EPISODE 238 - Compromising Positions

 

 

"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!  "Jasmine!?"

 

Startled out of her sleep by the sound of Cory's voice, Jasmine quickly sits up in bed and looks around.  "What?  Cory?"  She says, running her hand through her hair.  

 

"Jasmine, what the hell is going on?"  Cory asks.

Dylan is also startled awake by the sound of the thunder and sits up in bed.  "What......what's going on?"  He sleepily asks.

 

"That's what I'd like to know,"  says Cory.  

 

Dylan and Jasmine exchange looks between them.  "Excuse me,"  Dylan says.  He grabs his boxers off the floor beside the bed, slips them on under the covers, and quickly gets out of bed, rushing into the bathroom.

 

"Alright, Jasmine, what the hell just happened here?"  Cory asks.

 

"Well, would you mind turning around so I can get out of bed and get dressed?"  Jasmine asks. 

 

Cory turns his back on her while Jasmine quickly gets out of bed, slips on her blouse, then her shorts.  

 

"Okay, turn around,"  she says.

 

Cory turns to face his sister.  "Jasmine, what the hell were you thinking?  You SLEPT with Dylan?"

 

"Not that I owe you any explanation, little brother, but it just happened."

 

"Just happened?  Jasmine....."

 

"Look, I don't meddle in your sex life, so don't you go meddling in mine."

 

"You know this is really gonna complicate things,"  Cory says.

 

Jasmine looks at her brother.  "You just let me worry about that.  But maybe you were right.  Maybe it's time to bring this whole thing to an end,"  she says, much to Cory's dismay.

Southfork.....the cottage....

 Meanwhile, at Southfork, Gavin and Lucia are laying in bed at the cottage, kissing passionately after making love.  Gavin looks at Lucia and smiles.  "Well, I can't think of any better way to have passed the time during the storm and blackout,"  he says.

 

"I should not have let this happen,"  Lucia says.

 "Why not?"  Gavin asks.  "We're both consenting adults, after all, so why shouldn't we have ended up in bed together?"

 

"I am almost old enough to be your mother."

 

"I'm 23.  And you're, what?  35?  36?"

 

"I am 38."

 

"38, huh?  15 years.  That's not that big of an age difference."

 

Lucia turns her head and looks at the window.  "I think the storm is almost over.  The rain is letting up.  I really think that you should go."

 

"I was thinking maybe I could.......spend the night?"

 

"No,"  Lucia adamantly says.  "My boys.  They will be home soon from the movie."

 

Gavin sighs.  "That's right, I forgot about Miguel and Tonio.  Alright, I should go."  Gavin sits up on the bed.  "Lucia, can I ask you a question?"

 

"Yes, of course."

 

Gavin pauses for a few seconds, then looks at her.  "What's goin' on between you and Christopher Ewing?"

 

"I do not think that is any of your business."

 

"I'm just curious.  Christopher moves you into this little cottage here at Southfork.  I see him coming and going here all the time.  You told me that it's been a long time since you've slept with anyone.  So you and Christopher aren't.........sexually involved?"

 

Annoyed by Gavin's personal questions, Lucia sits up in bed.  "I do not think it appropriate for me to discuss Christopher with you, especially since you are Courtney's brother."

 

"My sister's marriage to Christopher has nothin' to do with me.  I was just curious, that's all."

 

"You really should go,"  Lucia says.  "My boys will be home soon."

 

"You think what happened between us was a mistake, don't you?"  Gavin asks.

 

"It should not have happened.  We should not have allowed ourselves to get so........carried away."

 

"I don't see it as a mistake at all, and I'm glad it happened."

 

"Well, it can never happen again,"  says Lucia.  "And you should go before my boys arrive home."

 

Gavin looks at her and nods.  "Fine,"  he says.  Standing to his feet, he slips on his jeans and zips them.  While Lucia's back is turned, Gavin picks up his cell phone and quickly types a text and sends it.  He then takes his wallet from his pocket and drops it to the floor, kicking it under the edge of the bed while he slips on his shirt.  "Well, I guess I'll be going."

 

"Yes,"  Lucia says with a nod. 

 

Gavin buttons his shirt and walks over to her.  "I'll say it again.  I don't regret what just happened between us.  You're a very beautiful and attractive woman, Lucia.  And I think you felt the electricity between us, just like I did."  Gavin leans over and kisses her, then without saying another word, he picks up his jacket and leaves.   

Meanwhile....

 

 

Christopher and Jacob get out of the car and start toward the darkened house.  "Oh, wow,"  Jacob says, stopping in his track and looking toward the cottage.

 

"Jacob, what is it?"  Christopher asks.

 

"Look.  It's Gavin, coming out of Mrs. Trevino's cottage,"  Jacob replies.  

 

Christopher also looks in the direction of the cottage, and he can barely make out in the faint moonlight, as the clouds have begun to dissipate, Gavin coming out of the cottage, looking as if he is buttoning his shirt.  A look of confusion comes over Christopher's face as he sees Gavin get into his truck, parked in front of the cottage, and drive away.  

 

 

 

Jacob smiles, happy that his and Gavin's timing had been coordinated perfectly, and confident his devious plan to get Lucia out of Christopher's life was beginning to work.

 Christopher is standing in the dining room pouring himself a cup of coffee the next morning when Bobby walks in.  "Morning,"  Bobby says.

 

"Morning,"  Christopher replies.  

 

"That was some storm last night, watn't it?"

 

"Yeah.  It was."

 

"Thank goodness we've got power this mornin'.  What time did you and Jacob get home last night?"  Bobby asks.

 

"About 9:30, I guess,"  Christopher replies, 

 

Bobby looks at him.  "You okay, son?  You seem real bothered by somethin' this mornin'."

 

Christopher takes a sip of his coffee.  "I didn't get much sleep last night."

 

"Anything you wanna talk about?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Thanks, Dad, but no.  I'm really not hungry this morning, so I think I'll be going.  I have a lot of work to do today, and I have to check the ranch for any damage from the storm.  I'll see you, Dad."

 

"See you later, son,"  says a concerned Bobby as Christopher leaves the dining room.  

 

Ann comes down the stairs and enters the dining room.  "Where was Christopher goin' in such a hurry?"

 

"Said he was goin' out to check the ranch for any storm damage."

 

"Is anything wrong?"  Ann asks.

 

Bobby sighs.  "I sure hope not."

The Krebbs Ranch....

 "Thank ya,"  Ray says as Donna places a plate of eggs benedict on the table in front of him.

 

"You're welcome."

 

"Hmmm, smells good.  I forgot how good your eggs benedict is."

 

Donna smiles as she takes a seat at the kitchen table across from him.

 

Ray looks at her.  "Donna, everything okay?  You're awful quiet this mornin'.  Thinkin' about that book your old publisher asked you to write?"

 

Donna nods.  "That. among other things."

 

"Dylan?"

 

"Dylan, and Conner.  Both of them.  I miss those boys, Ray.  It's amazing how quiet this house is without them."

 

"I know,"  Ray says.  

 

"I'm still so worried about Dylan.  He's been gone for so long."

 

"Donna, is somethin' had happened to him, we'd have heard about it by now.  I think that Dylan doesn't wanna be found."

 

"He must still be hurting so bad to stay away from us this long.  I feel so helpless.  Helpless and angry.  God help me, Ray, I love Conner.  But I am still so damned angry with him for what he did to his brother."

 

"Maybe we should talk about somethin' else,"  says Ray.

 

"Alright.  Like what?"

 

"Like this book of yours.  A book about ol' J.R."

 

"I haven't decided whether or not I'm going to write the book or not."

 

"Yeah?  And why not?"  Ray asks.  "You're not doin' much else these days, since you resigned as Railroad Commissioner."

 

"I just don't think it's the right time, with Dylan still missing and our family in such a mess."

 

"I think now is the perfect time to write that book.  Donna, you need a distraction, and that book will provide that distraction."

 

"I think you're overlooking the obvious here.  And by that, I mean the obvious reason not to write this book."

 

"Which is?"

 

"The subject,"  Donna says.  "If I agree to write a biography of J.R.'s life, some very unflattering and embarrassing facts might come to light.  J.R. did live a very......colorful life, to say the least.  If I start digging around into his affairs, business or otherwise, there's no telling what I might find.  And that might not sit too well with the family, particularly John Ross and Sue Ellen, even Bobby.  You remember what happened all those years ago when I was writing that book about Sam Culver's early years.  I stumbled onto that information about Sam and Jock having Sam's Uncle Jonas committed so they could get their hands on his land.  You remember the pain that caused Miss Ellie, and how she reacted.  It almost destroyed our friendship."

 

"There's a big difference between that and this,"  says Ray.

 

"I don't see how."

 

"Donna, you know how the family felt about Jock.  We all saw him as more'n a man, and we all put him on a pedestal.  So when you dug up some dirt that had happened 50 years earlier when Jock was a young man, it hurt.  It hurt because nobody expected Jock to do anything wrong.  It's a whole lot different with J.R.  The whole family, includin' Sue Ellen, John Ross, and Bobby, they all know J.R. was a snake.  Nobody's put him on a pedestal, and I really don't think anything you could dig up would be much of a surprise."

 

"Well, some of what I find might prove embarrassing to the family if I print it."

 

"Donna, if you don't write this book, then somebody else probably will, eventually.  J.R. Ewing was a pretty famous character, and I'm really surprised nobody's written a biography about him before now."

 

"Well, there WAS that book Alexis Colby wrote a few years ago,"  Donna says.

 

"Yeah, well, James's law suit got that one yanked out of the stores real quick.  Point I'm tryin' to make is, if you don't write the truth about J.R., somebody else will.  And wouldn't it be better if it were written by somebody who actually knew J.R.?  Somebody who has a personal stake in the story?"

 

Donna looks at him and smiles.  "Well, if you put it that way, I guess so."

 

"Then you'll write the book?"

 

Donna nods.  "Yes, I'll write the book.  I admit, I do need the distraction."

 

Ray smiles as he reaches across the table and takes her by the hand.

Days Inn, Dallas....

 While Cory is sitting on one of the beds in Dylan's room at Days Inn, Dylan is in the shower.  Cory is flipping channels on the TV when Dylan comes in from the bathroom.  The two exchange looks, then Cory returns his gaze to the TV.  

 

"Cory, look, if you wanna talk about what happened last night,"  Dylan says.

 

 

"What happened last night?  Did something happen last night?"  Cory asks sarcastically.  "Oh, you mean when I walked in here and found you in bed with my sister?"

"It's obviously bothering you,"  says Dylan.  "We spent the night here last night, and you never said one word to me."

 

"Why should it bother me?  You and Jasmine are both consenting adults.  You're both older than I am, so, it's really none of my business."

 

"We didn't plan it.  It just happened."

 

Cory laughs.  "Why do people always say that?  It just happened."

 

"Well, it DID just happen.  Jasmine and I were both vulnerable, and we needed someone.  She was scared of the thunder and lightening."

 

"Yeah, she was always terrified of storms,"  Cory says.

 

"Yeah, and I was just trying to comfort her as best I could."

 

"So what happened?  You both got so horny you couldn't control yourselves?"  Cory asks.

 

Dylan looks away from him and pauses for a moment, then he looks at Cory again.  "You REALLY don't like me, do you?"

 

"I don't know you that well, but what I do know of you, I don't like."

 

"Why?  What have I ever done to you?"

 

"To me?  Nothing.  But to yourself........Dylan, I look at you, and I see a pathetic drunk who's just throwing your life away, for what?  For booze?"

 

"You don't understand,"  Dylan says, turning away from him again.

 

"Oh yeah, I do understand.  I understand I see a young, good looking guy who could have basically anything he wants out of life, and yet you choose to drink yourself unconscious every night and wander the streets of skid row instead of doing something with your life."

 

"I guess you've never been in love, have you?"  Dylan asks.

 

"Yes, I've been in love.  I'm in love with someone now."

 

"Well, have you ever been cheated on?  Suppose you walked in and found the person you're in love with in bed with Jasmine.  How would that make you feel?"

 

Cory lowers his head.  "It would just about destroy me."

 

"Exactly."

 

"But then I'd pick myself up again.  I'd get back on my feet and, as much as it would hurt, I would move on.  Dylan, destroying yourself with booze isn't gonna change anything.  Do you think it's gonna undo what happened between your brother and Ashley?  You're just feeling sorry for yourself, and you're punishing yourself."

 

Dylan looks at him, then walks over to his bed.  He opens the drawer of the nightstand beside his bed and takes out a half empty bottle of vodka.  He starts to open the bottle, then looks at Cory.

 

"You want that drink so bad, go ahead,"  Cory says.  

 

Dylan hesitates.

 

"You have a choice, Dylan.  You can kill yourself with that crap, which isn't gonna do anything but hurt the people who love you.  Or you can get back on your feet and beat it, once and for all."

 

Dylan looks at him and begins to cry.  "The people who love me?  And just who would that be?  My brother, Conner?  He betrayed me in the worst possible way.  Ashley?  Same.  My mother.  I don't even know where she is.  She obviously doesn't give a damn about me.  My other brother, Todd?  The only time he ever comes around me or even acknowledges my existence is when he suddenly remembers that he has  a brother and he decides to have lunch with me or invite me over for a night every six months so he doesn't have to feel guilty for abandoning me the way our mother did.  Yeah, I got a lot of people who love me.  I'm a REAL popular guy."

 

"And what about Ray and Donna Krebbs?"  Cory asks.  "They took you in, and treated you like a son, didn't they?  And what about me?"

 

"You?  You just said you didn't like me."

 

"I don't like the person I see in front of me right now, who's bound and determined to drink himself to death because life has been a little hard.  But I have a feeling that if I got to know the real Dylan Ewing.........the person you are when you're not drunk or craving booze.........I've got a feeling I'd really like that guy."

 

Dylan looks at the bottle in his hand.  He is about to say something, when the door opens and Jasmine walks into the motel room.  She pauses and looks at Cory, and at Dylan, then closes the door.  

 

"Well, good morning,"  she says.

 

"Morning,"  says Cory.  

 

"Cory could I talk to Dylan alone, please?"  Jasmine asks.

 

"Sure,"  replies Cory.  He looks at his sister, then at Dylan, and leaves the room.  

 

An awkward silence between Dylan and Jasmine follows after Cory leaves.  Jasmine looks at Dylan.  "I guess we should talk about what happened last night,"  she finally says.

 

"Yeah, I guess so,"  Dylan says, looking at the bottle in his hand.  

 

Jasmine walks over to him.  "Dylan, I'm sorry.  What happened was........a mistake.  I was scared by the storm. and we let ourselves get carried away."

 

"I think that we were both very needy, too,"  says Dylan.  "But yeah, you're right, it never should've happened.  I'm sorry I let it happen."

 

"Dylan, it wasn't your fault.  I was just as much to blame for what happened as you."

 

Dylan looks down at the bottle he had tossed onto the bed.  

 

"Dylan, don't,"  Jasmine says.  "You don't need that booze."

 

"I do need it, Jasmine.  You just have no idea."

 

"Yes, I do have some idea.  Dylan, maybe it's time that you went back home."

 

Dylan looks at her.  "Home?  I don't have a home anymore."

 

"Yes, Dylan, you DO.  The Krebbs have been worried sick ever since you've been gone."

 

Dylan takes a seat on the bed.  "I can't go back there.  Not with Conner there."

 

"Well, I happen to have heard that Conner moved out,"  Jasmine says.

 

"What?"  Dylan asks, looking at her.  

 

"I heard that Conner moved off the Krebbs ranch.  He's staying with C.J. Ewing.  Maybe Ray and Donna kicked him out over what he did to you."

 

Dylan sighs.  "I can't, I......"

 

"Dylan, listen to me,"  Jasmine says.  "I think it's best that you just go home.  Today."

 

"Why?  Why this sudden change of heart?  You told me......."

 

"I know what I told you.  But now that Conner is gone, there's no reason for you not to go back to Ray and Donna's.  Get dressed and pack your things and I'll drive you."  Jasmine starts to walk out of the room.

 

"Jasmine?"  Dylan calls to her.  

 

She pauses, and turns back to look at him.  "Yes?"

"So you're finally dropping this crazy scheme of yours?"  Cory asks.

 

"Yes, I'm dropping it."

 

"Because of last night?"

 

"What difference does it make?"  Jasmine asks.  "This is what you wanted all along."

 

"You're starting to care for him, aren't you?  You're starting to fall for Dylan."

 

Jasmine looks at her brother.  "Mind your own business, okay?"  She says, and walks away.

Southfork....

 Christopher is using the punching bag in one of the barns at Southfork early in the afternoon.  He is hitting the bag hard, as if to work off some of his anger and frustration.  Lucia walks into the barn.  She stands in the doorway watching Christopher for a few moments, as he doesn't notice her.  Finally, she walks over to him. 

 

"I thought I would find you in here,"  she says.  

 

"Yeah, well, here I am,"  Christopher says, continuing to hit the bag.

 

"You have been avoiding me.  I texted you earlier, and even called but you did not answer either my text or my call."

 

"Sorry, I've been busy."

 

"Christopher, what is wrong?"  Lucia asks.  "You seem angry.  Are you upset with me about something?"

 

"What would I have to be upset with you about?"

 

"I don't know.  Perhaps you could tell me."

 

Christopher stops hitting the bag and looks at her.  "Lucia, how well do you know Gavin Murray?"

 

Lucia is caught off guard by the question.  "Gavin Murray?  Your wife's brother?"

 

"Yeah."

 

"Christopher, why would you ask me about him?"

 

"Last night, when Jacob and I came home from the movies, I saw Gavin coming out of the cabin."

 

"Gavin's truck was broken down in front of the  cabin,"  Lucia explains.  "It was storming and raining very hard, so I invited him to come in and wait out the storm."

 

"I see.  I'm sorry, I know it's none of my business.  I shouldn't have pryed."

 

"I suppose you have a right to know,"  Lucia says.  "After all, I am living here on your ranch."

 

"But still, your personal life is none of my business.  It's not like you and I are involved or anything."

 

"Would you like for us to be?  Involved?"

 

Christopher looks at her for a moment, but remains silent.

 

"I think that is a fair question, Christopher.  I have been here at Southfork for months.  You and I have spent a lot of time together.  I think you should know by now that I care for you, very deeply, and I believe that you care for me, as well."

 

"You're right.  I do care for you, Lucia.  But my feelings have been so confused.  I'm still married to Courtney, and......."

 

"And you are still in love with her?"  Lucia asks.  

 

"Yes,"  Christopher replies with a nod.  "Yes, a part of me is still in love with Courtney.  But that doesn't mean that I don't have feelings for you."

 

"Christopher, I cannot wait around forever for you to decide whether you want me.......or whether you want to get back together with your wife.  It's not fair."

 

"I know, and you're right, it's not fair.  Not to you, not to me, and not to Courtney.  We've been stuck in this limbo for long enough, and it's time for it to end."

 

 

"Meaning what?"  Lucia asks.  "That you are ready to end your marriage to Courtney and be with me? Or that you are ready to fight to win her back?"

 

"Lucia, I'm sorry, but I can't answer that right now."

 

"Well, I hope that you will be able to answer it soon.  I cannot, and I will not wait forever for you to decide between me and Courtney."  Lucia starts to walk out.

 

"Lucia?"  Christopher says.  

 

She stops and turns back to him.  She looks at him without saying a word.  

 

"Did you sleep with Gavin?"  Christopher asks.  

 

"I am sorry, Christopher,"  says Lucia.  "But until you are ready to make a decision to be with me, I do not feel that you have a right to ask me that question, or to know the answer."  She turns and walks away from him.

 

Christopher lets out a deep sigh, then angrily hits the punching bag with his fist, Lucia's refusal to answer his question giving him all the answer she needs.  

 

Meanwhile, as Lucia leaves the barn, Jacob is watching from a distance.  When he sees that she appears upset as she exits the barn, Jacob smiles with delight, hopeful that Christopher has discovered Lucia's tryst with Gavin.  

 

 

 

 

 

The Krebbs Ranch....

 Donna is in the kitchen of the Krebbs home early in the afternoon, taking a cake from the oven she has just finished baking.  She places the cake on the table, then goes to the cupboard and takes down a can of vanilla frosting.  As she sits the frosting on the table and prepares to wait for the cake to cool so she can put  the frosting on, the doorbell rings.  Picking up a kitchen towel, Donna wipes her hands, then makes her way through the dining room into the foyer to answer it.  Opening the door, Donna is stunned when she sees Dylan standing before her.  Her mouth falls open in shock. "Oh my God...... Dylan?"

 

"Hello, Donna,"  Dylan says softly, Jasmine standing beside him.  

 

"Dylan, thank God,"  Donna says, embracing him tightly.  "Dylan, where have you been?  We have been absolutely out of our minds with worry.  Where were you?  RAY!"  Donna excitedly calls.

 

"Yeah?"  Ray says, walking into the foyer.  He stops short when he sees Dylan and Jasmine.  "Dylan,"  he says.  "Thank God, thank God."  Ray approaches Dylan and pulls him into an embrace.  "Are you okay?"

 

"I'm fine."

 

"You've had us all just sick with worry.  Dylan, where have you been all this time?"

 

"That doesn't matter now,"  Dylan replies.  "Point is, I'm back.  And that's thanks to Jasmine."

 

"Jasmine?"  Ray asks, looking at the young woman.

 

"That's right."

 

"I don't understand,"  says Donna.

 

"Jasmine found me, and she helped me.  She got me off the street and kept me safe, and she convinced me to come home."

 

"Well, then, I guess we owe you our thanks,"  Ray says.

 

"It was nothing,"  Jasmine says.  

 

"Are you sure you're alright?"  Donna asks, gently touching Dylan's face.

 

"I'm fine.  Look, the only reason I came home is because Jasmine told me that Conner moved out.  Is that true?"

 

Donna and Ray exchange looks, and then Donna nods.  "Yes, it's true.  Conner has been staying with C.J."

 

"Good,"  Dylan says.  "Because if he was still here, I never would've come back.  I never wanna see him again."

 

"Dylan, I can understand how you feel,"  says Ray.  "But Conner's still your brother, and you can't avoid him forever.  Eventually you're gonna run into him and have to face him."

 

"Maybe.  But not any time soon."

 

"You must be hungry,"  says Donna.

 

"No, not really."

 

"Well, you must be tired and want to rest."

 

"I would like some rest, in my own bed."

 

Donna smiles.  "Come on.  I'll take you up."

 

Dylan turns to Jasmine.  "Thank you, for everything.  I'll call you."

 

"Okay,"  Jasmine says with a nod.  

 

Donna puts her arm around Dylan and leads him up the stairs as Ray and Jasmine look on.  Ray turns to Jasmine.  "Well, thank you again for bringin' Dylan home,"  he says.

 

"You're welcome.  I'm just glad I could help."

 

"How exactly did you happen to find Dylan after all this time?"

 

"I was driving downtown, and I saw Dylan standing on a corner, so I picked him up."

 

"And when exactly was that?"  Ray asks.  

 

"What difference does it make?  Dylan's home now.  Isn't that what's important?"

 

"Yeah.  I'm just curious, that's all.  So when did you find Dylan?"

 

"RAY?  COULD YOU COME UP HERE A MINUTE?"  Donna calls from upstairs before Jasmine has a chance to answer his question.  

 

"YEAH, I'LL BE RIGHT UP,"  Ray yells back to her.  He looks at Jasmine.  "We'll continue this conversation later,"  he says, then goes up the stairs to see what Donna wants.

 

Jasmine breathes a sigh of relief that Donna interrupted before she was forced to answer Ray's question, knowing that she would have a lot to answer for if Ray and Donna knew she had been keeping Dylan at the motel, supplied with all the alcohol he could consume, for the past several weeks.  After Ray goes upstairs, Jasmine quietly slips out of the house and leaves.  

A street in Dallas....

 Pamela and Justin are driving down a quiet neighborhood street in a Dallas suburb that afternoon in Justin's car.  "Isn't this a beautiful neighborhood?"  Justin asks.

 

"Yes, it's lovely,"  replies Pamela.  "But where are we going?"

 

"We're just out for a nice Sunday drive.  Just sit back and relax."

 

"Justin, I have a ton of paper work to get through by tomorrow morning,"

 

"Pamela, just relax,"  Justin says.  "When we get home I'll help you wade through those contracts.  Hey, why don't we stop here?"  

 

Pamela is puzzled as Justin pulls his car into the driveway of a beautiful home and comes to a stop.  "Why are we here?  Do we know someone who lives here?"

 

"No.  Come on, let's take a look around."

 

Curious, Pamela gets out of the car and looks around.  

 

"Beautiful, isn't it?"  Justin asks.

 

 

"Yes, it's a beautiful house, but why are we here?"  Pamela asks.  

 

"You have no idea what house this is, do you?"  Justin asks.

 

"Well, it does look familiar, but no, I don't have any idea."

"This house use to belong to your grandmother, Rebecca Wentworth,"  Justin says.  "And after she died, your Aunt Pam lived here until she married Uncle Bobby the second time and moved back to Southfork."

 

Pamela looks at the house and smiles.  "This was my grandmother's house?  I've seen pictures, but it looks so different now."

 

"Yeah, it's been remodeled over the years.  Well, the reason we're here is, the house is for sale, and since we've been talkin' an awful lot about movin' out of that apartment and into a house of our own, I thought we'd come and take a look at it."

 

"Justin, you're.......you're serious?  You really wanna buy this house?  My grandmother's house?"

 

"Yes, I do."

 

"But, how did you know that......."

 

"That this house once belonged to Rebecca Wentworth?  Your mama told me.  Afton knows we've been wantin' to find a house of our own, and she saw your grandma's old house listed for sale on Realtor.com, so she told me about it.  I came out here by myself and looked at the house the other day, and I met with the realtor.  I wanted to go ahead and buy the house for you as a surprise, but, a decision this big is one we should both make together.  So I wanted you to look at the place.  The realtor's inside waitin' to show us around.  Wanna take a look?"

 

"Of course,"  says an excited Pamela.

 

Justin takes her by the hand, and together they walk onto the front porch and into the house, where a woman is waiting for them.

 

"Mr. and Mrs. Ewing, come in,"  the woman says.

 

"Ms. Whitney, this is my wife, Pamela,"  Justin says.  

 

"Mrs. Ewing, it's a pleasure to meet you,"  the woman says, shaking Pamela's hand.

 

"Same here."

 

"Mr. Ewing was telling me that your grandmother and your aunt use to live here."

 

"Yes that's right, and this is actually the first time that I've ever been here."

 

Ms. Whitney smiles.  "Well, then seeing it for the first time should be a real treat for you.  Shall I give you the tour?"

 

Justin looks at Pamela.  

 

"Yes, I'd like that,"  Pamela says.  

 

"Fine,"  Ms. Whitney says.  "Why don't we start in here?"

 

Justin and Pamela exchange smiles, then they follow the real estate woman into the living room.  

Southfork....

 

Gavin is brushing one of the horses in the Southfork stables that afternoon when Michael and Jacob walk up to him.  

 

"Hey, Gavin, what's up?" Jacob asks.

 

"What are you guys doin' here?"  

 

"Just came to say thanks," replies Jacob.  "Our plan must have worked.  I saw Mrs. Trevino coming out of the barn earlier after she went to talk to Christopher, and she looked REALLY upset."

 

"Hey, Gavin, what all happened between you and Mrs. Trevino, anyway?"  Michael asks with a smile.

 

"That's none of your business."

 

"Dude, come on, tell.  Was she good?"

 

"I said it's none of your business,"  Gavin angrily snaps.  "Now will you two get out of here?  I've got work to do."

 

"Gavin, why are you so mad?"  Jacob asks.  "Our plan worked.  Now Mrs. Trevino will probably leave Christopher alone.  She might even leave Southfork, and then my Mom and I can move back.  And besides that, you got something out of it, too."

 A light rain is falling over Southfork as rumbles of thunder are heard over the ranch two mornings later, the sky overhead looking dark and ominous, a stormy day having been forecast for Dallas and surrounding areas.  Inside the mansion, Bobby, Ann, Lucas, and Heather, are sitting at the dining room table the next morning about to start breakfast, Maria pouring Bobby a cup of coffee, when John Ross and Krystina walk into the room.  

 

"Good mornin' all,"  John Ross cheerfully says.

 

"Mornin', John Ross,"  says Bobby.  "You seem in a good mood this mornin'."

 

"I am.  Today is the day I close the deal that just might convince you to make me the permanent president of Ewing Oil over that upstart Clay Beaumont."

 

"Well, we'll just have to wait and see, won't we?"

 

Ann smiles.  "Krystina, Heather, would you two wanna have lunch with Lucy and me in town today?"  She asks.  

 

"I'd love to,"  replies Heather.

 

"I would love to, Ann, but I'm meeting my Mom at the airport,"  Krystina says.

 

"Oh, that's right, I had forgotten your mother is comin' in today for a visit,"  says Ann.  "What time is her flight due in?",

 

"12 noon."

 

"Well, I'll tell you what.  I'm not meetin' Lucy until 1, so why don't you pick Krystle up at the airport, and then just join us for lunch?  We're meetin' at Perry's."

 

Krystina smiles.  "That sounds fine.  I'm sure my Mom would love it."

 

"Good, then it's all settled."

 

"I wonder where Christopher is,"  Lucas says.  "He hasn't been down for breakfast in a couple of days."

 

"He was up early this mornin' and left,"  Ann says.

 

"Dad, do you know what's goin' on with him?"  Lucas asks.

 

"I think your brother's just goin' through a hard time right now with this separation from Courtney," Bobby replies as Alex enters the dining room.

 

"Mornin',"  John Ross greets his son.

 

"Good morning,"  says Alex, picking up a piece of bacon and putting it on a saucer.

 

"Coffee, Alex?"  Maria asks.

 

"No, thanks, Maria, I don't have time."

 

"Aren't you having breakfast?"  Krystina asks.

 

"Nah, I'll grab a bite later,"  replies Alex.  "I have to go and register for fall classes, and then I have a 9 a.m. session with Dr. Richards."

 

"You're really getting a lot out of these therapy sessions, huh?"  Lucas says to his nephew.

 

"Yeah, I am.  I've only been going to him for a short while, but Dr. Richards is helping me come to grips with everything that happened with Shawn.  I gotta go.  I'll see you all tonight."  Alex takes a bite of his piece of bacon and starts to leave.

 

"You comin' in to the office?"  John Ross asks his son.

 

"Yeah, I'll be in around 11,"  Alex replies as he leaves.

 

"I'm really proud of Alex for goin' to therapy to help him deal with what happened,"  Ann says.

 

"So am I,"  Krystina says, taking a sip of coffee.  "And this Dr. Richards really seems to be helping him a lot.  Alex seems a lot calmer these days."

 

"Well, I just don't know about this whole thing,"  John Ross says.  "I'd like to meet this therapist of his."

 

"John Ross, you sound like you have something against therapy,"  says Lucas.

 

"I just don't see how sittin' and talkin' to a complete stranger about your problems for an hour and a half, would help anybody, except the damned therapist who's chargin' a hundred bucks an hour."

 

The others in the room exchange looks and shake their heads at John Ross's skepticism.

The office of Dr. Peter Richards....later....  

 Later in the morning, Alex is in session with his therapist, Dr. Peter Richards, who is listening attentively while Alex recounts his latest nightmare about Shawn and what happened in New Mexico.  

 

"I have hold of him, of his hand,"  Alex says.  "I try to pull him up, but I can't.  My hand is sweaty, and Shawn's hand is sweaty, and he........he slips out of my grasp and he falls.  But, in the dream it's like it's not Shawn falling.........it's me."

 

"So in the dream, you're falling WITH Shawn, or instead of?"  Peter asks.

 

"Instead of."

 

"And where is Shawn?  Do you see him?"

 

"He's on the cliff, where I was before."

 

"So, Shawn is on top of the cliff watching you fall?"  Peter asks.

 

Alex nods.  "Watching, and laughing."

 

"He's laughing at you?"

 

"Yes.  I can see him laughing, and I hear his laughter.  Then I wake up."

 

"And why do you think it's you falling in the dream instead of Shawn?"

 

"Aren't you supposed to tell ME that?"  Alex asks.  "You're the therapist, after all.  If I had the answers, I wouldn't need to be here."

 

"I'm here to help you figure out the answers, Alex.  Not to provide them for you."

 

Alex sighs as he lowers his head.  "Yeah, well, I have no idea why it's me falling in my dream instead of Shawn.  It's weird because, at first, it was him falling, just like it happened on the cliff.  But now, every time I have that damned dream, I'm the one falling while he's on the cliff watching me, and laughing."

 

"You think it could have something to do with your feelings of guilt?"  Peter asks.

 

"Guilt?"

 

"You told me in one of our first sessions that you felt guilty over Shawn's death because you weren't able to save him."

 

Alex nods.  

 

"Do you still feel guilty?"  Peter asks.

 

"Yes, I do."

 

"And why do you feel guilty?"

 

Alex looks at him,  "Why do you think?"

 

"I don't know, Alex.  You tell ME."

 

"I.........I should've been able to save him.  I should've tried harder to pull him up.  But I have to wonder......."

 

"You have to wonder what, Alex?"  

 

"If maybe part of me didn't want to save him,"  Alex replies with sadness in his voice.  

 

"Is that how you feel?"

 

"You think I'm a horrible person, don't you?"  Alex asks.

 

"No, Alex, I don't think you're a horrible person at all.  I think you're a perfectly normal person.  And I think that what you were feeling on that cliff at that moment was also perfectly normal.  Shawn was someone who had just put you and your family through absolute hell, and you were afraid of him.  Am I right?"

 

"Afraid of him?"  Alex asks.  He hesitates a moment before answering the question.  "Yeah, I was afraid of him," he says with a nod.  "The guy was a complete psycho.  My God, I'm.........I never even realized it before."

 

"Realized WHAT, Alex?"  Peter asks.

 

"That maybe I really didn't wanna save Shawn.  And how am I supposed to live with that?"

 

"Alex, let me ask you something.  In one of our earlier sessions, you told me that you had used every ounce of the strength you had left to try and pull Shawn up.  Was that the truth?"

 

"Yes, it was the truth."

 

"So you actually tried to save him, even though he had kidnapped and tried to kill you."

 

Alex nods, a tear falling down his face.  

 

"Then you have nothing to feel guilty about,"  Peter says.  "Alex, you may have, in your mind, not wanted Shawn to hurt you or anyone else you love ever again.  But that doesn't mean you wished him dead, or wanted to see him die.  You tried your best to save him.

 

"There's something that I haven't told you, Dr. Richards.  Something I haven't been completely honest about."

 

"Then why don't you tell me about it?"

 

Alex sighs deeply, rubbing his temples.  "When Shawn fell......when I WATCHED him fall.......part of me was devastated.  He was my best friend at one time, and now I had lost him for good.  I watched someone who use to be my best friend die, but part of me............."

 

"Yes, Alex?"

 

"Part me felt........relieved,"  Alex replies in tears.  "Relieved that he was gone, and that he'd never hurt me again, just like you said.  And the guilt I've been feeling for being relieved has been eating me alive."

 

"Alex, we can't always control our thoughts, and we can seldom, if ever, control how we feel.  It's like falling in love with the wrong person.  You don't want to be in love with them because you know it's wrong, and that it could cause pain for that person and other people, but you can't help still loving them.  Same thing here.  What you felt on that cliff, a mix of emotions is perfectly normal, and I'm glad that you're finally opening up about it.  Tell me......how do you feel about Shawn Smith right now?"

 

Alex thinks about the question for a moment.  "How do I feel about Shawn?  I hate him."

 

"You hate him?  Why?  You hate him for the nightmare that he put you through?"

 

Alex nods.  "Yes.  And for......"

 

"For what, Alex?  Why else do you hate Shawn?"

 

"For changing the way he did,"  Alex replies.  "For becoming the monster that he became.  And for dying.  He had been the best friend I ever had. And then he became somebody that I didn't even know or recognize.  I hate him......I HATE HIM!!!!"  Alex breaks down in tears.  "No.  No that's not true."

 

"You don't hate him?"

 

"No."

 

"How do you feel?"  Peter asks.  

 

"I love him.  Shawn was my........he was like my brother."

 

Peter looks at the clock on his wall.  "Alex, I'm afraid that our time is up for today.  We'll pick this up in our next session on Friday."

 

Alex nods and wipes his tears.  

 

"If you need me before Friday, all you have to do is give me a call.  You have both my office number and my cell phone number."

 

"Yes."

 

Peter stands from his seat, and Alex also stands.  

 

"Thank you, Dr. Richards,"  Alex says.

 

Peter slightly smiles.  "You're welcome.  Alex, maybe in our next session, we can talk a little bit about your family."

 

"My family?  Why?  What I went through with Shawn is the reason I'm here."

 

"Yes, but sometimes it helps give a therapist a better insight to learn a little about a client's family, and what their home life is like."

 

"Okay, fine.  I'll see you Friday."

 

"Yes, see you Friday,"  Peter says as Alex leaves the office.  After he's gone, a thoughtful expression comes over Peter's face.  After a brief pause, he walks back to his desk and opens a bottom drawer.  He pauses again, then reaches into the drawer and takes out a 5 X 7 photo.  He looks at the photo, 

 Courtney is blow drying her hair in her hotel room after taking a shower, when someone knocks on her door.  Putting the blow dryer down on a table, Courtney goes to the door and opens it to find Joseph.

 

"Hi," he says.  

 

"Hi.  Come in."  

 

Joseph walks into the room, and Courtney closes the door behind him.  "Where's Jacob?"

 

"Jacob is at Southfork,"  Courtney replies.  

 

"What, AGAIN?  He just spent the weekend out there."

 

"I know, but, he loves the ranch so much and he wanted to spend the day there with Michael.  School starts back next week, so I thought I'd let him."

 

"Well, I can't say I'm not disappointed,"  says Joseph.  "I'd hoped to take the two of you to a movie this afternoon.  Oh, well, maybe tomorrow."

 

"Sure, tomorrow."

 

"Actually, this will give us a chance to talk.  There's something I need to discuss with you, anyway."

 

"What is it?"  Courtney asks.

 

 "Courtney, I've been doing a lot of thinking,"  Joseph says.  "And I've decided that I'm going back to California."

 

"California?"

 

"Yes.  I think it's time.  Dallas is okay, but the Tuscany Valley is my home.  Chase is running Gioberti and Sons with my father, and I want to make a go of my family's other business.  I plan to make a go of my mother's vineyards."

 

Courtney sighs.  "I see.  Well, I suppose I knew this would come, sooner or later.  I knew you had no plans to stay in Dallas indefinitely."

 

"Courtney, that's not all.  I want you and Jacob to come back with me."

 

"What?"  Asks a stunned Courtney.  "You want Jacob and I to come to California with you?"

 

"Yes, I do.  Courtney, these last several months that I've been here in Dallas with you and Jacob have been some of the best of my life.  I love you, Courtney, and I love our son.  I love the thought of the life and family the three of us could have together.  Jacob would love the Tuscany Valley, and he'd be surrounded by his family."

 

"Jacob is already surrounded by family here, Joseph."

 

"The Ewings aren't his family, Courtney,"  Joseph says.  "Not his blood family, anyway.  I want my son to get to know my father, and my Aunt Vicky, and all his Gioberti cousins.  His Channing cousins, too.  I want him to learn about my mother's side of the family, the Agrettis, and learn to appreciate the land his ancestors walked on."  Joseph pauses and takes Courtney by the hand.  "And I wanna make a life with you, Courtney."

 

"Joseph, I.......I don't know what to say.  What about Christopher?  I'm still married to him."

 

"You said yourself that your marriage is over.  Courtney, all these months we've spent together, can you honestly say that being together with me and our son hasn't made you happy?  Can you say that you don't feel the same about me as I feel about you?"

 

"Joseph, I.......of course I care about you, a lot.  But my feelings are so confused right now.  I don't know how I feel about anything.  Not about you or Christopher or my marriage."

 

"Courtney, let me ask you something, and I want you to be totally honest with me.  Do you think there is ANY chance of you and Christopher making your marriage work at this point, after everything that's happened?"

 

"Joseph, I don't know.  I really just......don't know."

 

"Do you WANT your marriage to work?  If Christopher Ewing were to walk through that door right now and ask you to come back to Southfork and to him, would you?"

 

Courtney looks at him for a few seconds.  "I don't know."

 

"Well, I think it's time you figured it out, don't you?"  Joseph asks.  "Courtney, we've been living in this limbo for months now and it's not fair to any of us.  Not to me, not to Jacob, not to Christopher, and not even to you.  We can't go on like this.  It's time we all got on with our lives, and I wanna get on with my life with you and our son."  Joseph pauses for a moment, then looks at her.  "Courtney, I'm going back to California.  I'm gonna get the Agretti vineyards in order, or at least start to.  I'm coming back to Dallas in two weeks.  That should give you enough time to decide who you wanna be with...... ......me, or Christopher.  And while you're deciding, I want you to think about something.  All this time, all these months, Christopher has kept Lucia Trevino living on at Southfork, knowing how you feel about that.  And, in the meantime, you've been sleeping with me.  I think if your marriage weren't over, Christopher would've made Lucia and her kids leave that ranch and begged you to come home.  And instead of sharing a bed with me, you'd have gone running back to him."  Joseph goes to the door and starts to leave, then turns back to her.  "I love you, Courtney, and I wanna be with you.  We can have a good life in California with Jacob.  But I can't, and I won't wait around forever for you to make up your mind."  He walks out of the room.  

 

Courtney goes over to the sofa and takes a seat.  Confused, she begins to cry.  

Southfork....afternoon....

Rumbles of thunder can be heard over Southfork that afternoon and a steady drizzle continues to fall in the wake of an earlier heavy downpour.  Donna's 2020 Lincoln Continental drive up to the house and comes to a stop.  

 

In the living room, Bobby is sitting on one of the sofas in front of a fire since, even though it was still summer, it was an unseasonably cool day.  Bobby is reading Charles Dickens's Great Expectations when Donna walks into the room.  

 

"Bobby,"  she says.

 

"Donna,"  Bobby says, putting down his book and smiling.  "Well, this is a pleasant surprise."  He gets up from his seat and greets her with a kiss on the cheek. 

 

"I didn't mean to interrupt your reading,"  Donna says.

 

"That's perfectly fine.  Charles Dickens can wait.  Besides, I haven't seen you in a while."

 

Donna looks at the book on the sofa.  "Great Expectation," she says.  "One of my favorites."

 

"Mine, too.  I haven't read it in years, but now that I'm officially retired from Ewing Oil and semi-retired from ranching, I have a lot of time on my hands."

 

"I'll bet you do,"  says Donna.  "Where's Ann?"

 

"She is actually having lunch in Dallas with Lucy, Krystina, and Krystina's mother, who arrived in town today for a visit."

 

"Oh, that's wonderful."

 

"By the way, I heard the news about Dylan, that he came home.  You and Ray must be real happy about that."

Home alone at the Krebbs Ranch, a bored Dylan, having a serious craving for alcohol, walks into the family room and pauses at the doorway separating the kitchen and the family room.  Dylan looks  straight ahead at the liquor cabinet sitting on the other side of the room.  Dylan stands there looking at the cabinet for what seems like an eternity, then he finally walks over to it.  After another brief pause, he opens the cabinet and looks in, hoping to find some alcohol.  But Dylan's hope is quickly 

dashed when he sees that the liquor cabinet is empty.  "What, no,"  he quietly says to himself.  "Damn it.  I should've known Ray would remove all the liquor from the house."  Dylan closes the door to the cabinet and quickly leaves the room.  A couple of minutes later, he walks into his bedroom and closes the door behind him.  He goes over and takes a seat on his bed, his hands beginning to shake.  Dylan 

 begins to sweat, the craving for alcohol growing stronger each second, it seems.  In his mind, Dylan begins to think about his options.  He could drive to the store and buy some booze, or he could be strong and fight the craving.  But the craving is overpowering.  He reaches over to the nightstand and picks up his car keys.  He looks at them for a moment, then he begins to cry.  Dylan angrily hurls the keys against the wall.  He quickly picks up his cell phone and dials a number, then waits impatiently for an answer.  After four rings, the person he is calling answers.  "Sue Ellen, it's Dylan.  If you're not busy, I really need to see you.  It's really bad."

Later....

Dylan opens the front door and welcomes Sue Ellen into the Krebbs home half an hour later.  "Thank you for coming," he says. "I didn't know what else to do, or else to call."

Krystle Carrington is getting ready for bed in the guest room at Southfork that night.  She opens her suitcase and takes out a framed photo of her late husband Blake.  Krystle smiles as she lovingly touches the photo, then places it on the nightstand beside her bed.  As Krystle is turning down the covers on her bed, someone knocks on the door.  

"Come in,"  she says.  

 

Krystina walks into the room.  "Mom, are you all settled in?"  

 

"Yes, darling, I'm fine.  Just a little tired.  It's been a long day."

 

"Well, I'll let you get some rest, I just wanted to check and make sure the room and everything was okay."

 

"The room is fine,"  Krystle says.

 

"I know it's a little smaller than your room back home."

 

"Really, it's fine.  I'm just happy to be here with you and my adorable granddaughter."

 

Krystina smiles.  "She really is adorable, isn't she?"

 

"She looks so much like you when you were that age."

 

 Christopher and some of the hands are inspecting the recently branded cattle at Southfork the next day.  As Christopher, who is sitting atop the iron rail of the corral, inspects each one of the cattle that comes through, he nods to one of the hands, and the cattle is led back into the corral.  Courtney's car approaches from across the pasture.  Christopher watches as Courtney's car comes to a stop near the corral, curious why she is here.  "Hey Jeff, take over for me, would you?"  Christopher asks one of the hands.

 

"Sure thing, Chris,"  Jeff says.

 

"Thanks."  Christopher leaps down from atop the iron rain and makes his way over to Courtney's car as she gets out to meet him.  "Hey,"  he says.

 

"Hi,"  says Courtney.  

 

"What brings you out here?"

 

"I needed to talk to you, and Gavin said you were out here."

 

"Yeah, we're inspecting the new cattle.  What did you need to talk about?"

 

Courtney pauses a moment before answering.  "Christopher, this isn't easy for me, but there's something I need to tell you."

 

"Okay, I'm listening."

 

"We can't go on like this, living in this constant limbo."

 

"That's exactly what I've been saying for months now,"  Christopher says.  

 

"I think that we need to make some decisions concerning our marriage, and the future.  It's past time.  I know that I've been very indecisive for far too long now, and it's not fair to you, or to Jacob, or Joseph, to keep you all in limbo."

 "Okay, then I guess that means that you've made a decision about us,"  says Christopher.  "Are you ready to come home to Southfork, and to me?"

 

"No, Christopher, I'm not,"  Courtney replies.  

 

"So what does that mean?  You need more time?"

 

"No,"  Courtney says, fighting back tears.  "Christopher, Joseph has gone back to California, and he's planning on staying there.  And....he wants me and Jacob to move out there with him.  I've decided to go."....

"You've gotta be kidding me," says Christopher.  "You're just gonna give up on our marriage, uproot your son and move out to California with Gioberti?"

 

"Christopher, I didn't come to this decision lightly.  I've given it a lot of thought."

 

"What the hell happened to us, Courtney?  I know it's bothered you from the start that Lucia has been living here at the ranch, but I can fix that.  I can tell her to leave."

 

"Christopher, the problems we've had go way beyond Lucia Trevino,"  Courtney says.  "Our problems started long before she even came into the picture."

 

"Courtney, I love you.  We can fix this if we try."

 

"I love you, too, Christopher, and part of me always will.  But my feelings aren't the same anymore."

 

Feeling his heart breaking, Christopher looks away from her.  "So, what you're saying is, you're not in love with me anymore?"

 

"Hey, Christopher, you aight, man?"  Asks Jeff, a young ranch hand of about 17.

 

"Not really.  Jeff, you and Tony and the others finish up here."

 

"Yeah, sure thing,"  Jeff says.  

 

Christopher goes over to where his horse is tied to a fence post.  He unties the horse, climbs onto the animal, and rides off across the pasture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Krebbs Ranch....

 Dylan is working on his four wheeler in front of the Krebbs home that afternoon when Ashley's car drives up to the house and comes to a stop.  Ashley hesitates for a moment before getting out of the car and approaching him.  "Dylan,"  she says, walking over to where Dylan is working.

 

"What are you doing here?"  Dylan asks.  

 

Donna looks at Jasmine, her continued distrust of this girl obvious by the worried look on her face.  She hesitates for a few seconds, unsure of whether she should leave Jasmine here with Dylan, and unsure of the girl's motives.  Finally, she nods, and goes to her car.  As she gets into the car, she looks back at Dylan and Jasmine, then closes her car door.  Dylan and Jasmine watch as Donna drives away.  

 

"I don't think that lady likes me very much,"  Jasmine says, watching Donna's car drive out of the front gate of the Krebbs Ranch.  

 

"She just doesn't know you very well,"  Dylan says.  

 

Jasmine smiles.  "I guess not.  Y'know, that chicken and rice and lemonade sounds really good.  Why don't we go inside where it's cool, and we can have a bite to eat and talk?"

 

Dylan looks at her and nods.  He and Jasmine go into the house together.

Southfork....the stables....

 Krystle Carrington is gently rubbing one of the horses at the Southfork stable that afternoon when Ann approaches her.  "Krystle,"  she says.

 

"Oh, hello, Ann.  I was just admiring your lovely ranch and these beautiful animals."

 

"Well, thank you.  Yes, there's definitely somethin' special about Southfork."

 

"Yes, there is,"  Krystle says.  "It's so peaceful here.  So tranquil."

 

Ann smiles.  "Well, the ranch itself is, anyway.  The Ewing family......well, not so much."

 

"I'm just happy to be here with Krystina and my adorable granddaughter."

 

"And we're very glad you're here,"  says Ann.  "You really should visit more often."

 

"Krystina actually wants me to move here,"  says Krystle.  "Can you believe that?"

 

"Why, yes I can, and I think it's a wonderful idea.  I hope that you're considering it."

 

"No, I couldn't."

"Well, why not?"  Ann asks.  "Krystina and your grandchild are here.  What is there to keep you in Denver?"

 

"I couldn't just leave my home in Denver."

 

"Then keep the house.  Doesn't your stepdaughter live with you?''

 

"Yes, she does."

 

"Well, then you could go back any time you like,"  says Ann.  "I think it would be good for Krystina to have you here, and it would be great for Ellie to have both of her grandmothers around."

 

"You make a very convincing argument.  Did you ever consider studying law?"  

 

Ann laughs at the comment.  

Ewing Oil....

 Donna walks into Ewing Oil and approaches the desk of Sue Ellen's secretary, Sally.  "Good afternoon," Donna says.

 

"Good afternoon, may I help you?"  Sally asks.

 

"Yes, I'm here to see Sue Ellen Ewing.  I'm Donna Krebbs."

 

"Oh, yes, Mrs. Krebbs.  Mrs. Ewing is expecting you.  I'll let her know you're here,"  Sally says.  She picks up her phone and buzzes Sue Ellen's office.  "Mrs. Ewing, Donna Krebbs is here. Yes, ma'am."  Sally puts the phone down and looks at Donna.  "You may go right in."

 

"Thank you,"  Donna says.  She goes to Sue Ellen's office and walks in.  

 

Sue Ellen stands from her seat behind the desk  "Hello, Donna."

 

"Sue Ellen, thank you for seeing me."

 

"Oh, it's no problem at all.  Can I get you anything?"

 

"No, thank you, I'm fine."

 

"Please, have a seat,"  Sue Ellen says, retaking her seat at the desk while Donna sits down across from her.  "Now, then, what can I do for you?"

 

"Well, first of all, I really want to thank you for what you did for Dylan the other day.  I think having you there helped him a lot, and probably prevented him from leaving the house to find alcohol."

 

 "It was my pleasure.  I'm very glad Dylan called me.  And I'm glad he agreed to come to an AA meeting with me tonight.  How's he doing today?"

 

"He seems alright, but......"  Donna pauses.

 

"But what?"  Sue Ellen asks.  

 

"When I left the house, Dylan had a visitor.  A visitor I'm not too thrilled about."

 

"Oh?  Who was it?"

 

"Jasmine Cory, Lila Winthrop's daughter."

 

"Dylan told me that Jasmine is the one who found him and brought him home."

 

"Yes, that's true,"  say Donna.  "But Jasmine is also partly responsible for Dylan's drinking, and his disappearance."

 

"Do you think there's something going on between them?"

 

"I don't know, but I really hope not.  I just don't trust that girl, and after what she did to Dylan, I don't feel comfortable with her being around him.  But, anyway, the real reason I'm here is, I wanted to discuss something with you."

 

"Oh?  Something concerning Dylan?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"No, umm, it's actually about J.R."

 "J.R.?"  Sue Ellen asks.  "I'm afraid I don't understand."

 

"Well, a few days ago, I received a visit from an old friend.  Actually, it was my old book publisher, George Feldman, and he made me an offer."

 

"An offer?"

 

"Yes.  Sue Ellen, I have been asked to write a biography of J.R."

 

"A biography of J.R.?"  Sue Ellen nervously asks.  

 

"Yes. I spoke with Bobby already, and he's fine with it, but, Sue Ellen, I did not want to proceed with this until I discussed it with you and found out how you would feel about it."

 

Sue Ellen remains silent as she gets up from her seat and walks to the window and looks out.  Her quiet reaction to the news about the book makes Donna feel awkward, and several seconds of uncomfortable silence follows.  

 

"Sue Ellen, if I do write this book, there may be some things in it that could prove embarrassing to you and to the family.  So if you tell me that you're not okay with this book being written, I'll understand."

 

 

Sue Ellen turns to face her.  "If I don't want you to.........then you won't write the book?"

 

"No, I won't,"  Donna replies.  "The last thing in the world I wanna do is cause you or the family any pain.  I feel that J.R. caused you enough pain when he was alive without him continuing to long after he's gone."

 

"I'm afraid it's a little late for that,"  Sue Ellen says, returning to her desk.  "Things from J.R.'s past have continued to come back to haunt me for years, including Jasmine's mother, Lila.  And Jill Cryder. I don't think there is anything else from the past that could shock me, or hurt me, or even embarrass me at this point.  So, you write that book, Donna.  I suppose I've been expecting someone to express an interest in writing about J.R.'s life for a long time now, and I would much rather the story be written by someone I know and trust."

 

Donna looks at her and smiles.  "Thank you.  I my need to interview you at length about the book."

 

"Of course,"  Sue Ellen says with a nod.  

 

"Sue Ellen, how do you think John Ross will feel about this?"  Donna asks.

 

"I'll speak with him.  But I'm sure he'll be fine with it. I think by this point, John Ross knows that his father was far from a saint."

 

Donna stands from her seat.  "Thank you, Sue Ellen. I will be in touch."

 

"Fine.  And remind Dylan about the meeting tonight."

 

"I will.  And thank you again."  Donna shakes Sue Ellen's hand, then leaves the office.  

 

 

After she's gone,. Sue Ellen retakes her seat at her desk, a worried look on her face as she can't shake her uneasiness about this book. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meanwhile....the Krebbs Ranch....

Back at the Krebbs home, Dylan and Jasmine are on Dylan's bed, kissing passionately as they undress

Dr. Mitch Cooper walks up to the 4th floor nurse's station at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital that afternoon and hands a folder to a nurse.  "Here's Mr. Tillman's file,"  Mitch tells the nurse.  "Give him 5mg of Demerol every 4 to 6 hours as needed, and 5mg of Zofran for nausea as needed."

 

"Yes, Dr. Cooper,"  the nurse says.  

 

"Thank you, and I'll check on Mr. Tillman again in a couple of hours."  

 

Meanwhile, the elevator near the nurse's station opens and Lucy steps off.  She walks over to Mitch.  "Hi,"  she says.

 

"Well, hello,"  Mitch says, kissing his wife.  "Finished your shift for the day?"

 

"Yeah, and I am heading home after I stop by the grocery store.  Are you gonna be home tonight for dinner?"

 

"Lucy, I'm not sure, but I'll try.  I have a meeting in a few minutes with someone I hope will be joining our staff here.  Depending on how long the meeting lasts, I still have several patients I have to check on before I leave."

 

"Okay, well, try,"  Lucy says.  "I'm planning on making cinnamon chicken tonight."

 

"I definitely don't wanna miss that, so I'll try and make it."

 

Lucy smiles.  "Good.  I'll see you tonight."  She kisses Mitch, and walks back to the elevator and presses the button for it to open.  As soon as the elevator opens, Lucy steps on and the door closes.  No more than a second later, the elevator next to the one Lucy had gotten on opens, and Peter Richards steps off the elevator and into the hall. Looking around, Peter spots Mitch and approaches him.  

 

"Excuse me, Dr. Mitchell Cooper?"  Peter asks.

 

"Yes?"

 

"I'm Dr. Peter Richards."

 

"Oh, yes, Dr. Richards,"  Mitch says, shaking Peter's hand.  "I wasn't expecting you for another ten minutes."

 

"Well, I believe in being early for appointments."

 

Mitch smiles.  "Well, that's fine.  Come on, let's go to my office and talk."

 

"All set,"  says Peter.

 

"I've had a chance to look over your resume, Dr. Richards, and I must say, I'm very impressed.  I really hope that you'll be joining our staff here,"  Mitch says as he and Peter head down the hall to Mitch's office.

Meanwhile....

 Lucy comes out of the front of the hospital and is about to head to her car in the parking lot when her cell phone rings.  She takes the phone from her purse and looks at it and smiles, then answers the call quickly.  "Well, hello,"  she says cheerfully to the person on the other end of the line.  "It's been a while.  No, I wasn't busy at all.  I was just leaving my volunteer job at the hospital."  Lucy listens to the other person for a few seconds.  "What?  Oh my God, you're coming to Dallas?  Yeah, that's great.  I can't wait to see you.  God, it's been way too long."  Lucy continues her phone conversation as she heads to her car.

Southfork....evening....

 Dusk has fallen over Southfork late that evening as Christopher's car pulls up to the house and comes to a stop in the parking area.  Meanwhile, in the den, Bobby is at the bar pouring himself a drink.  A moment later, Christopher walks in.  

 

"Evening,"  Bobby greets his son.

 

"Evening,"  Christopher says.

 

"You want a drink?"

 

"Yeah, I'd love one.  Where is everyone?"

 

"John Ross and Krystina are upstairs gettin' ready to go out to dinner with Krystina's mother.  Ann is gettin' ready for dinner, and it's anybody's guess where the rest of the family is.  Gettin' everybody together for dinner around here lately seems to be the challenge of the month.  Bobby pours his son a drink and looks at Christopher, who looks as if he has lost his best friend.  Bobby hands the drink to him.

 

"Thanks,"  Christopher says.

 

"You're welcome.  Son, is everything alright?  You seem especially down tonight."

 Mitch walks into the apartment he shares with Lucy and his son Daniel that evening.  "Lucy?"  He calls to her.  

 

"Well, hi,"  Lucy says, coming into the living room from the kitchen.  "You did make it home after all."

 

"Yeah, I told you I'd try,"  Mitch says, greeting his wife with a kiss.  "You know how I love your cinnamon chicken when it's fresh out of the oven."

 

"Isn't it hard to believe that, when we were first married, I didn't even know how to boul water, much less cook an entire dinner."

 

"Well, we've both matured a lot since then, thank God.  Where's Daniel?"

 

"In his room.  Where he stays most of the time when I'm home."

 

Mitch sighs.  "I'd hoped the two of you would be getting along better by now."

 

"Mitch, believe me, it's not for lack of trying on my part.  But no matter what I do, Daniel just won't meet me half way, so I just leave him alone."

 

"I'll have a talk with him,"  says Mitch.

 

"Oh, Mitch, I wish you wouldn't.  It'll only make things worse."

 

"Lucy, if we're all gonna live here together as a family, I won't have my son continuing to treat my wife like an outcast.  Daniel is just gonna have to learn how to get along with you and start treating you with some respect, and that's all there is to it."

 

 

"How about we change the subject?" Lucy asks.

 

"Oh, that's fine by me,"  says Mitch.

 

"Good.  How did your meeting go today, with that person you said you hoped would join your staff?"

 

"It went great.  Dr. Richards accepted my offer, and he'll be coming on staff at the hospital beginning next week.  Of course he'll keep his private practice but he'll also maintain an office at the hospital and work there three days a week."

 

"What kind of doctor is he?  Some kind of specialist?"

 

"He's a psychiatrist,"  Mitch replies, going into the kitchen to get himself a beer from the refrigerator.  After getting his beer, he returns to the living room.  "He's one of the foremost psychiatrists in the country, and we're very lucky to get him.  Several other hospitals 

in the state have been trying to get him on staff."

 

"Well, congratulations."

 

"Thank you.  A good psychiatrist is just what we need around here.  Maybe he can help some of your crazy relatives."

 

"Haha, very funny,"  Lucy says.  "Anyway, I have some news of my own."

 

"Oh?  And what might that be?  I hope it's good news."

 

"The best.  You remember my old friend Muriel Gillis, don't you?"

 

"Sure I do.  Muriel was your maid of honor at our first wedding, if I remember right."

 

"Yes, she was.  Well, she called me today.  I hadn't talked to her in a couple of years.  She's going to be coming to Dallas in a couple of days,  and I thought we'd have her over for dinner."

 

"I think that's a terrific idea,"  says Mitch.  "It's great to get together with old friends."

 

"I can't wait to see her.  Muriel was my very best friend in high school and college, and she's bringing her son, and guess what......he's a med student."

 

"Really?  Well, that's terrific.  I look forward to meeting him."

 

Lucy is about to say something when Daniel comes down the hall and into the living room.  "Hey, Dad,"  he says, walking past his father and to the front door.  "Bye, Dad."

 

"Hey, where are you going?"  Mitch asks his son.  

 

"Out,"  Daniel replies.

 

"Yes, I know, but out WHERE?"

 

"I'm meeting a friend for dinner."

 

"I thought you were having dinner here with us.  Lucy made cinnamon chicken."

 

"I HATE cinnamon chicken,"  Daniel says.

 

"Daniel, what are you talking about.  You love cinnamon chicken."

 

The young man looks at Lucy.  "Not anymore,"  he says, then leaves the apartment.

 

Mitch sighs in disappointment.  "I'm sorry, Lucy.  I'll talk to him about that."

 

"Mitch, it's fine.  I'm use to it by now.  C'mon, let's eat," Lucy says.  She goes into the kitchen.  Mitch shakes his head, annoyed at his son's continued rude treatment of Lucy.

Southfork....the next day....

 Christopher and Courtney are standing by the fence near one of the barns at Southfork the next afternoon as they watch Jacob and Michael groom their horses.  Christopher watches Jacob sadly, neither he nor Courtney saying a word as both are dreading the news they will have to give Jacob this afternoon.  

 "Jacob looks so happy right now,"  Christopher says.  

 

"He IS happy,"  says Courtney.  "He's always happy when he's spending time at Southfork."

 

Hard to believe we're about to destroy that happiness."

 

"Christopher, please.  This is already hard enough without you making it harder."

 

"Damn it, Courtney, then why do this?"  Christopher asks.  "Why uproot Jacob from a place that he loves, where he's happy?"

 

"Well, what do you suggest I do?  Leave him here?"

 

"Why not?  Southfork is Jacob's home, and you see how happy he is here.  If you wanna go off to California and start a new life with Gioberti, that doesn't mean that Jacob has to."

 

"Jacob is my son, and he belongs with me,"  Courtney says.

 

"And what if he doesn't wanna go?"  Christopher asks.  "You just gonna drag him off to California against his will?"

 

"He'll adjust.  Same as he did when he came here.  I think it's time we get this over with.  No use delaying the inevitable any longer,"  Courtney says.  She turns away from Christopher and looks over to where Jacob and Michael are grooming the two horses.  "JACOB!"  She calls to her son.  "COULD YOU COME OVER HERE, PLEASE?"  

 

"BE RIGHT THERE, MOM!"  The boy says.  

 

 Jacob and Michael hurry over to them.  "What's up, guys?"  Jacob asks.  

 

"Michael, Courtney and I need to talk to Jacob alone for a few minutes,"  Christopher.

 

"Okay, sure,"  Michael says.  "Jacob, I'l gonna go up to the house and change, and we can go riding."

 

"Okay,"  Jacob says as Michael walks away, heading to the house.  Jacob walks over to where Christopher and Courtney are standing by the fence.  "How come you guys look so serious?  What's going on?"

 

Courtney and Christopher pauses for a few seconds.  "Sweetheart, first of all, you know that Christopher and I both love you very much, don't you?"

 

"Sure."

 

"And we want you to know that that will NEVER change,"  Christopher says.  "No matter what happens, Jacob."

 

"Wait a second,"  Jacob says.  "Why are you guys saying this?"

 

Courtney looks at Christopher, then at her son.  "Jacob, we have something to tell you.  Something that will be hard for you to hear, and hard for you to accept."

 

"Mom, what are you saying?"  Jacob asks.

 

"Sweetheart, Christopher and I have decided, that we're going to be getting a divorce."

 

"No,"  Jacob says.  "No, you CAN'T!"  

 

"Jacob, this is for the best."

 

Jacob looks at Christopher  "It's because of HER, isn't it?  Mrs. Trevino?"

 

"No,"  replies Christopher.  "Jacob, this has nothing to do with Mrs. Trevino.  Your mother and I just have problems that........." Christopher pauses and looks at Courtney.  "..........That we can't work out. But nothing will ever change how much I love you."

 

"You're a liar!  You promised me that we would always be a family.  You BOTH promised me!"

 

"And we always WILL be a family,"  Christopher says.

 

"No we won't.  You and Mom are gonna be divorced."

 

"Jacob, that doesn't change anything."

 

"IT CHANGES EVERYTHING!"  Jacob yells, backing away from Courtney and Christopher.  "Why are you doing this?"

 

"Jacob, Christopher and I, we just can't be married anymore,"  says Courtney.  "But everything is gonna be alright, I promise."

 

"You said this isn't because of Mrs. Trevino,"  Jacob says.  "Is it because of Joseph?  Are you getting divorced because of Joseph?"

 

Christopher and Courtney exchange looks, and remain silent, neither of them knowing how to answer the boy's question.  

 

"That's it, isn't it?"  Jacob angrily asks, looking at Courtney.  "You're splitting up because you wanna be with Joseph!"

 

"Jacob, sometimes in life, things happen that we have no control over,"  Courtney says.  "The fact is.......I love Joseph, and he's asked us to come to California and live with him there."

 

"And you're going?"  Jacob asks.  

 

"Yes, Jacob."

 

"And what's supposed to happen to me, huh?  What am I supposed to do?"

 

"You're coming with me,"  replies Courtney.  "You, and I, and your father........Jacob, we're going to be a family.  Jacob, you have a grandfather, and there's Chase, and a whole family that wants to get to know you."

 

"I have a family here, at Southfork."

 

"And that's not going to change.  Jacob, the Ewings love you.  Christopher loves you.  And you can come back and visit on vacations from school."

 

"Well, you can go to California if you want,"  the boy says.  "But I'm not going with you."

 

"Jacob......"

 

"I'm not........I'm not going,"  Jacob says, backing away from his mother.  

 

"Jacob, please, try to understand."

 

"Jacob, everything's gonna be okay,"  Christopher says.  

 

"No it's not!  Nothing's ever gonna be okay again.  We were a family and you both destroyed that!  I hate you!"

 

"Jacob, please, don't say that,"  Courtney says.

 

"I do, I hate you both, and I never wanna see either one of you again!"  The boy turns and quickly runs away in the direction of one of the pastures.

 

"JACOB!"  Courtney calls after him.  

 

"NO, let him be,"  Christopher says, grabbing her by the arm.  

 

"Hey, what's going on?"  Michael asks, running over to them after returning from changing his shirt at the house.  "What's wrong with Jacob?  Where's he going?"

 

"He's upset, Michael,"  replies.  "Will you go after him?  Go after him and be a friend to him.  He really needs that right now."

 

"Yeah, I think I know where he's headed,"  Michal says.  He takes off running in the direction Jacob had gone.

 

"I need yo go to him,"  Courtney says.

 

"No,"  Christopher says, grabbing her by the arm.  "Let Michael go.  Right now, you and I are the last thing Jacob needs.  What he needs is his best friend."

 

Courtney begins to cry.  "Christopher, what have I done?  What have I done to my son?"

 

Christopher looks at her, unsure of what to say, and still too angtry with his estranged wife to attempt to comfort her.

A couple of minutes later....

 

Jacob is running as hard as he can across one of Southfork's many pastures.  He runs until he reaches a wooded area and can literally run no more.  He stops and leans over, placing his hands on a wooden fence as he tries to catch his breath.  

 

"JACOB!!  JACOB!!"  Michael calls from halfway across the pasture as he runs after him.  A moment later, also out of breath, Michael catches up to his friend.  "Dude, what's going on?  What made you take off like that?"  He asks, struggling to catch his breath.

 

"I hate them, man.  I hate them BOTH!"

 

"Who?  Christopher and your Mom?"  Michael asks, climbing onto the fence to take a seat.