gone, maybe you and your Mom can move back to Southfork," Michael says.  

 A man walks onto the front porch of the Krebbs home that afternoon and rings the doorbell.  Inside, Donna comes into the foyer and opens the door.  She smiles when she sees the man.  "George,"  she says.

 

"Hello, Donna."

 

"George Feldman, how are you?"  Donna asks, greeting her friend with a hug.  

 

"I'm fine.  It's been a long time."

 

"Yes, it has.  Come in, come in."

 

"Thanks,"  George says, entering the house.  

 

"George, how long has it been?"

 

"Oh, almost ten years, I guess.  Last time I saw you was at Andrew Dowling's last fundraiser."

 

Donna nods.  "Yes, that was just a few months before he died.  So, George, how in the world are you?  Are you still with McCallister Publishing?"

 

"Yes, I am, only now it's McCallister and Feldman."

 

"George, that's wonderful,"  Donna says.  "They finally made you a partner."

 

"Thank you, Donna, and yes they did.  I became a full partner in 2013 after 32 years with the company, so I definitely paid my dues and earned it."

 

"You certainly did,"  Donna says.  "And now for my next question.........what are you doing here?  What brings you to Dallas?"

 

"I came to see you, of course."

 

"You came all this way, just to see me?"  Donna asks.  "After ten years?"

 

George smiles.  "Donna, the truth is, I have a little business proposition I'd like to put to you."

 

"What sort of business proposition?"

 

"Donna, we'd like for you to write another book," George says.

 

"You......you want me to write another book?  George, I'm flattered, but, I haven't done any serious writing in years.  And it's been almost 20 years since my last book was published."

 

"Yes, but writing is like riding a bicycle.  You never forget how."

 

"George, like I said, I'm really flattered, but........"

 

"Now, come on,"  George says.   "I know that you resigned from your job as railroad commissioner quite some time ago.  So what else are you doing these days?"

 

"Nothing, but......"

 

"Then this will give you something."

 

"Any other time, I would probably jump at this chance, but now is just not a good time.  We have a lot going on right now, and I just don't think that I can devote the time and energy to this."

 

"Donna, before you say no, just let me explain what we want.  We want you to write a biography of J.R. Ewing."

 

Donna is so stunned that she almost chokes and begins coughing.  

 

"Donna, are you alright?"  George asks.

 

"Yes, I'm fine, thank you.  Uh, George, I thought that I heard you say you want me to write a biography of J.R. Ewing."

 

"Yes, that's what I said.  Donna, until now, there hasn't been a biography written about J.R. Ewing, and the man was a legend.  Well, no biography except for that exploitative tell-all book written by Alexis Colby a few years ago, but that was more about her than him, and her relationship with him.  And who better to write this book than someone who knew the man?  Someone on the inside of the Ewing family.  You must have a thousand stories of your own about J.R. Ewing that you could share."

 

Donna nods.  "You're right, I do, and none of them flattering."

 

"We don't want flattering, Donna.  We want the truth.  The truth about J.R. Ewing.......the man, the myth, and the legend.  Hey, that could even be your title."

 

"George, I just don't know."

 

"Donna, come on.  This is your chance to get back in the saddle.  You had a very successful career as a writer."

 

"That was decades ago."

 

"And your books are still selling today,"  George says.  "The two biographies you wrote about Sam Culver, especially The Early Years, are still in the top 20 of New York Times's best seller list, even after all these years.  Imagine how well a comprehensive biography of one of Texas's most famous oil barons would sell. Especially one written by the subject's own sister-in-law."

 

Donna sighs.  "George, I'm gonna have to think about this, and talk it over with Ray."

 

"Of course, you do that.  Seriously think about it, Donna.  And take whatever time you need, but, if possible, we would like an answer in a week or so.  We're very anxious to get going on this."

 

"Alright.  I promise, you'll have your answer within the week."

 

George looks at her and smiles.

Holly Harwood's home....

 Clay and Holly Harwood are sipping ice tea as they sit by the pool on Holly's patio that afternoon after signing the contracts sealing the deal between their two companies.  "Holly, I really wanna thank you for meeting with me on a Saturday so we could wrap this up,"  Clay says.  "I certainly hope I didn't spoil your Saturday."

 

"No, not at all,"  says Holly.  "I often conduct business right here poolside, especially on such a warm and lovely afternoon."

 

"Well, I suppose I really should be going."

 

"What's your hurry, Clay?  Why not hang around for a bit and take a dip in the pool?  It's really hot out here."

 

"Well, thank you, Holly, but I'll have to take a raincheck,"  Clay says.  "I really do need to be going."

 

"Alright."

 

"I really look forward to doing business with Harwood Oil both now and in the future,"  Clay says, standing to his feet.

 

"Just don't make me regret getting into business with you the way your grandfather did.  I can be a very formidable enemy when crossed."

 

Clay smiles.  "I'll be sure to remember that."

 

"You do that."

 

"Well, you enjoy the rest of your Saturday,"  Clay says.  As he is about to leave, Holly's son, Brandon Harwood, comes out of the house and onto the patio.  He and Clay meet each other, and Holly is shocked to see that Brandon has returned from his trip.  

 

"Brandon,"  she says.

 

"Hello, Mother.  I'm sorry, I just got back into town, and I didn't realize you had company,"  says Brandon.

 

"No, that's alright.  Brandon, do you know Clay Beaumont, from Ewing Oil?  Clay, my son, Brandon Harwood."

 

"Yes, we've met once,"  Clay says.

 

"Clay, good to see you."

 

"Yeah, you, too, man.  I'll see you both later,"  Clay says, and leaves.

 

Holly looks at her son for a moment.  "Brandon, I........I'm so happy to see you.  I've been worried to death."

 

"No need to worry.  I'm fine, no thanks to you,"  Brandon says.  "What was Clay Beaumont doing here?  Mother, don't tell me you're trying to rob the cradle."

 

"Really, Brandon, that's disgusting.  That boy's young enough to be my son."

 

"He's young enough to be your grandson, Mother."

 

"Is that why you came back?  To insult me?"  Holly asks.

 

"No, that's not why I came back.  Mother, how's Samantha?"

 

"I really don't know.  I've only seen your sister once since you so abruptly left town."

 

"Why am I not surprised?"  Brandon asks.  "That's so typical of you.  You drop this bombshell on us that Samantha is your daughter and my twin sister, and then........you just forget all about her.  You don't even try to find out how she's handling this news."

 

"Now you wait just a damned minute,"  says an angry Holly.  "That's not fair.  For your information, I DID reach out to Samantha a couple of times while you were gone, but she wouldn't even talk to me, so what was I supposed to do?'

 

"Can you blame her?  Can you blame either of us? Samantha and I were both lied to our whole lives.  Your lie almost destroyed both of our lives, so how can you expect us to just forgive and forget."

 

"Brandon, I can't change the past,"  Holly says.  "But now that you're home, I hope that we can at least start working on repairing our relationship."

 

"I'm not home, Mom.  I'm back in Dallas, yes, but I only came by here to pick up some of my things."

 

"What do you mean?"

 

"I mean I'm going to a hotel until I can find an apartment."

 

"Brandon, no......"

 

"I can't stay here anymore, Mom.  Besides, it's time I got my own place.  I'm gonna go upstairs and pack some things."

 

"What about Harwood Oil?"  Holly asks.  "Are you coming back to the company?"

 

Brandon looks at his mother for a few seconds.  "Eventually, yes.  I love Harwood Oil, and no matter what problems you and I may have, I won't let it affect the company.  But I'm not ready to come back just yet.  You just run the company for a while. I'll let you know when I'm ready to come back."  

 

Holly nods.  Brandon turns and goes into the house.  A sad and disappointed Holly takes a seat on a patio chair by the pool.  

Southfork....late afternoon....

"There's no way this is gonna work,"  says Gavin.  "What makes you think Mrs. Trevino would even be interested in me?"

 

"Gavin, you're a young, good looking guy in your 20s,"  Jacob says.  "Mrs. Trevino is a lonely, middle age widow.  So what do you say?  Will you do it?"

 

Gavin sighs.  "I must be either crazy or bored out of my mind.  Okay, I'll do it."

 

 

 

 "Gavin, you're the best,"  Jacob says.  "I knew I could count on you."

 

"So here's the plan,"  says Michael.  "Christopher is taking Jacob out to eat and then to a movie tonight.  I'll invite Miguel and Tonio up to the house to go swimming and hang out and stuff."

"And Mrs. Trevino will be at the cottage all by herself,"  Jacob says. 

 

"The weather forecast said we're gonna have some really bad storms tonight,"  Michael says.  "And I heard Tonio say one time that his Mom is scared to DEATH of storms."

 

"Yeah, so all you gotta do is wait until you hear it thunder and see the lightening, and just drop in on her at the cottage,"  Jacob says.  "Trust me, Gavin, you're doing the right thing."

 

"This had better not come back to bite me in the ass, or you'll both be sorry,"  Gavin says.  

 

Jacob and Michael exchange smiles.

Southfork....later....

 Lucia pours herself a glass of ice tea, then walks into the living room area of the Southfork cottage that night and takes a seat in a chair.  She picks up the remote and switches on the television, flipping channels until she finds an old classic movie, then she settles back to watch it.  After a minute, Lucia hears the sound of a truck coming to a stop outside the cottage.  Not thinking anything of it, Lucia continues to watch her movie, Double Indemnity, starring Fred MacMurray and Barbara Stanwyck.  Lucia hears the sound of a male voice just outside her front door.  

 

"Damn it,"  she hears the man say.  

 

Getting up from her seat, Lucia goes to the front door and opens it.  Parked on the road just in front of  the cottage is Gavin's truck.  Gavin has the hood of the truck raised and is looking inside the hood.  

 

"Is something wrong?"  Lucia asks.

 

"Evening, Mrs. Trevino,"  says Gavin.  "Yeah, I was just heading into town and this damned truck just shut off on me right here.  I can't see what I'm doing here."

 

"Hold on,"  Lucia says.  "I will get you a flash light."  She goes back into the house.  A few seconds later, Lucia emerges from the cottage again and goes over to Gavin, handing him the flashlight. 

 

"Thanks."

 

"You're welcome.  Any idea what might be the problem."

 

"No, I'm afraid not.  I'm not much good with ,mechanics.  Say, Miguel wouldn't happen to be home, would he?  He told me he knows a lot about cars and trucks."

 

"No, I am sorry, but Miguel and Tonio are with Michael Ewing.  I believe the boys went into Braddock, to a movie or something."

 

"I'm really sorry that this piece of junk decided to break down on me right here in front of your house,"  Gavin says.

 

"It's no problem.  It could not be helped.  Can I be of any assistance?"

 

"Yeah, if you wouldn't mind, could you hold the flashlight for me until I can take a look and see if I can figure out what's wrong?"

 

"Yes, of course."

 

"Thanks,"  Gavin says.  Lucia takes the flashlight and holds it under the hood while Gavin checks various parts of the engine and other components of the truck.  "I just can't figure out what's wrong with this thing,"  he says.  "Damn, there goes my night."

 

"You had a date or something?"  Lucia asks.

 

"Oh, no, nothing like that.  I was just going into town to shoot some pool with a couple friends.  Y'know, just somethin' to do to get out of the bunkhouse for a while.  Guess I can kiss that plan goodbye."

 

"Well, I would let you use my car....."

 

"Thank you, Mrs. Trevino, but I really wouldn't feel comfortable driving someone else's car, especially someone I don't know very well."

 

Lucia smiles at the young man.  "I understand.  I feel the same."

 

Gavin sighs.  "Well, I guess I'll just try and push this piece of junk back to the bunkhouse."

 

"I don't think you will be able to do that on your own.  Why not get a couple of the other hands to help you?"

 

"Uh, everyone's out,"  Gavin replies.  "Yeah, so I guess I'll be sitting around the bunkhouse all alone tonight,"  he says.  An awkward silence follows.  "Well, I, uh, thank you for your help, Mrs. Trevino.  Here's your flashlight."

 

"It was my pleasure,"  Lucia says.  "I am only sorry I couldn't help more.  You can just leave your truck here until morning, if you would like.  And then Miguel I'm sure would be happy to help you.  In fact, my son is a very good mechanic, as you said, so, he could check it out for you and see if he can find out what is wrong with the truck."

 

"Yeah, that would be great, thank you,"  Gavin says as a rumble of thunder is heard over head.

 

"Uh-oh,"  says Lucia.  "I think it is about to storm."

 

"Yes.  So, I'd better be heading back to the bunkhouse."

 

"Umm, I'll drive you around to the bunkhouse,"  Lucia says.  "I could swear I just felt a drop of rain.  Come in, and I'll get my keys."

 

"Are you sure?  I mean, I can walk, it's not that far,"  Gavin says, following her into the cottage.

 

"Yes, but you could get caught in the rain.  I'll get my keys from the bedroom."

 

Gavin nods as Lucia goes into her bedroom.  He looks around the cottage at the living room area, the kitchen, and the bed shared by Lucia's sons Miguel and Tonio sitting in the car corner of the large room.  Another rumble of thunder sounds outside, this one much louder than the first.  Gavin walks around the room while waiting for Lucia to return with her car keys, looking at various family photos of Lucia and her sons.  

 

After almost a full minute, Lucia returns.  "Gavin, I am sorry, but I cannot seem to find the keys to my car,"  she says.  She begins looking for the keys in the living room, then the kitchen.  "I know I had them earlier.  I'll bet I know what happened.  Miguel must have picked up my keys by mistake.  I have a spare key to his truck on my key chain, and he must have taken that set of keys."

 

"It's okay, Mrs. Trevino, don't worry about it.  I'll walk.  I'll be fine,"  Gavin says as another rumble of thunder is heard, following by a flash of lightening in the window.  

 

"You had better hurry,"  Lucia says.  "From the sound of that, it could begin raining any moment."

 

"Yes.  Well, thank you for everything.  Goodnight."

 

"Goodnight,"  Lucia says.

 

Gavin smiles at the woman, then leaves, disappointed, certain that his plan had failed, as Lucia had not taken the bait and invited him to stay. 

 

After Gavin leaves, Lucia returns to her chair in front of the television set.  Picking up the remote, she unmutes the TV, and again settles in to watch her movie.  Just then, a hard downpour of rain begins to fall outside.  Realizing that Gavin couldn't have gotten far, Lucia quickly gets up, rushes to the door, opens it, and runs onto the porch, where she sees poor Gavin caught in the rain.  "Gavin!"  She calls to him.  "Come!"

 

Gavin stops, turns around and runs back to the cottage, he and Lucia hurrying inside, Gavin already drenched.  "Oh, thank you,"  he says.

 

"Oh, no, you are soaked to the skin,"  says Lucia.  

 

"Nah, I'll be okay."

 

"I will get you a towel,"  Lucia says.  As she starts toward the bathroom, another loud rumble of thunder is heard, followed immediately by the power going out.  "Oh my gosh,"  Lucia says.  

 

"Wow, sounds like this is gonna be a pretty bad storm."

 

"I hope the boys are alright."

 

"I'm sure they're fine.  You said they were going to a movie, right?"

 

"Yes, they did."

 

"Well, it's just a little after 8, so the movie wouldn't even be out now, and I'm sure if it's still raining this hard when they come out of the theater, they'll wait until it lets up before they leave."

 

"Yes, I am sure they will.  I will get you something dry to put on, and a towel.  I am sure Miguel has a shirt that will fit you."

 "Oh, please, you don't have to go to that trouble,"  Gavin says.

 

"No trouble.  I will be right back."  Lucia smiles at the young man, and leaves the room.  

 

Another rumble of thunder sounds, followed by a bright flash of lightening outside the window.  Gavin walks to the window and looks out at the pouring rain.  He smiles and shakes his head.  "Wow," he says quietly to himself.  "Talk about perfect timing."

 

Lucia returns with a T shirt, a pair of gym shorts, and a towel.  "Here,"  she says.  "I know that you are a little taller than my Miguel, but, perhaps this pair of shorts will fit you."

 

"I'm sure they will,"  Gavin says.  "You really didn't have to do this."

 

"Nonsense.  In those wet clothes, you could catch your death.  It's summer, but it is an unusually cool night.  I suppose because of the rain."

 

"Yeah, I guess so."

 

"You can change in my bedroom,"  Lucia says.

 "Thanks,"  Gavin says, looking at the woman with a smile.  He takes the clothes from her, making sure that his hand gently touches hers.  "I'll be back in a couple of minutes, and then I'll build us a fire."

 

"Yes,"  Lucia says.  

 

Gavin goes into Lucia's bedroom to change out of his wet clothes, making sure to leave the bedroom door wide open.  "I really wanna thank you again, Mrs. Trevino, for everything," he says to Lucia in the next room,.  "And I hope I haven't disrupted your evening."

 

"Not at all.  In fact, I am grateful for the company.  Had your truck not broken down in front of my door, I would be sitting here alone in the dark, in this......horrible storm.  I really do not like being alone during a storm."

 

"You afraid of storms?"  Gavin asks.

 

"A little.  I have been since I was a young girl."

 

"Storms are nothing to be afraid of, Mrs. Trevino.  They're a beautiful act of nature."

 

"The lightening......it scares me,"  Lucia says, standing just outside her bedroom door while Gavin changes out of his wet clothes inside.  

 

"You gotta look at it as somethin' good.  Somethin' beautiful, instead of somethin' scary,"  Gavin says softly.  "I love storms. I love listenin' to the sound of the rain.  I love the way the world smells after a spring or summer rain.  Everything's so fresh and new again.  The air smells so clean."

 

"That is very beautifulally said,"  Lucia says, coming to the bedroom door.  Looking into the room, Lucia can see the handsome young man, stripped down to his underwear, standing in the middle of her bedroom, his body illuminated by the flashlight laying on the bed.  Lucia finds herself instantly drawn to him.  

 

Gavin turns around and sees Lucia standing in the doorway looking at him.  "Are you alright, Mrs. Trevino?"  He asks.

 

"Yes.  I'm fine."

 

Gavin walks over to her.  "You sure about that?  You seem a little.......nervous.  Storm got you that scared?"

 

"I told you, I do not like thunder and lightening.  Especially when I am alone."

 

"Well, you're not alone, Mrs. Trevino.  I'm here, and nothin's gonna happen to you.  I promise,"  Gavin says.  

 

Another loud rumble of thunder sounds, this one rattling the windows of the old cottage, frightening Lucia so much that she jumps with fear.  

 

"Wow, you really are afraid,"  Gavin says softly.  "You're trembling."

 

"Yes.  The lightening, it......"

 

"I told you, I'm not gonna let anything happen to you.  I promise."

 

"It is cold in here.  Why don't we build a fire?"  Lucia nervously asks.

 

"We don't need a fire,"  Gavin says, almost in a whisper.  "I know a much better way we can stay warm."  

 

Before Lucia can say anything, Gavin leans in and kisses her passionately.  Lucia offers no resistance to the kiss, then she begins kissing him back, her entire body tingling with excitement.  After a few seconds, still locked in the kiss, Gavin and Lucia move over to the bed.  She lays down on the bed, on her back, Gavin on top of her.  The two continue 

 kissing as Gavin begins removing Lucia's clothes....

Southfork....

 Bobby is standing in front of the double French doors leading onto the rear balcony in his and Ann's bedroom, watching the rain and lightening outside.  Bobby looks as if he is deep in thought, and his mind is troubled about something.  Ann comes into the bedroom from the bathroom.  She can tell that he is disturbed.  As she watches her husband from behind, a loud rumble of thunder is heard outside, followed by a flash of lightening that illuminates the entire bedroom.  

 

"Boy, that's some storm out there,"  Ann says.

 

"Yes, it is.  Worst one we've had in quite some time."

 

"I wonder how much longer the power's gonna be out,"  Ann says.

 

"Who knows?  Might be out all night,"  Bobby replies.  "With a storm this bad the crews aren't gonna be able to get out and fix any downed power lines any time soon.  Least until the storm lets up some."

 

"And I get the feelin' that you're dealin' with a storm of your own.  A storm inside of you."

 

"And you'd be right,"  Bobby says.

 

"Bobby, what's wrong?  I thought that had a wonderful time with the boys at the cattle auction today.  You were in such a good mood when you got home, but, that changed right after dinner.  What happened?"

 

Bobby turns around to face his wife.  "I did have a great time today.  My mood has nothin' to do with that."

 

"Then what is it?  Bobby, please talk to me.  I might be able to help."

 "Bed?  But it's only a little after 8:30,"  Bobby says.

 

"I said let's go to bed.  I never said a word about sleep."

 

Bobby looks at her with a smile.  "Well, I can't think of a better way to spend a stormy Saturday night when the power's out,"  he says, and kisses her.

Days Inn Motel, Dallas....

 

 

While the storm continues to rage outside of the Days Inn Motel in Dallas, Jasmine paces anxiously around the motel room, looking at her watch every few seconds.  Then she goes to the window and looks out.  "Damn it, Cory, where ARE you?"  She quietly asks.  Taking her cell phone, she types a text message to her brother. 

 

Dylan comes out of the bathroom carrying a flashlight, as the power is also out at the motel.  "I need a drink," he says.

 

"Well, I'm sorry. but you're out for now,"  says Jasmine.  

 

"I.....I......I thought you were gonna get me some more," Dylan says.  

 

"Dylan, in case you haven't noticed, it's storming like hell outside, and the power is out, probably over most of the city right now.  Cory was supposed to be here 45 minutes ago, but he hasn't shown up, and he's not answering my texts.  I'm worried something might have happened to him."

 

"I.....I'm sorry,"  Dylan says.  "I just really need something."

 

"Look, just try and tough it out for a while, okay?  I'm sure the storm will let up soon, and Cory will be here.  In the meantime, let's just sit tight."

 

Dylan walks over and takes a seat on the bed.  "It's cold in here,"  he says.

 

"Yeah, it is.  It must have hailed outside, because the temperature really has dropped.  And of course with the power out, we can't turn on any heat in this room."

 

Dylan picks up his jacket from the floor and puts it on.  "Jasmine, why are you doing this?"

 

Jasmine looks at him.  "What?"  She asks.

 

"Why are you paying for this room for me?  Helping me stay hidden from all the people I don't wanna see?  Giving me all the booze I want?"

 

Jasmine walks over and takes a seat on the other bed across from him.  "Dylan, I've already told you.  I really care about you, and........they hurt us both.  I just wanna help you, that's all."

 

Dylan's hand begins trembling, then he starts rocking back and forth.  "I feel like I wanna come out of my own skin.  If I don't get a drink soon......"

 

"Dylan, it's gonna be okay, sweety, I promise,"  Jasmine says, getting up and taking a seat beside him on his bed.  "Hey, umm, why don't we do something while we wait out this storm?"

 

"Like what?  We can't watch TV.  What is there to do?"

 

"Well, we can talk,"  Jasmine says.  "We can get to know each other better.  Why don't you tell me about yourself?  Tell me about your childhood."

 

"My childhood sucked,"  Dylan says.  

 

"Oh.  I'm sorry.  You wanna talk about it?"

 

"No, not really.  How about you?"

 

"What about me?"  Jasmine asks.

 

"You wanna pass the time and take my mind off wanting a drink?  Then tell me about yourself.  What was your childhood like?"

 

 

"I had a very good childhood," replies Jasmine.  "Bay City was a nice place to grow up.  It was hard sometimes, though, because my parents were divorced.  I lived with my Mom and Cass most of the time, and spent every other weekend, and alternate holidays with my father. And when I was with Daddy, he would spoil me rotten.  So would my grandmother.  I use to love to visit my Grandma Rachel's house.  She lives in this great big mansion on the outskirts of town.  She's very rich.  She owns controlling interest in Cory Publishing in Bay City.  Anyway, going to her house was always like an adventure for me.  There was always something new to explore and discover there, and I had loads of fun growing up with Cory and Elizabeth."

 

"I know that Cory is your brother, but, who's Elizabeth?"  Dylan asks.

 

Jasmine smiles.  "No, the Cory I'm talking about is Cory Hutchins, my Daddy's half-brother, my Grandma Rachel's son.  Elizabeth and Cory are twins, and they're only like a year older than me."

 

"Wow, so your last name is Cory, and your brother's first name is Cory, and you have an uncle named Cory, too?  That must have been really confusing."

 

Jasmine laughs.  "Yeah, sometimes.  Cory my brother is just my half-brother.  We have the same mother, but different fathers."

 

"Sounds like you had a very nice childhood," Dylan says.  

 

 

"I did,"  Jasmine says, her voice trembling with emotions.  "I miss those days.  I had some good times growing up."

 

 

"You're lucky you have those memories.  I can't think of one happy memory from my childhood."

 

"Why, Dylan?  What was so terrible your childhood?"  Jasmine asks.

 

"Oh, at the time, I thought my life was happy, but looking back.......I see how messed up everything was.  Maybe if I had grown up with my father and........and Conner.......my life wouldn't be the mess it is right now."

 

"Tell me about it?  I really am interested in hearing about it."

 

Dylan sighs.  "My Mom was married to a man named John Baxter.  Until a few years ago, I thought John Baxter was my real father.  But, my Mom had had an affair with my biological father, Jack Ewing, and got pregnant by him.  Pregnant with me.  All my life, I wondered why I always felt different, out of place.  I wondered why John Baxter treated me differently.  I guess somehow, he knew, or suspected that I wasn't his son.  He later found out the truth, that Jack Ewing was my real father, and he..........he killed Jack.  Murdered him in cold blood."

 

"Conner told me about that,"  Jasmine says.  "I'm sorry."

 

"And did my brother also tell you about the mental breakdown I had afterward?" Dylan asks.  "And that I tried to kill John Ross because I blamed him for my brother Todd's suicide attempt?"

 

"No, he didn't.  You tried to kill John Ross Ewing?"

 

"Yes, I did.  No wonder Conner didn't tell you that.  It's not one of my better moments."

 

"Don't be too hard on yourself,"  Jasmine says.  "From everything I've heard about my newfound Uncle John Ross, you were probably completely justified."

 

"Taking a human life is never justified,"  says Dylan.  

 

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean that the way it sounded,"  Jasmine says, her tone serious.

 

A tear falls down Dylan's face.  "You sure you still wanna help me?  Knowing how screwed up I really am?  Knowing some of the terrible things I've done?"

 

Jasmine lowers her head, a sad look on her face.  "You're not the only one who's done terrible things, Dylan,"  she says.

 

"I'm a real piece of work, aren't I?  From mental case to drunk."

 

Feeling sorry for Dylan, and feeling tremendous guilt for the first time for her actions toward him, Jasmine moves over and takes a seat beside him.  "Dylan, I think you're a wonderful guy.  Like everyone else, you've had some problems.  And if I've added to those problems......I'm really sorry."  Jasmine begins to cry.

 

"What do you mean?"  Dylan asks.  "How could you have added to my problems?  You've been trying to help me so I didn't have to face Conner, or Ashley, or anyone else, and you took me off the streets.  Jasmine, you've been the only one who's really acted like you care about me."

 

Dylan's words cut through Jasmine's heart like a knife, and she realizes she has to tell him the truth.  But, as she is about to say something, a very loud burst of thunder sounds outside, followed immediately by a flash of lightening that is so bright it lights up the entire motel room, frightening Jasmine so much that she jumps into Dylan's arms.  Instinctively, Dylan wraps his arms around the terrified girl.  

 

"Hey, it's okay,"  he says, attempting to comfort her.  "We're safe here.  You're safe."

 

Jasmine looks at him, tears streaming down her face, and smiles.  "I really do feel safe,"  she says.  "Safer than I have in a long time."  Jasmine looks into Dylan's eyes, and he into hers.  Her hormones begin to rage inside of her, and Jasmine quickly kisses Dylan.  After a few seconds, she pulls out of the kiss.  "I'm sorry," she says.  "I don't know why I did that."

 

"It's okay,"  Dylan says.  "I'm......not complaining at all."

 

Again, Jasmine looks into the eyes of this handsome young man she had been using to achieve a twisted revenge against Conner and Ashley, and suddenly, none of that mattered.  The anger she felt toward them melted away and was replaced by the almost overpowering physical and emotional attraction she was now feeling toward Dylan.  The two kiss again, this time longer.  Finally Jasmine pulls back and gently touches Dylan's face.  "Dylan,"  she says in tears.  "I.......I haven't been with anybody in a long time."

 

"Then you and Conner never........"

 

"No.  I couldn't get him to even touch me.  Now I know why.  All he could see was Ashley."

 

"My brother's an idiot,"  Dylan says, kissing Jasmine again.  Within seconds, the two are undressing each other.  

 After removing Dylan's shirt, Jasmine slips her own blouse off, then pushes Dylan down on the bed and climbs on top of him.  She unbuckles his belt and slips off his pants and shorts, then kisses him again.  After a few seconds, the two begin to make love, the passion and ecstasy between them 

 

 

Half an hour later, the worst of the storm has begun to dissipate over Dallas and surrounding areas, but a heavy down- pour of rain continues to fall as Cory Winthrop's car pulls into the parking lot of the Days Inn.  Getting out of his car, Cory runs to get to the motel in order to keep from getting drenched in the rain.  Reaching the room where Jasmine and Dylan are, Cory knocks on the door.  A few seconds pass, and Jasmine doesn't answer his knock, so Cory searches his pockets for his key card to the room.  Finally locating it, Cory unlocks the door and enters the dark room.  

 

"Sis, I'm REALLY sorry I'm so late, but there was an accident on the Central Expressway, and I spent almost an hour stuck in traffic, and I had no signal on my phone,"  Cory says as he walks in.  He stops short and his mouth drops open in shock when he sees his sister and Dylan asleep in bed together, Dylan's arm around Jasmine, both of them obviously naked under the covers, the room slightly illuminated by the flashlight on Jasmine's cell phone laying on the table beside the bed.

 

"Oh my God.  What the hell?"  Says a stunned Cory as he looks on in shock at the sight of his sister in bed with Dylan Ewing!

 

END OF EPISODE 237....