Previously on DALLAS:
-------------John Ross was awarded custody of his son, with Elena receiving supervised visitation rights.
-------------John Ross announced the establishment of a Foundation and scholarship in J.R.'s memory.
-------------The Ewings are surprised to see Katherine and Austin at The Oil Baron's Ball.
-------------Richard Channing vowed to continue his war on the Ewings.
-------------Katherine saw Richard as a viable ally to help her destroy the Ewings.
-------------John Ross announced the establishment of a Foundation and scholarship in J.R.'s memory.
-------------The Ewings are surprised to see Katherine and Austin at The Oil Baron's Ball.
-------------Richard Channing vowed to continue his war on the Ewings.
-------------Katherine saw Richard as a viable ally to help her destroy the Ewings.
Southfork......
A beautiful morning dawns at Southfork. It's Christmas Eve, but despite the date, it's an unseasonably warm December day, with highs expected in the low 70s for the day. Southfork is beautifully decorated for the Christmas holidays, and inside the mansion, Ann, Lucy, and Krystina are busy in the kitchen preparing for the big Christmas meal and for the arrival of the family later.
Bobby comes down the stairs to answer the ringing front doorbell. He opens the door to find Sue Ellen standing there, both her hands full as she holds four bags full of Christmas gifts.
"Sue Ellen," he says. "Here, let me help you with that."
"Thank you, Bobby," she says as he takes two of the bags from her. "There's a few more in the car that I couldn't get out."
"Well, I'll get 'em. Merry Christmas." Bobby kisses her on the cheek.
"Merry Christmas, Bobby. I'll start putting these under the tree."
"Looks like you went all out. Ann and the other ladies are in the kitchen. I'll be right back."
She smiles. "Alright." After Bobby walks out of the house to get the rest of her presents from her car, Sue Ellen looks around the foyer, reliving memories of years past.
"Well, don't you look pretty?" John Ross says, startling Sue Ellen from behind her.
She turns around and sees him standing on the stairs. He walks down to her. "Merry Christmas, sweetheart," Sue Ellen says, hugging him.
Bobby comes down the stairs to answer the ringing front doorbell. He opens the door to find Sue Ellen standing there, both her hands full as she holds four bags full of Christmas gifts.
"Sue Ellen," he says. "Here, let me help you with that."
"Thank you, Bobby," she says as he takes two of the bags from her. "There's a few more in the car that I couldn't get out."
"Well, I'll get 'em. Merry Christmas." Bobby kisses her on the cheek.
"Merry Christmas, Bobby. I'll start putting these under the tree."
"Looks like you went all out. Ann and the other ladies are in the kitchen. I'll be right back."
She smiles. "Alright." After Bobby walks out of the house to get the rest of her presents from her car, Sue Ellen looks around the foyer, reliving memories of years past.
"Well, don't you look pretty?" John Ross says, startling Sue Ellen from behind her.
She turns around and sees him standing on the stairs. He walks down to her. "Merry Christmas, sweetheart," Sue Ellen says, hugging him.
"Merry Christmas, Mama," John Ross says.
"Have you heard anything from Elena about when she expects to have her supervised visit with Little John?"
"She's gonna meet us in Denver tomorrow. Krystina and I are flyin' out tonight to spend Christmas Day with her fam'ly. I didn't really want Elena to come to Southfork, so I figured Denver'd be a good, central place to meet."
"I think that's a good idea," Sue Ellen says. "Now, would you mind helping me get these presents into the living room and under the tree?"
John Ross thinks for a moment, then smiles slightly. "I guess I can do that," he says, picking up one of the bags of gifts.
"Have you heard anything from Elena about when she expects to have her supervised visit with Little John?"
"She's gonna meet us in Denver tomorrow. Krystina and I are flyin' out tonight to spend Christmas Day with her fam'ly. I didn't really want Elena to come to Southfork, so I figured Denver'd be a good, central place to meet."
"I think that's a good idea," Sue Ellen says. "Now, would you mind helping me get these presents into the living room and under the tree?"
John Ross thinks for a moment, then smiles slightly. "I guess I can do that," he says, picking up one of the bags of gifts.
Justin and Amanda's home....
While Justin and Amanda decorate their beautiful Christmas tree, with "A Christmas Carol" playing on television in the background, Justin's mother Cally is in the kitchen baking Christmas cookies. When the cookies are finished, Cally takes the tray full of delicious sugar cookies out of the oven and places them onto the counter to cool. Then she takes off her apron and walks into the living room.
"Mama, those cookies smell so good," says Justin. "Brings back a lot of memories of when you use to make those when I was a kid."
"Justin's right," Amanda says. "They smell delicious, Cally."
"Thank you," Cally says with a smile.
Justin walks over to his mother and kisses her on the cheek. "I'm so glad you were able to come for Christmas."
"I wouldn't have missed Christmas with you for the world, Justin. We've never been apart at Christmas."
"I'll never forget last Christmas," Amanda says. "When you showed up at Southfork, Cally, and announced to the whole family that Justin was your son. Everyone thought he was just a ranch hand."
"Yeah, I was real upset with you were blowin' my cover," Justin says. "But I forgave you."
"What time are we supposed to be at Southfork?" Cally asks.
"Ann said we could come any time. But, around two," replies Amanda.
"Good," says Justin. "That'll give Mama time to make another batch of them cookies."
"Mama, those cookies smell so good," says Justin. "Brings back a lot of memories of when you use to make those when I was a kid."
"Justin's right," Amanda says. "They smell delicious, Cally."
"Thank you," Cally says with a smile.
Justin walks over to his mother and kisses her on the cheek. "I'm so glad you were able to come for Christmas."
"I wouldn't have missed Christmas with you for the world, Justin. We've never been apart at Christmas."
"I'll never forget last Christmas," Amanda says. "When you showed up at Southfork, Cally, and announced to the whole family that Justin was your son. Everyone thought he was just a ranch hand."
"Yeah, I was real upset with you were blowin' my cover," Justin says. "But I forgave you."
"What time are we supposed to be at Southfork?" Cally asks.
"Ann said we could come any time. But, around two," replies Amanda.
"Good," says Justin. "That'll give Mama time to make another batch of them cookies."
"Justin, I just made a batch of my cookies," says Cally.
Justin smiles. "Yeah, but, I mean make ANOTHER batch to take over to Southfork, so we could eat some of those you just made."
"Justin, you're terrible," Amanda says.
"Nah, I just have an addiction to my Mama's sugar cookies. Just wait til you taste one and you'll see what I mean."
"Honey, would you go upstairs to the hall closet and bring down that shoe box on the top shelf?" Amanda asks. "There are a couple of ornaments in there I wanna put on the tree."
"Sure. Be right back, sweetheart," Justin says. He kisses her, then heads up the stairs.
Cally walks over to the tree, picks up an ornament from a box, and places it on the tree. "Amanda, I just wanna thank you."
"Thank me? For what?"
"For making my son so happy. I haven't seen Justin this happy, or seen him smile so much in a real long time. And I can see that's because of you. He loves you very much."
"And I love him. Justin is the most amazing person I've ever met, Cally. And he's really shown me what it feels like to be loved. That's a feeling I haven't known since my Mom died."
"Your mother was a very special person, Amanda," Cally says. "I only met Jackie a few times, but, I see a lot of her in you."
"Thank you."
Justin comes back downstairs carrying Amanda's box. As he sits the box on a table, the doorbell rings. "I'll get it," he says. He walks to the front door and opens it to find Jimmy. "Well, hey, Merry Christmas, man."
"Merry Christmas, Justin," Jimmy says, walking into the house.
"My Mama's here."
Jimmy follows Justin into the living room.
"Well, Jimmy, hey," says Cally.
"Merry Christmas, Cally," Jimmy says, kissing her on the cheek.
"Same to you. How are you?"
"I'm great. Man, what a pretty tree."
Justin smiles. "Yeah, but, I mean make ANOTHER batch to take over to Southfork, so we could eat some of those you just made."
"Justin, you're terrible," Amanda says.
"Nah, I just have an addiction to my Mama's sugar cookies. Just wait til you taste one and you'll see what I mean."
"Honey, would you go upstairs to the hall closet and bring down that shoe box on the top shelf?" Amanda asks. "There are a couple of ornaments in there I wanna put on the tree."
"Sure. Be right back, sweetheart," Justin says. He kisses her, then heads up the stairs.
Cally walks over to the tree, picks up an ornament from a box, and places it on the tree. "Amanda, I just wanna thank you."
"Thank me? For what?"
"For making my son so happy. I haven't seen Justin this happy, or seen him smile so much in a real long time. And I can see that's because of you. He loves you very much."
"And I love him. Justin is the most amazing person I've ever met, Cally. And he's really shown me what it feels like to be loved. That's a feeling I haven't known since my Mom died."
"Your mother was a very special person, Amanda," Cally says. "I only met Jackie a few times, but, I see a lot of her in you."
"Thank you."
Justin comes back downstairs carrying Amanda's box. As he sits the box on a table, the doorbell rings. "I'll get it," he says. He walks to the front door and opens it to find Jimmy. "Well, hey, Merry Christmas, man."
"Merry Christmas, Justin," Jimmy says, walking into the house.
"My Mama's here."
Jimmy follows Justin into the living room.
"Well, Jimmy, hey," says Cally.
"Merry Christmas, Cally," Jimmy says, kissing her on the cheek.
"Same to you. How are you?"
"I'm great. Man, what a pretty tree."
"Thanks. Picked it up late yesterday," Justin says.
"Yeah, and he's been promising me for a week he was gonna get a tree," says Amanda. "Nothing like waiting til the last minute, huh?"
Jimmy smiles. "Yeah, I guess not."
"I'm glad you're here," Justin says. "I wanna talk to you about somethin'."
"Okay."
"Let's step outside. Mama, Amanda, we'll be back in a few."
"Alright, you guys hurry," Amanda says.
"We will," Justin says as he and Jimmy walk out of the house. "Man, can ya believe how warm it is?"
"Nope," replies Jimmy. "Sure doesn't feel like Christmas."
"Not at all."
"So, what'd you wanna talk to me about?"
"About the J.R. Ewing Foundation," Justin says.
"What about it?"
"I want you to help me with it."
"Help you?" Jimmy asks. "Help you.....how?"
"Well, as you know, John Ross asked me to head up the Foundation. I want you to.......co-head it with me."
"Me? You want me to be like your vice-president?
"Yeah, man. I do. Your Dad's back east, and, I'm gonna need somebody to help me. Sue Ellen is in charge of the scholarship, but, the Foundation is all mine. Since you're a business major in college, and you're J.R.'s firstborn grandson, I can't think of anyone else better suited to help me out."
"Dude, I'd be glad help, any way I can."
Justin smiles. "Thanks, bro, I knew you would."
"Yeah, and he's been promising me for a week he was gonna get a tree," says Amanda. "Nothing like waiting til the last minute, huh?"
Jimmy smiles. "Yeah, I guess not."
"I'm glad you're here," Justin says. "I wanna talk to you about somethin'."
"Okay."
"Let's step outside. Mama, Amanda, we'll be back in a few."
"Alright, you guys hurry," Amanda says.
"We will," Justin says as he and Jimmy walk out of the house. "Man, can ya believe how warm it is?"
"Nope," replies Jimmy. "Sure doesn't feel like Christmas."
"Not at all."
"So, what'd you wanna talk to me about?"
"About the J.R. Ewing Foundation," Justin says.
"What about it?"
"I want you to help me with it."
"Help you?" Jimmy asks. "Help you.....how?"
"Well, as you know, John Ross asked me to head up the Foundation. I want you to.......co-head it with me."
"Me? You want me to be like your vice-president?
"Yeah, man. I do. Your Dad's back east, and, I'm gonna need somebody to help me. Sue Ellen is in charge of the scholarship, but, the Foundation is all mine. Since you're a business major in college, and you're J.R.'s firstborn grandson, I can't think of anyone else better suited to help me out."
"Dude, I'd be glad help, any way I can."
Justin smiles. "Thanks, bro, I knew you would."
The Krebbs Ranch.....
Meanwhile, at Ray's house, he stands in the middle of his living room drinking a cup of coffee and looking at his Christmas tree that Donna so beautifully decorated. He smiles as he takes a sip of his coffee, and Margaret comes down the stairs and walks in. She pauses in the doorway for a moment and watches her father, then walks over to him.
"Daddy," she says.
"Oh, hello, sweetheart," Ray says, putting his arm around his daughter. "Where's your mother?"
"She and Luann are getting dressed. Said they'll be ready to leave for Southfork soon."
"Good. You and your mama did one heck of a job decoratin' this tree last night."
"It was fun. Do you realize that was the first time we've all ever decorated a Christmas tree together as a family?" Margaret asks.
"Yeah. And it was a real nice feelin', havin' your mama here, and you and your husband. And this time next year, we'll have my precious little grandchild." Ray lets out a slight laugh. "Boy, Matt sure was on cloud nine talkin' about that baby."
"Daddy," she says.
"Oh, hello, sweetheart," Ray says, putting his arm around his daughter. "Where's your mother?"
"She and Luann are getting dressed. Said they'll be ready to leave for Southfork soon."
"Good. You and your mama did one heck of a job decoratin' this tree last night."
"It was fun. Do you realize that was the first time we've all ever decorated a Christmas tree together as a family?" Margaret asks.
"Yeah. And it was a real nice feelin', havin' your mama here, and you and your husband. And this time next year, we'll have my precious little grandchild." Ray lets out a slight laugh. "Boy, Matt sure was on cloud nine talkin' about that baby."
"Daddy, Matt hasn't stopped talking about the baby since I told him I was pregnant. He's been super excited."
"I know how he feels, sweetheart," Ray says. "That's exactly how I felt when your Mama told me she was expectin' you. But, you and Matt are a lot better off than Donna and I were. We'd waited so long for a baby and then, by the time your Mama found out she was pregnant, we had already separated. Honey, I'm real glad that you've finally started to accept Donna and me bein' back together. The fact that we have your blessing, that means a lot."
"It was hard at first," Margaret says. "But I AM happy for you and Mom. I guess this is just new to all of us. After all these years, we finally have to learn how to be a family for the first time. A real family."
"And that's what we are. A REAL family. I love you, sweetheart."
"And I love you, Daddy," Margaret says, hugging her father as Matt comes down the stairs and walks in.
"Now, isn't this an awesome sight?" Matt asks. "Father and daughter sharing a tender moment."
"Just hope that baby of yours is a girl, Matt," Ray says. "Cause you can always have tender moments like this with her, no matter if she's 8 or 28."
"I know how he feels, sweetheart," Ray says. "That's exactly how I felt when your Mama told me she was expectin' you. But, you and Matt are a lot better off than Donna and I were. We'd waited so long for a baby and then, by the time your Mama found out she was pregnant, we had already separated. Honey, I'm real glad that you've finally started to accept Donna and me bein' back together. The fact that we have your blessing, that means a lot."
"It was hard at first," Margaret says. "But I AM happy for you and Mom. I guess this is just new to all of us. After all these years, we finally have to learn how to be a family for the first time. A real family."
"And that's what we are. A REAL family. I love you, sweetheart."
"And I love you, Daddy," Margaret says, hugging her father as Matt comes down the stairs and walks in.
"Now, isn't this an awesome sight?" Matt asks. "Father and daughter sharing a tender moment."
"Just hope that baby of yours is a girl, Matt," Ray says. "Cause you can always have tender moments like this with her, no matter if she's 8 or 28."
"Well, I do want a daughter. And a son. Many daughters, and MANY sons," Matt says with a smile.
"Exactly HOW many are you planning on, Senator Culver?" Margaret asks.
Matt walks over and puts his arms around her. "Oh, maybe....... one a year for the next 15 years."
"I'll see what I can do," Margaret says as they kiss.
Donna and Matt's mother, Luann Culver, come downstairs, both women dressed beautifully in Christmas colors.
"Don't you two ever give it a rest?" Luann jokes.
"Come on, Mom," says Matt. "You remember what it was like being a young newlywed."
"Exactly HOW many are you planning on, Senator Culver?" Margaret asks.
Matt walks over and puts his arms around her. "Oh, maybe....... one a year for the next 15 years."
"I'll see what I can do," Margaret says as they kiss.
Donna and Matt's mother, Luann Culver, come downstairs, both women dressed beautifully in Christmas colors.
"Don't you two ever give it a rest?" Luann jokes.
"Come on, Mom," says Matt. "You remember what it was like being a young newlywed."
"Yes, I certainly do," Luann says.
"Well, is everyone almost ready to head over to Southfork?" Donna asks.
"All set," Ray replies, walking over to her. "You sure do look beautiful. You too, Luann."
"Thank you, Ray," Luann says with a smile.
"I'd say this whole family looks very handsome this Christmas Eve," says Donna.
Ray puts his arm around her and smiles. "I think so, too. Handsome.......and happy."
"Well, is everyone almost ready to head over to Southfork?" Donna asks.
"All set," Ray replies, walking over to her. "You sure do look beautiful. You too, Luann."
"Thank you, Ray," Luann says with a smile.
"I'd say this whole family looks very handsome this Christmas Eve," says Donna.
Ray puts his arm around her and smiles. "I think so, too. Handsome.......and happy."
Southfork....
Back at Southfork, Ann, Lucy, and Sue Ellen are in the kitchen, Ann checking her pumpkin pie in the oven, when Emma walks in.
"Hi, guys," Emma says.
"Well, hello," says Ann.
"You need any help with cooking or baking?"
"Emma, I didn't realize you were so domestic," Sue Ellen says sarcastically.
"You'd be surprised, Sue Ellen," says Emma.
"Actually, I think we have everything covered," Ann says. "Where's Lucas? I saw him leave earlier."
"Hi, guys," Emma says.
"Well, hello," says Ann.
"You need any help with cooking or baking?"
"Emma, I didn't realize you were so domestic," Sue Ellen says sarcastically.
"You'd be surprised, Sue Ellen," says Emma.
"Actually, I think we have everything covered," Ann says. "Where's Lucas? I saw him leave earlier."
"He went over to Harris's to see Jenna and give her a Christmas gift. He asked me to come, but, I really don't feel like seeing either Jenna or Harris today. He'll be back soon, though."
"Emma, if you're bored, you could help me with these rice krispy treats," Lucy says.
"Sure, just tell me what to do," Emma says, walking over to her.
"It's pretty simple. Just follow the recipe here."
"Everything smells so good," Sue Ellen says.
Ann smiles. "Sure does. I followed Miss Ellie's recipe for her dressing to a tee, so let's hope it turns out as good as it did last year."
"I'm sure it will."
"What about your mother?" Emma asks, looking at Ann. "Was she a good cook?"
"Emma, if you're bored, you could help me with these rice krispy treats," Lucy says.
"Sure, just tell me what to do," Emma says, walking over to her.
"It's pretty simple. Just follow the recipe here."
"Everything smells so good," Sue Ellen says.
Ann smiles. "Sure does. I followed Miss Ellie's recipe for her dressing to a tee, so let's hope it turns out as good as it did last year."
"I'm sure it will."
"What about your mother?" Emma asks, looking at Ann. "Was she a good cook?"
"Yeah. My mother was a fair cook," Ann replies, somewhat reluctantly.
"What was she like?" Emma asks.
"Emma, why are you askin' me this?"
"Well, you never talk about your family at all. I'd just like to know about them, that's all. What they were like, what they did, stuff like that. They were my grandparents, after all."
"Maybe someday I'll tell you all about it," Ann says. "Sue Ellen, could you keep a watch on the dressing for me?"
"Of course."
"Thank you," Ann says, taking off her apron. "I'll be back soon. I'm gonna step outside for some air." Without another word to the other women, Ann abruptly walks out of the kitchen and onto the patio.
"What on earth was that all about?" Sue Ellen wonders.
"Good question," replies Lucy. "Ann gets like that whenever the subject of her family comes up."
Sue Ellen walks over and looks through the glass door at Ann standing alone on the patio, concerned for her friend, and curious as to what upsets her about her family.
"What was she like?" Emma asks.
"Emma, why are you askin' me this?"
"Well, you never talk about your family at all. I'd just like to know about them, that's all. What they were like, what they did, stuff like that. They were my grandparents, after all."
"Maybe someday I'll tell you all about it," Ann says. "Sue Ellen, could you keep a watch on the dressing for me?"
"Of course."
"Thank you," Ann says, taking off her apron. "I'll be back soon. I'm gonna step outside for some air." Without another word to the other women, Ann abruptly walks out of the kitchen and onto the patio.
"What on earth was that all about?" Sue Ellen wonders.
"Good question," replies Lucy. "Ann gets like that whenever the subject of her family comes up."
Sue Ellen walks over and looks through the glass door at Ann standing alone on the patio, concerned for her friend, and curious as to what upsets her about her family.
Meanwhile....the living room
While the women are in the kitchen cooking, Bobby stands in the living room holding a glass of bourbon and looking at the portrait of Jock hanging above the fireplace. He smiles as he raises his glass to his father. "Daddy......to you and Mama. Merry Christmas."
John Ross walks into the room. "Hey, Uncle Bobby," he says.
"John Ross. The baby calm down?"
"He's still a little fussy. Krystina's with him, tryin' to get him to take a little nap. Where is everyone?"
"Christopher has gone to buy a last minute gift, and then he's gonna pick up Charlie and Alex on his way back. And Lucas went into Dallas to see Jenna for a little while."
"Actually, I'll be pickin' Alex up in a little while. He's still not real crazy about the idea of Christopher and Charlie seein' one another. I guess we're gonna have a smaller gatherin' than last year, huh?" John Ross asks.
"Slightly smaller," replies Bobby. "James, Debra Lynn, and Ashley won't here this year, and I don't think Gary and Val are gonna make it with their brood."
Listen, John Ross, we haven't really had a chance to talk
John Ross walks into the room. "Hey, Uncle Bobby," he says.
"John Ross. The baby calm down?"
"He's still a little fussy. Krystina's with him, tryin' to get him to take a little nap. Where is everyone?"
"Christopher has gone to buy a last minute gift, and then he's gonna pick up Charlie and Alex on his way back. And Lucas went into Dallas to see Jenna for a little while."
"Actually, I'll be pickin' Alex up in a little while. He's still not real crazy about the idea of Christopher and Charlie seein' one another. I guess we're gonna have a smaller gatherin' than last year, huh?" John Ross asks.
"Slightly smaller," replies Bobby. "James, Debra Lynn, and Ashley won't here this year, and I don't think Gary and Val are gonna make it with their brood."
Listen, John Ross, we haven't really had a chance to talk
much, especially alone, since the Oil Baron's Ball. And, I just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you for establishing that scholarship and Foundation in J.R.'s memory. He'd be really pleased."
"Uncle Bobby, you keep bein' so nice to me, you're gonna give me some kinda complex," John Ross. "I'm not use to all this pleasantness from the fam'ly."
Bobby smiles. "Alright, I won't make a habit of it. But I DO hope you make a habit of doin' good. This new John Ross really suits you a whole lot better than the old John Ross who was always causin' trouble."
"Does this mean you're gonna give me a bigger role in Ewing Oil?"
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves," Bobby says. "But, we'll see."
Before John Ross can say anymore, Sue Ellen walks into the room. "Bobby," she says.
"What's wrong, Sue Ellen?"
"I'm worried about Ann. She's out on the patio, and she seems upset."
"Upset? About what? Somethin' happen?"
"Nothing happened, really. But, Emma was asking Ann some questions about Ann's parents. Ann seemed to get upset, and she walked out."
"Thank you, Sue Ellen, I'll go talk to her," Bobby says as the doorbell rings.
"You go ahead," Sue Ellen says. "I'll get the door."
"Thank you, Sue Ellen, it's probably Ray and Donna and the family. I'll be back in soon as I talk to Ann."
As Bobby walks out of the living room and onto the back porch, Sue Ellen and John Ross make their way into the foyer and she opens the front door to Gary, Val, and Bobby II.
"Merry Christmas, Sue Ellen," says a smiling Gary.
"Oh, Gary," Sue Ellen says. "Hello, and Merry Christmas. Come in."
"Thank you," Gary says as he walks in with his wife and son, carrying two bag fulls of gifts.
"Well, Uncle Gary. Aunt Val, and Cousin Bobby," John Ross says. "I didn't think y'all were comin' this year."
Bobby smiles. "Alright, I won't make a habit of it. But I DO hope you make a habit of doin' good. This new John Ross really suits you a whole lot better than the old John Ross who was always causin' trouble."
"Does this mean you're gonna give me a bigger role in Ewing Oil?"
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves," Bobby says. "But, we'll see."
Before John Ross can say anymore, Sue Ellen walks into the room. "Bobby," she says.
"What's wrong, Sue Ellen?"
"I'm worried about Ann. She's out on the patio, and she seems upset."
"Upset? About what? Somethin' happen?"
"Nothing happened, really. But, Emma was asking Ann some questions about Ann's parents. Ann seemed to get upset, and she walked out."
"Thank you, Sue Ellen, I'll go talk to her," Bobby says as the doorbell rings.
"You go ahead," Sue Ellen says. "I'll get the door."
"Thank you, Sue Ellen, it's probably Ray and Donna and the family. I'll be back in soon as I talk to Ann."
As Bobby walks out of the living room and onto the back porch, Sue Ellen and John Ross make their way into the foyer and she opens the front door to Gary, Val, and Bobby II.
"Merry Christmas, Sue Ellen," says a smiling Gary.
"Oh, Gary," Sue Ellen says. "Hello, and Merry Christmas. Come in."
"Thank you," Gary says as he walks in with his wife and son, carrying two bag fulls of gifts.
"Well, Uncle Gary. Aunt Val, and Cousin Bobby," John Ross says. "I didn't think y'all were comin' this year."
"Well, we weren't sure we'd be able to at first, but, things worked out so we could be here with the family," Gary says. "What's the matter, John Ross? You don't seem too happy to see us."
"Uncle Gary, you know you're always welcome at Southfork," John Ross says with a hint of sarcasm.
Gary smiles. "Of course."
"Valene, how are you?" Sue Ellen asks.
"I'm fine. You?" Val responds, not really caring to talk to Sue Ellen or exchange pleasantries with her.
"I'm well. Gary, Bobby is out on the patio with Ann. Why don't you all come in the living room and make yourselves comfortable?"
"Uncle Gary, you know you're always welcome at Southfork," John Ross says with a hint of sarcasm.
Gary smiles. "Of course."
"Valene, how are you?" Sue Ellen asks.
"I'm fine. You?" Val responds, not really caring to talk to Sue Ellen or exchange pleasantries with her.
"I'm well. Gary, Bobby is out on the patio with Ann. Why don't you all come in the living room and make yourselves comfortable?"
Meanwhile....
Bobby walks over to Ann on the patio. "Honey," he says. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine, Bobby. Just fine," she replies, wiping a tear from her face.
"I don't think you are. Sue Ellen said you seemed upset after Emma was askin' questions about your parents."
"I'll be alright," Ann says.
"You wanna talk about it?"
Ann shakes her head. "I'll be alright."
"Honey, I know you don't like to talk about your family. Especially your parents. But don't you think it's time you did? Time you got this out in the open? It's only natural that Emma should be curious about her grandparents and start askin' questions about them."
"I can't, Bobby," Ann says. "I can't talk about it. Especially not to Emma."
"Annie, this has been eatin' away at you for years."
"And that's why I never talk about it."
Bobby and Ann's conversation is interrupted when Gary walks onto the patio. "Am I interrupting?" He asks.
"Gary," Bobby says happily. "Well, hello, brother. I didn't think you guys were gonna make it."
"Well, our plans changed, and we decided we wanted to be here with the family again this Christmas. Besides, Bobby needed to get away for Christmas. He's dealing with a heartbreak right now."
"I'm sorry to hear that, but I sure am glad you're here," Bobby says, hugging his brother.
"Ann, how are you?" Gary asks.
She turns to face her husband and brother-in-law, and puts on a smile. "I'm wonderful, Gary. I agree with Bobby. I'm very glad you're here."
"I'm fine, Bobby. Just fine," she replies, wiping a tear from her face.
"I don't think you are. Sue Ellen said you seemed upset after Emma was askin' questions about your parents."
"I'll be alright," Ann says.
"You wanna talk about it?"
Ann shakes her head. "I'll be alright."
"Honey, I know you don't like to talk about your family. Especially your parents. But don't you think it's time you did? Time you got this out in the open? It's only natural that Emma should be curious about her grandparents and start askin' questions about them."
"I can't, Bobby," Ann says. "I can't talk about it. Especially not to Emma."
"Annie, this has been eatin' away at you for years."
"And that's why I never talk about it."
Bobby and Ann's conversation is interrupted when Gary walks onto the patio. "Am I interrupting?" He asks.
"Gary," Bobby says happily. "Well, hello, brother. I didn't think you guys were gonna make it."
"Well, our plans changed, and we decided we wanted to be here with the family again this Christmas. Besides, Bobby needed to get away for Christmas. He's dealing with a heartbreak right now."
"I'm sorry to hear that, but I sure am glad you're here," Bobby says, hugging his brother.
"Ann, how are you?" Gary asks.
She turns to face her husband and brother-in-law, and puts on a smile. "I'm wonderful, Gary. I agree with Bobby. I'm very glad you're here."
Northpark Mall, Dallas.....
Braving the Christmas Eve crowds of last minute shoppers, Christopher comes out of a store at Northpark Mall in Dallas carrying two shopping bags. As he is about to head toward the escalator to go to the mall's lower level, he spots none other than Heather McCabe walking away from him. He smiles, then rushes through the crowd to catch up to her.
"Heather," he calls.
She stops and turns to face him. "Christopher, hi."
"Hi, there. Fancy running into you here."
"Yeah, it is. Merry Christmas."
"Thanks, same to you."
"Heather," he calls.
She stops and turns to face him. "Christopher, hi."
"Hi, there. Fancy running into you here."
"Yeah, it is. Merry Christmas."
"Thanks, same to you."
"So what in the world are you doing here on Christmas Eve?" Heather asks. "Some last minute shopping?"
"Yeah, exactly."
"And I thought the Ewings would have the servants do their Christmas shopping for them, and everything was delivered directly to Southfork."
Christopher laughs. "Nope, doesn't work that way. So how about you? I'm surprised to see you out braving these crowds."
"I came to get Michael another gift. I got paid this morning for a catering job I worked, and until then, I didn't have the money to get him a bike. I had to leave him with a friend so I could come get the bike without him knowing about it."
"Do you and Michael have plans for Christmas?" Asks Christopher.
"Nope, same as always," Heather replies. "Just him and me since I don't have any family around here. I'll cook us a small ham or something, and tomorrow morning I'll watch him open his gifts."
"Yeah, exactly."
"And I thought the Ewings would have the servants do their Christmas shopping for them, and everything was delivered directly to Southfork."
Christopher laughs. "Nope, doesn't work that way. So how about you? I'm surprised to see you out braving these crowds."
"I came to get Michael another gift. I got paid this morning for a catering job I worked, and until then, I didn't have the money to get him a bike. I had to leave him with a friend so I could come get the bike without him knowing about it."
"Do you and Michael have plans for Christmas?" Asks Christopher.
"Nope, same as always," Heather replies. "Just him and me since I don't have any family around here. I'll cook us a small ham or something, and tomorrow morning I'll watch him open his gifts."
"Heather, listen, why don't you and Michael come to Southfork and spend Christmas with my family?" Christopher asks.
"You're serious?" Heather asks.
"Of course I'm serious. I'd love to see Michael."
"Thank you, Christopher, but I couldn't."
"Why not?"
"I couldn't impose on your family like that. They hardly know me."
"It's no imposition at all. We'd love to have you both, and there'll be plenty of food. I insist."
"Christopher......"
"Heather, I'm not gonna take no for an answer. I won't let you and Michael spend a lonely Christmas in some apartment when we have a house full of family and a whole lot of good food. So what do ya say?"
Heather smiles. "I say........yes. Thank you."
"Great," Christopher says, looking at his watch. "Let's see, it's a quarter til twelve. Come to Southfork around three."
"Thank you so much, Christopher. I know Michael can't wait to see you."
"Well, I'd better get these gifts home, and I gotta pick Charlie up."
"Charlie......your......new lady friend," Heather says, the smile disappearing from her face.
"Yeah."
"Ummm, will your brother.......Lucas.....be there?" Heather asks.
"Yeah, he will. I'll see you at three."
"See ya, Christopher," Heather says as he walks away. After he's gone, Heather's mind flashes back in time.....
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
"You're serious?" Heather asks.
"Of course I'm serious. I'd love to see Michael."
"Thank you, Christopher, but I couldn't."
"Why not?"
"I couldn't impose on your family like that. They hardly know me."
"It's no imposition at all. We'd love to have you both, and there'll be plenty of food. I insist."
"Christopher......"
"Heather, I'm not gonna take no for an answer. I won't let you and Michael spend a lonely Christmas in some apartment when we have a house full of family and a whole lot of good food. So what do ya say?"
Heather smiles. "I say........yes. Thank you."
"Great," Christopher says, looking at his watch. "Let's see, it's a quarter til twelve. Come to Southfork around three."
"Thank you so much, Christopher. I know Michael can't wait to see you."
"Well, I'd better get these gifts home, and I gotta pick Charlie up."
"Charlie......your......new lady friend," Heather says, the smile disappearing from her face.
"Yeah."
"Ummm, will your brother.......Lucas.....be there?" Heather asks.
"Yeah, he will. I'll see you at three."
"See ya, Christopher," Heather says as he walks away. After he's gone, Heather's mind flashes back in time.....
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Heather brings her car to a stop near a barn. Getting out of the car, she walks over to a fence. "Hey," she calls to someone working inside the barn. Lucas Krebbs comes out of the barn smiling. After a brief pause, he walks over to the fence and puts his arms up on it. "Hey, gorgeous." "I brought you some lunch," Heather says. "Great. I'm starving. You wanna have dinner tonight?" |
"Sorry, but I can't tonight," Heather replies.
"Why not?"
"I'm busy, that's why."
"Heather, I don't understand," Lucas says. "We always hang out during the day, but every time I ask you to have dinner with me, or go to a movie, you're always busy. In fact, you're ALWAYS busy in the evenings. You don't have another boyfriend somewhere that I don't know about, do you?"
Heather looks at him and manages a weak smile, but says nothing.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
"Why not?"
"I'm busy, that's why."
"Heather, I don't understand," Lucas says. "We always hang out during the day, but every time I ask you to have dinner with me, or go to a movie, you're always busy. In fact, you're ALWAYS busy in the evenings. You don't have another boyfriend somewhere that I don't know about, do you?"
Heather looks at him and manages a weak smile, but says nothing.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Heather's mind returns to the present. She sighs deeply, then thinks back to another day from the past:
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
"Heather, what are you saying?" Lucas asks. "You heard me, Lucas," Heather says. "I can't see you anymore. I'm sorry." "But WHY? Heather, for God's sake, you can't just tell me you can't see me anymore without telling me why. I thought you cared for me!" "Lucas, I do. God help me, I do." "Then WHY are you ending things?" |
"Because I have to," Heather says. "Lucas, there's something I never told you."
"Okay, I'm listening."
Heather begins to cry. "I'm married, Lucas."
"You're.......you're WHAT?"
"I'm married. And I'm going to try to make things work with my husband."
"Just like that? Heather, why the hell didn't you tell me you were married?"
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
"Okay, I'm listening."
Heather begins to cry. "I'm married, Lucas."
"You're.......you're WHAT?"
"I'm married. And I'm going to try to make things work with my husband."
"Just like that? Heather, why the hell didn't you tell me you were married?"
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Once again, Heather returns to the present time as her eyes fill with tears.
Southfork.....later
Gary and Val's son, Bobby II, is walking from the house and along the white wooden fence toward the stables. He stops for a moment, props his arms on the fence and looks out over the beauty of the ranch. As he is deep in thought, Christopher's car pulls into the drive and comes to a stop in the parking area.
Christopher gets out of the car followed by Charlie, and sees his cousin Bobby standing by the fence halfway between the house and the stable. "Charlie, you go on in," he tells her. "I see my cousin Bobby. I wanna say hi."
"Okay," Charlie says as she heads toward the house.
Christopher begins walking toward his cousin. Bobby II sees him and walks to meet him half way.
"Hey, Chris," Bobby II says.
"Hey, what's up, cousin? Great to see you," Christopher says, embracing his cousin in a welcome hug.
"Great to see you too, man."
"I wasn't sure you and your folks were gonna come this year."
"Okay," Charlie says as she heads toward the house.
Christopher begins walking toward his cousin. Bobby II sees him and walks to meet him half way.
"Hey, Chris," Bobby II says.
"Hey, what's up, cousin? Great to see you," Christopher says, embracing his cousin in a welcome hug.
"Great to see you too, man."
"I wasn't sure you and your folks were gonna come this year."
"I needed to get away from home during the holidays. Away from everything back there," Bobby II says.
"What's goin' on? You wanna talk about it?"
Bobby II sighs. "Yeah. Actually, I kinda would."
"What's goin' on? You wanna talk about it?"
Bobby II sighs. "Yeah. Actually, I kinda would."
The Ryland Mansion....
Jenna walks Lucas into the foyer of the Ryland home as he is about to leave after his visit. "I really wish you didn't have to go," Jenna says.
"I know. Mom, thanks for the present."
"You're welcome, sweetheart. And thank you for mine."
Lucas looks at his mother for a moment, then after a brief hesitation, he hugs her. "Well, I'd better be going," he says.
"I know. Mom, thanks for the present."
"You're welcome, sweetheart. And thank you for mine."
Lucas looks at his mother for a moment, then after a brief hesitation, he hugs her. "Well, I'd better be going," he says.
"I'm really glad you came by today," Jenna says. "Lucas, I don't like the way things have been between us recently. You and I have never had such a strain in our relationship before."
"I don't like it either, Mom. In fact, I hate it."
"Sweetheart, you know how I feel about Emma. But, I don't want that girl coming between us. Lucas, if you marry that girl, I'm afraid....."
"I don't like it either, Mom. In fact, I hate it."
"Sweetheart, you know how I feel about Emma. But, I don't want that girl coming between us. Lucas, if you marry that girl, I'm afraid....."
"Mom.......there's something I've got to tell you," Lucas says, interrupting his mother. "Emma and I are not engaged."
"What? Did you have a fight?" Jenna asks.
"No. Truth is, we were NEVER engaged."
"Lucas, I don't understand. At the Ewing Barbecue, you told me......."
"Yes, I know. I told you and everyone else that I had asked Emma to marry me and she said yes. But, it wasn't the truth."
"You were lying to me? To everyone?"
"Yes."
"For God's sake, Lucas, why?" Jenna asks.
"Because of YOU, Mom."
"Me?"
"Yes. The way you were verbally attacking Emma, I was so angry with you, that I just wanted to upset you, so, I just blurted out the first thing that came to my mind, and that was that Emma and I were getting married."
"Well," says Jenna. "I suppose I should be upset that you lied to me, but, honestly, I'm too relieved to be angry. Lucas, that news is the best Christmas gift you could've given me."
"Look, Mom, Emma and I are seeing one another again. We have been since the Barbecue. But. we're not engaged. In fact, we're taking things very slow. I have no idea what the future holds for us. I do know that I care for her very much. And if at some time in the future Emma and I do become engaged and married, that's just something you're going to have to accept. I have to go. I love you, Mom. Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas, sweetheart," Jenna says.
Lucas kisses his mother on the cheek, then abruptly leaves. Jenna lets out a deep sigh after her son is gone.
"What? Did you have a fight?" Jenna asks.
"No. Truth is, we were NEVER engaged."
"Lucas, I don't understand. At the Ewing Barbecue, you told me......."
"Yes, I know. I told you and everyone else that I had asked Emma to marry me and she said yes. But, it wasn't the truth."
"You were lying to me? To everyone?"
"Yes."
"For God's sake, Lucas, why?" Jenna asks.
"Because of YOU, Mom."
"Me?"
"Yes. The way you were verbally attacking Emma, I was so angry with you, that I just wanted to upset you, so, I just blurted out the first thing that came to my mind, and that was that Emma and I were getting married."
"Well," says Jenna. "I suppose I should be upset that you lied to me, but, honestly, I'm too relieved to be angry. Lucas, that news is the best Christmas gift you could've given me."
"Look, Mom, Emma and I are seeing one another again. We have been since the Barbecue. But. we're not engaged. In fact, we're taking things very slow. I have no idea what the future holds for us. I do know that I care for her very much. And if at some time in the future Emma and I do become engaged and married, that's just something you're going to have to accept. I have to go. I love you, Mom. Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas, sweetheart," Jenna says.
Lucas kisses his mother on the cheek, then abruptly leaves. Jenna lets out a deep sigh after her son is gone.
Back at Southfork....
Meanwhile, back at Southfork, Christopher and Bobby II are walking as Bobby II tells his cousin about his most recent heartache.
"After I was arrested last summer for the murder of Meg's ex-boyfriend, Brandon Williams, things just kinda went downhill between Meg and I," Bobby II says. "Mainly it was because of Williams did to her. he raped her, Chris. The animal RAPED her."
"Oh my God," Christopher says. "Bobby, I don't blame you for being mad enough to kill the guy. I probably would have."
"To be perfectly honest with you, cousin.........that's what I intended to do. I went to Brandon's apartment that night, so angry I planned to kill him with my bare hands. But, when I got there, he was already dead."
"Daniel's nephew?" Asks Christopher.
"Yeah. Dylan and Trevor......Trevor Cunningham........were there. The boys were so scared, they didn't know what to do. They were just kids. I wasn't about to let them suffer for ridding the world of that waste of human skin. And, what complicated matters was that Trevor blocked everything out in his mind. He didn't remember anything about that night. So, I told Dylan to keep his mouth shut about what really happened, and I let everyone think I did it. But, the truth came out anyway when Trevor remembered how Brandon died, and Dylan confessed in court."
"After I was arrested last summer for the murder of Meg's ex-boyfriend, Brandon Williams, things just kinda went downhill between Meg and I," Bobby II says. "Mainly it was because of Williams did to her. he raped her, Chris. The animal RAPED her."
"Oh my God," Christopher says. "Bobby, I don't blame you for being mad enough to kill the guy. I probably would have."
"To be perfectly honest with you, cousin.........that's what I intended to do. I went to Brandon's apartment that night, so angry I planned to kill him with my bare hands. But, when I got there, he was already dead."
"Daniel's nephew?" Asks Christopher.
"Yeah. Dylan and Trevor......Trevor Cunningham........were there. The boys were so scared, they didn't know what to do. They were just kids. I wasn't about to let them suffer for ridding the world of that waste of human skin. And, what complicated matters was that Trevor blocked everything out in his mind. He didn't remember anything about that night. So, I told Dylan to keep his mouth shut about what really happened, and I let everyone think I did it. But, the truth came out anyway when Trevor remembered how Brandon died, and Dylan confessed in court."
"Bobby that was an incredible thing you did," Christopher says.
"Yeah," Bobby II says. "I'm not sure if it was incredibly brave, or incredibly stupid."
"What about the boys?"
"They're still in the county juvenile correctional facility. They were able to come home for Thanksgiving, and again today for Christmas. But they're both doing well."
"I'm glad to hear that. And, how about Molly? Man, that must have been something, finding out you had a sister you never knew about."
"You have no idea, man," Bobby II says. "I was so angry with my Dad for keeping the fact that he's Molly's father from us all those years. It nearly destroyed our relationship for good. But, slowly, we've been mending fences. As for Molly, she still doesn't talk to us."
"Wow," says Christopher. "Another Ewing cousin. I'd love to meet her sometime."
"Maybe we can arrange that next time you're in California."
"So, what happened with Meg? You started to tell me and then you got sidetracked telling me about this Brandon Williams guy."
Bobby II sighs deeply. "After the trial was over, I thought everything was gonna be okay between us. For a few days, Meg seemed okay. But then, the first time we started to get intimate, she couldn't go through with it. She was close to breakdown, man. Finally, she left town. Said she needed some time away from everything.......even me. I was hurt, but I kind of understood. But then, when Meg came home for Thanksgiving.........she brought a guy with her. Her husband."
"Her.......her HUSBAND?" Asks a stunned Christopher.
"Yep. While she was away, Meg met this guy and married him. In the weeks since Thanksgiving, I haven't been able to face her, or her family. That's why I didn't wanna be in Knots Landing for Christmas, because I knew I'd probably see Meg, and I couldn't handle that."
"Well, I'm glad you're here. And hey, if you need to keep yourself busy, to keep your mind off Meg, we still need to get our business venture off the ground. Sounds like now would be the perfect time."
"Yeah, definitely," Bobby II says.
"Come on, cousin. Let's get up to the house. Tomorrow, we'll go out riding," Christopher says as he and Bobby II head toward the house. "Nothing like this clear Southfork air to help you get stuff off your mind."
"Yeah," Bobby II says. "I'm not sure if it was incredibly brave, or incredibly stupid."
"What about the boys?"
"They're still in the county juvenile correctional facility. They were able to come home for Thanksgiving, and again today for Christmas. But they're both doing well."
"I'm glad to hear that. And, how about Molly? Man, that must have been something, finding out you had a sister you never knew about."
"You have no idea, man," Bobby II says. "I was so angry with my Dad for keeping the fact that he's Molly's father from us all those years. It nearly destroyed our relationship for good. But, slowly, we've been mending fences. As for Molly, she still doesn't talk to us."
"Wow," says Christopher. "Another Ewing cousin. I'd love to meet her sometime."
"Maybe we can arrange that next time you're in California."
"So, what happened with Meg? You started to tell me and then you got sidetracked telling me about this Brandon Williams guy."
Bobby II sighs deeply. "After the trial was over, I thought everything was gonna be okay between us. For a few days, Meg seemed okay. But then, the first time we started to get intimate, she couldn't go through with it. She was close to breakdown, man. Finally, she left town. Said she needed some time away from everything.......even me. I was hurt, but I kind of understood. But then, when Meg came home for Thanksgiving.........she brought a guy with her. Her husband."
"Her.......her HUSBAND?" Asks a stunned Christopher.
"Yep. While she was away, Meg met this guy and married him. In the weeks since Thanksgiving, I haven't been able to face her, or her family. That's why I didn't wanna be in Knots Landing for Christmas, because I knew I'd probably see Meg, and I couldn't handle that."
"Well, I'm glad you're here. And hey, if you need to keep yourself busy, to keep your mind off Meg, we still need to get our business venture off the ground. Sounds like now would be the perfect time."
"Yeah, definitely," Bobby II says.
"Come on, cousin. Let's get up to the house. Tomorrow, we'll go out riding," Christopher says as he and Bobby II head toward the house. "Nothing like this clear Southfork air to help you get stuff off your mind."
Tracey McKay's home....
Meanwhile, Cliff, Afton, Pamela, and Tripp are spending their Christmas at the home of Tracey McKay, with Tracey and her father, Carter McKay. While Afton helps Tracey with the food, and Tripp and Pamela chat with Tripp's grandfather Carter in the living room, a restless Cliff wanders aimlessly from room to room......first from the kitchen where he looks in on the women as Tracey takes the turkey from the oven and Afton makes a desert......then to the living room where he looks in on his daughter and her husband
as they chat and laugh listening to an old story Tripp's grandfather is telling them about the good old days when he first went to work for Westar. Cliff stands in the doorway and listens for a moment to the old man's nostalgic story. Afton comes in from the kitchen. She stops and watches Cliff as he listens to McKay's story for a moment. Then Cliff turns and walks out of the house and onto the porch. After a brief hesitation, Afton follows him onto the porch.
"Cliff, what's wrong with you?" She asks. "You've been moping around here all day, not even joining the rest of the family."
"Cliff, what's wrong with you?" She asks. "You've been moping around here all day, not even joining the rest of the family."
"I'm sorry, Afton," Cliff says. "I'm just not in the Christmas spirit today."
"God, you are SUCH a Scrooge. Look, I know you're still brooding about losing Westar and about John Ross winning that custody case against Elena. But today is Christmas. This is a day to put aside all the bad stuff and focus on the good."
"Good? Ha. What good?"
"Your daughter for one thing," Afton says. "That baby she's carrying. Our grandchild, Cliff. The fact that, after two bad marriages to Christopher and John Ross, Pamela has finally found a good man who loves her and treats her the way she deserves to be treated. And then there's your freedom. Cliff, you could still be sitting in that prison in Mexico right now instead of here, free, celebrating Christmas with your family and good friends."
Cliff smiles as he lowers his head and nods. "You know, you're right. You're absolutely right. I've been so focused on all that's gone wrong in my life this year, that I forgot about what's gone right. Our daughter is pregnant. She's forgiven me for everything. And, even though she has chosen not to be here today, I have another beautiful daughter. And good friends. It was very nice of Tracey to invite us all over here for Christmas dinner."
Afton walks over to him. "Then stop brooding. Stop being such a downer, and come in and join the others."
"I'll be there in just a minute," Cliff says.
"Don't be too long. Dinner's just about ready." Afton kisses him on the cheek, then walks back into the house.
A moment after Afton goes into the house, Cliff smiles, then walks off the porch and to his car. He gets into the car and drives away.
Afton walks into the living room as Tracey comes in from the kitchen. "Tracey, thank you again for inviting us over for Christmas."
"God, you are SUCH a Scrooge. Look, I know you're still brooding about losing Westar and about John Ross winning that custody case against Elena. But today is Christmas. This is a day to put aside all the bad stuff and focus on the good."
"Good? Ha. What good?"
"Your daughter for one thing," Afton says. "That baby she's carrying. Our grandchild, Cliff. The fact that, after two bad marriages to Christopher and John Ross, Pamela has finally found a good man who loves her and treats her the way she deserves to be treated. And then there's your freedom. Cliff, you could still be sitting in that prison in Mexico right now instead of here, free, celebrating Christmas with your family and good friends."
Cliff smiles as he lowers his head and nods. "You know, you're right. You're absolutely right. I've been so focused on all that's gone wrong in my life this year, that I forgot about what's gone right. Our daughter is pregnant. She's forgiven me for everything. And, even though she has chosen not to be here today, I have another beautiful daughter. And good friends. It was very nice of Tracey to invite us all over here for Christmas dinner."
Afton walks over to him. "Then stop brooding. Stop being such a downer, and come in and join the others."
"I'll be there in just a minute," Cliff says.
"Don't be too long. Dinner's just about ready." Afton kisses him on the cheek, then walks back into the house.
A moment after Afton goes into the house, Cliff smiles, then walks off the porch and to his car. He gets into the car and drives away.
Afton walks into the living room as Tracey comes in from the kitchen. "Tracey, thank you again for inviting us over for Christmas."
"Afton, it's my pleasure," says Tracey. "It's wonderful having our two families together for the holidays. And just think, this time next year, we'll have a new baby to link the Barnes and the McKays further."
Pamela walks over to the other two women. "Mom, where'd Daddy go?" She asks.
"He's on the porch," replies Afton. "He was feeling a little down, but, I think he's feeling better now."
"I'm gonna go talk to him." Pamela walks into the foyer and out the door onto the front porch. "Mom?"
"What, honey?" Afton says, walking to the front door.
"He's not here. And his car's gone."
"He's on the porch," replies Afton. "He was feeling a little down, but, I think he's feeling better now."
"I'm gonna go talk to him." Pamela walks into the foyer and out the door onto the front porch. "Mom?"
"What, honey?" Afton says, walking to the front door.
"He's not here. And his car's gone."
"What?" Afton walks onto the porch and looks. "Well, I guess he went home. Oh well, if Cliff wants to be a Grinch, then we can have a perfectly nice time without him."
Southfork....
Back at Southfork, the festively decorated mansion is filled with people, noise, and laughter as the Ewings gather in the living room that afternoon, chatting and exchanging stories. Present at the large Ewing Christmas gathering are Bobby, Ann, Christopher, Charlie, Alex, Lucas, Emma, Sue Ellen, John Ross, Krystina, Lucy, Justin, Amanda, Cally, Jimmy, Conner, Ray, Donna, Margaret, Matt, Matt's mother Luann Culver, Gary, Val, Bobby II, Jill, and Jay. The group is so noisy they almost don't hear the doorbell ring. Christopher does happen to hear the doorbell, and he walks into the foyer to open the door to Heather and Michael.
"Hey," Christopher says with a smile. "I'm glad you came."
"Christopher!" Little Michael says excitedly.
"Well, hey, buddy." Christopher picks the little blonde boy up in his arms and hugs him.
"I missed you," the child says.
"And I missed you, buddy. Come on in and meet the rest of the family."
Heather stops in the foyer as she listens to the noisy chatter from the living room. "Wow, sounds like you've got a house full."
"Yeah we do. The more the merrier. Come on."
Nervously, Heather follows Christopher and Michael into the living room, where Bobby and Ann spot them and walk over.
"You guys remember Heather and Michael," Christopher says.
"Of course," says Bobby.
"Welcome, and Merry Christmas," Ann says.
"Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Ewing."
Chatting with Lucas and Emma across the room, Charlie looks over and spots Christopher with Heather
"Hey," Christopher says with a smile. "I'm glad you came."
"Christopher!" Little Michael says excitedly.
"Well, hey, buddy." Christopher picks the little blonde boy up in his arms and hugs him.
"I missed you," the child says.
"And I missed you, buddy. Come on in and meet the rest of the family."
Heather stops in the foyer as she listens to the noisy chatter from the living room. "Wow, sounds like you've got a house full."
"Yeah we do. The more the merrier. Come on."
Nervously, Heather follows Christopher and Michael into the living room, where Bobby and Ann spot them and walk over.
"You guys remember Heather and Michael," Christopher says.
"Of course," says Bobby.
"Welcome, and Merry Christmas," Ann says.
"Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Ewing."
Chatting with Lucas and Emma across the room, Charlie looks over and spots Christopher with Heather
and her little boy. A look of both sadness and jealousy comes over Charlie's face as she watches Christopher with Heather and the child he carries in his arms.
Lucas also looks over and spots Heather and her son with his brother.
Christopher brings Heather and Michael over to them. "Charlie, you remember Heather, right? You met her at the Oil Baron's Ball."
"Yes, I remember," Charlie says. "She was working there."
"It's nice seeing you again," Heather says.
"And this little guy.....is Heather's son, Michael," says Christopher, putting the child down. "And Heather, you met my little brother, Lucas, the other night also."
"Yes," Heather says sadly, looking at Lucas. "Hello, Lucas."
"Heather."
Emma looks from Heather to Lucas, uneasy at the gazes they are giving each other. "And I'm Emma," she interrupts. "Lucas's GIRLFRIEND."
"Hello."
"So this is your son?" Lucas asks, kneeling down to the child. "Hey, man. I'm Lucas."
Lucas also looks over and spots Heather and her son with his brother.
Christopher brings Heather and Michael over to them. "Charlie, you remember Heather, right? You met her at the Oil Baron's Ball."
"Yes, I remember," Charlie says. "She was working there."
"It's nice seeing you again," Heather says.
"And this little guy.....is Heather's son, Michael," says Christopher, putting the child down. "And Heather, you met my little brother, Lucas, the other night also."
"Yes," Heather says sadly, looking at Lucas. "Hello, Lucas."
"Heather."
Emma looks from Heather to Lucas, uneasy at the gazes they are giving each other. "And I'm Emma," she interrupts. "Lucas's GIRLFRIEND."
"Hello."
"So this is your son?" Lucas asks, kneeling down to the child. "Hey, man. I'm Lucas."
Lucas says, looking at Heather, who appears to be uncomfortable.
Meanwhile, as Jimmy pours himself a glass of wine, Jill walks over to him. "Hey, nephew," she says.
"Hello, Auntie," Jimmy says with a smile.
"Justin told me the great news, that he asked you to help him with the J.R. Ewing Foundation. I think that's great."
"I'm glad. It was a real honor when Justin asked me."
"Well, who better to do it than you?" Jill asks. "After all, you're a business major."
Before Jimmy can say anymore, his cell phone begins to ring. He takes the phone from his pocket and looks at the screen. "Jill, would you excuse me? It's my Dad."
"Of course," Jill says as he walks away.
Across the room, Ann stands by the door leading from the living room to the foyer, looking at the crowded living room filled with Ewings, Ewing kin, and friends. She smiles. Emma walks over to her.
"Great party," Emma says.
"Yes. It's a wonderful Christmas so far."
"Mom, I'm really sorry about upsetting you earlier. When I was asking questions about your parents and your family."
Meanwhile, as Jimmy pours himself a glass of wine, Jill walks over to him. "Hey, nephew," she says.
"Hello, Auntie," Jimmy says with a smile.
"Justin told me the great news, that he asked you to help him with the J.R. Ewing Foundation. I think that's great."
"I'm glad. It was a real honor when Justin asked me."
"Well, who better to do it than you?" Jill asks. "After all, you're a business major."
Before Jimmy can say anymore, his cell phone begins to ring. He takes the phone from his pocket and looks at the screen. "Jill, would you excuse me? It's my Dad."
"Of course," Jill says as he walks away.
Across the room, Ann stands by the door leading from the living room to the foyer, looking at the crowded living room filled with Ewings, Ewing kin, and friends. She smiles. Emma walks over to her.
"Great party," Emma says.
"Yes. It's a wonderful Christmas so far."
"Mom, I'm really sorry about upsetting you earlier. When I was asking questions about your parents and your family."
"It's alright," Ann says, her expression and her voice taking on a serious tone.
"I just can't help but be curious about my grandparents. I've never even seen a photo of them. I don't even know what they looked like."
Ann looks at her daughter and pauses a moment before saying anything more. "Emma, maybe someday. I'll tell you all about them. But right now, I'm just not ready. Can you understand and respect that? And not ask me anymore questions?"
"Yeah, okay," Emma says, concerned. "When you're ready to talk, I'll be here to listen."
"I just can't help but be curious about my grandparents. I've never even seen a photo of them. I don't even know what they looked like."
Ann looks at her daughter and pauses a moment before saying anything more. "Emma, maybe someday. I'll tell you all about them. But right now, I'm just not ready. Can you understand and respect that? And not ask me anymore questions?"
"Yeah, okay," Emma says, concerned. "When you're ready to talk, I'll be here to listen."
Jimmy comes back into the living room, smiling broadly. Justin, Amanda, and Cally walk over to him.
"Hey, where'd you go?" Justin asks. "And why are you smilin' so?"
"Hey, where'd you go?" Justin asks. "And why are you smilin' so?"
"That was my Dad," Jimmy says. "My Mom.....she... she's having contractions. The doctor says that she could go into labor and have the baby at any time."
"What? Jimmy, bro, that's great!"
"Congratulations, Jimmy," says Cally. "I know James must be thrilled to pieces."
"Yeah, he is."
Listening to Jimmy's news about Debra Lynn's baby, a saddened Amanda turns and walks away from the group as Bobby comes over to them.
"Hey, what's goin' on?" Bobby asks. "You all look happy over here."
"We are," Cally says.
"My Dad called," says Jimmy. "Looks like I'm gonna have a little brother or another little sister sometime today or tonight."
"What? Jimmy, bro, that's great!"
"Congratulations, Jimmy," says Cally. "I know James must be thrilled to pieces."
"Yeah, he is."
Listening to Jimmy's news about Debra Lynn's baby, a saddened Amanda turns and walks away from the group as Bobby comes over to them.
"Hey, what's goin' on?" Bobby asks. "You all look happy over here."
"We are," Cally says.
"My Dad called," says Jimmy. "Looks like I'm gonna have a little brother or another little sister sometime today or tonight."
"Jimmy, that's great," Bobby says happily, shaking his grand-nephew's hand.
"I can't wait to see that baby," Justin says with a big smile. "Jimmy, since I didn't get to spoil you or Ashley when you were little, I'm gonna go all out on spoilin' this little niece or nephew."
"I wish my parents had chosen to find out what the baby was gonna be. At least I'd know whether I was gonna have a brother or another sister."
"I'm gonna make an announcement," Bobby says. He steps to the center of the room. "Everyone. Hey.....HELLO!!! Let me have your attention, please, everyone." In a few seconds the crowd of assembled family members begins to get quiet and gather around Bobby as he continues: "Listen, we just got some really great news here. It would seem that by the end of the day, this family is gonna add another little Ewing to the litter. Or rather, another little Beaumont. James called from Boston, and Debra Lynn is expected to have the baby any time now."
"That's wonderful," Krystina says.
"I'm so happy for them," says Sue Ellen.
Everyone in the room seems happy by the news with the exception of Amanda and Lucy, both of whom are saddened by their own lost children........Amanda by the baby she miscarried a few months ago, and Lucy by her decision to have an abortion so long ago, which had stolen the prospect of motherhood from her. Justin notices Amanda standing alone by the bar and walks over to her.
"Sweetheart," he says.
"I can't wait to see that baby," Justin says with a big smile. "Jimmy, since I didn't get to spoil you or Ashley when you were little, I'm gonna go all out on spoilin' this little niece or nephew."
"I wish my parents had chosen to find out what the baby was gonna be. At least I'd know whether I was gonna have a brother or another sister."
"I'm gonna make an announcement," Bobby says. He steps to the center of the room. "Everyone. Hey.....HELLO!!! Let me have your attention, please, everyone." In a few seconds the crowd of assembled family members begins to get quiet and gather around Bobby as he continues: "Listen, we just got some really great news here. It would seem that by the end of the day, this family is gonna add another little Ewing to the litter. Or rather, another little Beaumont. James called from Boston, and Debra Lynn is expected to have the baby any time now."
"That's wonderful," Krystina says.
"I'm so happy for them," says Sue Ellen.
Everyone in the room seems happy by the news with the exception of Amanda and Lucy, both of whom are saddened by their own lost children........Amanda by the baby she miscarried a few months ago, and Lucy by her decision to have an abortion so long ago, which had stolen the prospect of motherhood from her. Justin notices Amanda standing alone by the bar and walks over to her.
"Sweetheart," he says.
"I'm fine," she says abruptly.
"I'm sorry. I should've realized. It's just that we were so caught up in the excitement about Debra Lynn, that......"
"Justin, it's okay," Amanda says. "I'm happy for Debra Lynn. Really, I am. I just can't help but feel a little.......angry. Angry and jealous. After all she has two kids already."
"You're gonna have kids, Amanda," Justin says. "I know that could never make up for the baby you lost, but, darlin', we have SO much to look forward to."
"You're right."
Justin grabs Amanda by the hand and pulls her into the hall, away from the noisy crowd.
"Justin, what are you doing?"
"I was gonna wait til later on this, but, I think you could use some cheerin' up, and I hope this'll do it."
"What are you talking about?" Amanda asks.
Justin reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small blue velvet box. "Merry Christmas, my sweet Amanda," he says, handing her the box.
"I'm sorry. I should've realized. It's just that we were so caught up in the excitement about Debra Lynn, that......"
"Justin, it's okay," Amanda says. "I'm happy for Debra Lynn. Really, I am. I just can't help but feel a little.......angry. Angry and jealous. After all she has two kids already."
"You're gonna have kids, Amanda," Justin says. "I know that could never make up for the baby you lost, but, darlin', we have SO much to look forward to."
"You're right."
Justin grabs Amanda by the hand and pulls her into the hall, away from the noisy crowd.
"Justin, what are you doing?"
"I was gonna wait til later on this, but, I think you could use some cheerin' up, and I hope this'll do it."
"What are you talking about?" Amanda asks.
Justin reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small blue velvet box. "Merry Christmas, my sweet Amanda," he says, handing her the box.
She takes the box and opens it to reveal a beautiful, sparkling diamond engagement ring. Her mouth drops open in shock. "Justin, it's..........it's beautiful. I........"
"Amanda Shepherd Ewing, I met you right here at Southfork, exactly one year ago, at Christmas. Over the course of the next few months I fell head over heels in love with you. Seems kinda fittin' that, right here, on this Christmas Eve, one year after we met, I should give you this ring and..........and ask you to be my wife."
Amanda looks at him, her eyes filling with tears. "Oh Justin," she says. "I love you so much."
"So, will you? Marry me?"
"Yes. Oh, yes," she replies, embracing him in tears. "Yes, I'll marry you. I love you, Justin."
"I love you too, sweetheart."
Amanda looks at him, her eyes filling with tears. "Oh Justin," she says. "I love you so much."
"So, will you? Marry me?"
"Yes. Oh, yes," she replies, embracing him in tears. "Yes, I'll marry you. I love you, Justin."
"I love you too, sweetheart."
Tracey McKay's home......late evening
Later, at Tracey's home, as Tracey, Carter, Tripp, Pamela, and Afton are about to sit down to their Christmas dinner, Cliff returns. He quietly opens the front door and peeks in. Hearing everyone in the dining room, he walks into the house carrying a giant, almost life sized Teddy bear. He closes the door and sneaks into the dining room as the family takes their seats.
"Ho Ho Ho," he says, startling everyone.
"Cliff, oh my Lord, what is that thing?" Afton asks.
"What does it look like?"
"Looks like a stuffed big foot," says Carter.
"Very funny, McKay," Cliff says. "Nope, this is a gift. A Christmas gift from me to my beautiful daughter."
"For me?" Pamela asks.
"Yes, for you and my grandchild you're carrying. Pamela, I know that I've made a lot of mistakes with you. In fact, I've made a lot of mistakes with almost everybody in this room. And I'm sorry for being such a wet blanket on Christmas. I was depressed and feeling sorry for myself. But Afton made me realize just how much I do have to be thankful for today. I have my freedom. I'm in pretty good health for an old man. But most of all, I have all of you, and especially, my two daughters. I know Emma doesn't wanna speak to me right now, but, I'm gonna work on that. I do have a lot to look forward to. My grandchild being born, for one. And one of the things I'm thankful for is this fine young man I'm proud to call my son-in-law. My little girl has finally found a man who treats her the way she's supposed to be treated. And for that, Tripp, I thank you. You know what I was thinking about earlier, McKay, when I was going to four different stores to find this huge Teddy bear?"
"I have no idea, Cliff, but, I'm sure you're gonna tell us whether we wanna hear it or not," Carter says.
"Yes. Yes, I am. I was remembering back when you and I teamed up to ruin Ewing Oil over that tanker collision back in......when was that, 1989? That was after I got fed up working with J.R. and Bobby at Ewing Oil and having them leave me out of all the major decisions after Bobby took J.R. back into the company. Back then, McKay, did you in your wildest dreams ever imagine that one day your grandson would be married to my daughter and we'd be sitting down to Christmas dinner together in 2015?"
"Ho Ho Ho," he says, startling everyone.
"Cliff, oh my Lord, what is that thing?" Afton asks.
"What does it look like?"
"Looks like a stuffed big foot," says Carter.
"Very funny, McKay," Cliff says. "Nope, this is a gift. A Christmas gift from me to my beautiful daughter."
"For me?" Pamela asks.
"Yes, for you and my grandchild you're carrying. Pamela, I know that I've made a lot of mistakes with you. In fact, I've made a lot of mistakes with almost everybody in this room. And I'm sorry for being such a wet blanket on Christmas. I was depressed and feeling sorry for myself. But Afton made me realize just how much I do have to be thankful for today. I have my freedom. I'm in pretty good health for an old man. But most of all, I have all of you, and especially, my two daughters. I know Emma doesn't wanna speak to me right now, but, I'm gonna work on that. I do have a lot to look forward to. My grandchild being born, for one. And one of the things I'm thankful for is this fine young man I'm proud to call my son-in-law. My little girl has finally found a man who treats her the way she's supposed to be treated. And for that, Tripp, I thank you. You know what I was thinking about earlier, McKay, when I was going to four different stores to find this huge Teddy bear?"
"I have no idea, Cliff, but, I'm sure you're gonna tell us whether we wanna hear it or not," Carter says.
"Yes. Yes, I am. I was remembering back when you and I teamed up to ruin Ewing Oil over that tanker collision back in......when was that, 1989? That was after I got fed up working with J.R. and Bobby at Ewing Oil and having them leave me out of all the major decisions after Bobby took J.R. back into the company. Back then, McKay, did you in your wildest dreams ever imagine that one day your grandson would be married to my daughter and we'd be sitting down to Christmas dinner together in 2015?"
"No," Carter replies. "I also never thought I'd be sitting here listening to you make this ridiculously long and boring speech while my Christmas dinner gets cold, either, Cliff."
"Umm, Cliff, we really SHOULD eat before everything gets so cold we have to reheat it up again," Tracey says.
"Oh, okay, yeah, sure," Cliff says, taking a seat at the table. "I'm starving. Let's eat."
"Umm, Cliff, we really SHOULD eat before everything gets so cold we have to reheat it up again," Tracey says.
"Oh, okay, yeah, sure," Cliff says, taking a seat at the table. "I'm starving. Let's eat."
Southfork....
Back at Southfork, the Ewings are sitting down to their own Christmas dinner. Seated around the main table full of delicious food are Bobby, Christopher, Charlie, John Ross, Krystina, Gary, Val, Ray, Donna, Luann Culver, and Cally, with two other seats saved for Sue Ellen and Ann. Seated at the second table, which was set up in the foyer just outside the dining room are Lucas, Emma, Margaret, Matt, Bobby II, Alex, Michael, Heather, Lucy, Conner, Justin, Jimmy, and Amanda. The Ewings truly have a house full, and a bigger attendance than expected.
Ann and Sue Ellen bring a large turkey and a large ham in from the kitchen, place them on the table and uncover them.
"Boy that sure looks and smells good," Bobby says as the two women take their seats at the table.
"Well, Dad, why don't you go ahead and say grace so we can eat?" Christopher asks.
"Why don't I just do that? Everyone join hands, please."
Around the table, each person takes the hand of the person next to them. Lucas can't keep his eyes off Heather and Michael, seated across the table from him, which does not go unnoticed by Emma.
Bobby continues with his grace: "As I look around this table and the one in the next room, at all the people here tonight, I can't help but think of my Mama and Daddy." Bobby's mention of Miss Ellie and Jock illicits a nostalgic smile from Sue Ellen as he continues: "Many years ago, there were two brothers named Ewings. These two brothers, John Ross, nicknamed Jock, and Jason Ewing, were orphaned when they were quite young. They had a hard life, but somehow, they made due. The people you see sitting around these two tables tonight are the result of those two brothers meeting two women and falling in love. I can't help but be reminded of that old Brad Paisley song, 'All Because Two People Fell In Love,' or somethin' like that. Jock Ewing met and married Eleanor Southworth. Jason Ewing met and married Nancy Shaw, and here, around us, are the product of those unions. I'm very thankful that in recent years this house has once again become filled with members of this family. For a long time, Southfork was a pretty empty place. In fact, at one time, it was just me and Christopher livin' here alone. Then J.R. came home. Sue Ellen, and John Ross came back from England. Then I married my beloved Ann. And now look at us. This house is filled to overflowing with family, and I couldn't be happier about that. While it's true we all may have our
Ann and Sue Ellen bring a large turkey and a large ham in from the kitchen, place them on the table and uncover them.
"Boy that sure looks and smells good," Bobby says as the two women take their seats at the table.
"Well, Dad, why don't you go ahead and say grace so we can eat?" Christopher asks.
"Why don't I just do that? Everyone join hands, please."
Around the table, each person takes the hand of the person next to them. Lucas can't keep his eyes off Heather and Michael, seated across the table from him, which does not go unnoticed by Emma.
Bobby continues with his grace: "As I look around this table and the one in the next room, at all the people here tonight, I can't help but think of my Mama and Daddy." Bobby's mention of Miss Ellie and Jock illicits a nostalgic smile from Sue Ellen as he continues: "Many years ago, there were two brothers named Ewings. These two brothers, John Ross, nicknamed Jock, and Jason Ewing, were orphaned when they were quite young. They had a hard life, but somehow, they made due. The people you see sitting around these two tables tonight are the result of those two brothers meeting two women and falling in love. I can't help but be reminded of that old Brad Paisley song, 'All Because Two People Fell In Love,' or somethin' like that. Jock Ewing met and married Eleanor Southworth. Jason Ewing met and married Nancy Shaw, and here, around us, are the product of those unions. I'm very thankful that in recent years this house has once again become filled with members of this family. For a long time, Southfork was a pretty empty place. In fact, at one time, it was just me and Christopher livin' here alone. Then J.R. came home. Sue Ellen, and John Ross came back from England. Then I married my beloved Ann. And now look at us. This house is filled to overflowing with family, and I couldn't be happier about that. While it's true we all may have our
differences, we may fight, and there may even be some things we don't like about each other. But despite all that, in the end, we're a family. And that's what makes us strong. My Mama was fond of a saying that she used on more than one occasion.......we may be wrong, we may be right. But we're Ewings. We stick together, and that's what makes us unbeatable. We've found that out this year, a few times, how strong this family can be when we do stick together. And in the coming year, may God protect and keep us, and continue to make us strong. Tonight, as we consume this delicious meal. we're thankful for the hands that prepared this food, and we pray we always remember the true meaning and reason for Christmas. Amen."
"Amen," the rest of the group echoes. As Bobby takes his seat, everyone begins filling their plates.
"Amen," the rest of the group echoes. As Bobby takes his seat, everyone begins filling their plates.
The Ryland Mansion....
Meanwhile, Jenna and Harris are having dinner, just the two of them, in Harris's large and lonely dining room. They are eating their dinner quietly, until Harris breaks the silence. "Jenna, you alright? You've hardly said a word since your son came over here today."
"I'm fine. I was just thinking."
"I'm fine. I was just thinking."
"Thinkin' about what?" Harris asks.
"How different everything is now from last Christmas. It feels like my whole life is completely different."
"Last year you were still married to Ray Krebbs. You wish you still were?"
"Of course not," Jenna replies. "Harris, I'm very happy here with you. I love you. I love being with you. It's just that, sometimes......."
"You get lonely," Harris says.
"Yes. Especially tonight. I miss my family."
"Now Lucas did come over to see you tonight, and your daughter and grandson are comin' to spend the day and have Christmas Day dinner with us tomorrow."
"I know. I guess I'm just feeling nostalgic.
Harris sighs. "I know. I kinda feel the same way. I had a lot of problems with my mother over the years and many times I wanted to strangle her. But tonight, bein' Christmas Eve........I really miss that old witch. Never thought I'd say that.
"I have an idea that might cheer us both up."
"Go upstairs and make mad, passionate love?"
Jenna smiles. "Later. But right now, I was thinking about going into the living room, cuddling by a warm fire, and watching a couple of old Christmas movies. Comedies."
"Sounds good to me, as long as we watch National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation first."
"Of course," Jenna says. "As long as Home Alone is our second feature."
"I think we can arrange that," Harris says. He and Jenna get up from the table and leave the dining room.
"How different everything is now from last Christmas. It feels like my whole life is completely different."
"Last year you were still married to Ray Krebbs. You wish you still were?"
"Of course not," Jenna replies. "Harris, I'm very happy here with you. I love you. I love being with you. It's just that, sometimes......."
"You get lonely," Harris says.
"Yes. Especially tonight. I miss my family."
"Now Lucas did come over to see you tonight, and your daughter and grandson are comin' to spend the day and have Christmas Day dinner with us tomorrow."
"I know. I guess I'm just feeling nostalgic.
Harris sighs. "I know. I kinda feel the same way. I had a lot of problems with my mother over the years and many times I wanted to strangle her. But tonight, bein' Christmas Eve........I really miss that old witch. Never thought I'd say that.
"I have an idea that might cheer us both up."
"Go upstairs and make mad, passionate love?"
Jenna smiles. "Later. But right now, I was thinking about going into the living room, cuddling by a warm fire, and watching a couple of old Christmas movies. Comedies."
"Sounds good to me, as long as we watch National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation first."
"Of course," Jenna says. "As long as Home Alone is our second feature."
"I think we can arrange that," Harris says. He and Jenna get up from the table and leave the dining room.
Southfork....
Back at Southfork, after finishing dinner, the Ewings gather in the living room, where Christopher comes in with his guitar and takes a seat on a chair. Meanwhile, John Ross and Krystina come down the stairs carrying their suitcases, and Little John. Sue Ellen walks into the foyer to speak to them.
"Well, I guess we're about to head to the airport, Mama," John Ross says. "Our flight's at 8:30."
"You two have a wonderful time in Denver," Sue Ellen says, kissing them both. "And take good care of my little grandson."
"Well, I guess we're about to head to the airport, Mama," John Ross says. "Our flight's at 8:30."
"You two have a wonderful time in Denver," Sue Ellen says, kissing them both. "And take good care of my little grandson."
"You sure don't have to worry about that, Sue Ellen," Krystina says.
"John Ross, I know that you're concerned about Elena seeing the baby," says Sue Ellen. "But, it'll be alright. At least, thank heaven, her visits will be supervised, and she won't be alone with Little John."
"I wouldn't have it any other way," John Ross says. "We better go. See you when we get back."
"Alright. I love you both." Sue Ellen hugs John Ross and kisses him on the cheek, then kisses Krystina on the cheek. "Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas, Sue Ellen," says Krystina. "We'll be back on Monday."
"Alright. Bye, and be safe," Sue Ellen says as her son and daughter-in-law leave through the front door. After they're gone, she walks into the living room where Christopher is quietly playing an acoustic version of It Came Upon The Midnight Clear on his guitar. Sue Ellen takes a seat on one of the sofas beside Bobby and Ann as they listen. Standing near the bar, Lucas continues to stare at Heather, who sits with Michael on her lap. She tries to avoid his gaze as best she can.
As Christopher continues to play, Jimmy's cell phone rings. He takes the phone from his pocket and answers it. Christopher stops playing as the assembled group listens quietly to Jimmy's end of the conversation: "Dad? Yeah. I'm still at Southfork. Everyone here is anxious to hear the news......" The Ewings wait as Jimmy listens to what his father is saying on the other end of the line. Then Jimmy smiles. "Dad that's great! Yeah. Tell Mom Merry Christmas, and that I love her. Ashley and you, too. I'll tell everyone. Yeah, I'll talk to you tomorrow. I love you, Dad. And congratulations. Bye." Jimmy puts his phone down.
"Well?" Jill asks.
Jimmy turns and faces his family. "Mom had a little girl. She and the baby are both doing great."
"Oh that's wonderful," Cally says.
"Congratulations, big brother," Christopher says.
"Dad says they're gonna name her......Eve, because she was born on Christmas Eve."
"Eve Beaumont.......that's a beautiful name," Donna says.
"I wouldn't have it any other way," John Ross says. "We better go. See you when we get back."
"Alright. I love you both." Sue Ellen hugs John Ross and kisses him on the cheek, then kisses Krystina on the cheek. "Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas, Sue Ellen," says Krystina. "We'll be back on Monday."
"Alright. Bye, and be safe," Sue Ellen says as her son and daughter-in-law leave through the front door. After they're gone, she walks into the living room where Christopher is quietly playing an acoustic version of It Came Upon The Midnight Clear on his guitar. Sue Ellen takes a seat on one of the sofas beside Bobby and Ann as they listen. Standing near the bar, Lucas continues to stare at Heather, who sits with Michael on her lap. She tries to avoid his gaze as best she can.
As Christopher continues to play, Jimmy's cell phone rings. He takes the phone from his pocket and answers it. Christopher stops playing as the assembled group listens quietly to Jimmy's end of the conversation: "Dad? Yeah. I'm still at Southfork. Everyone here is anxious to hear the news......" The Ewings wait as Jimmy listens to what his father is saying on the other end of the line. Then Jimmy smiles. "Dad that's great! Yeah. Tell Mom Merry Christmas, and that I love her. Ashley and you, too. I'll tell everyone. Yeah, I'll talk to you tomorrow. I love you, Dad. And congratulations. Bye." Jimmy puts his phone down.
"Well?" Jill asks.
Jimmy turns and faces his family. "Mom had a little girl. She and the baby are both doing great."
"Oh that's wonderful," Cally says.
"Congratulations, big brother," Christopher says.
"Dad says they're gonna name her......Eve, because she was born on Christmas Eve."
"Eve Beaumont.......that's a beautiful name," Donna says.
Christopher again begins playing his guitar, this time playing God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. As he plays, he begins quietly singing:
"God rest ye merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ, our Saviour
Was born on Christmas day
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy"
"God rest ye merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ, our Saviour
Was born on Christmas day
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy"
Bobby and Ann look on, nostalgic looks on their faces as they remember Christmases past while Christopher continues to play and sing softly: "In Bethlehem, in Israel, This blessed Babe was born And laid within a manger Upon this blessed morn The which His Mother Mary Did nothing take in scorn O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy O tidings of comfort and joy...." |
Ray and Donna look at each other, smile, then kiss softly as Lucas looks at them in disgust. Next to Ray and Donna sit Matt and Margaret. She takes Matt's hand and places her head on his shoulder.
Standing together, alongside Lucy, Conner, Justin, and Amanda, Gary and Val smile tender listening as Christopher continues his beautiful rendition of the song:
"From God our Heavenly Father
A blessed Angel came;
And unto certain Shepherds
Brought tidings of the same:
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by Name.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy.
'Fear not then,' said the Angel,
'Let nothing you affright,
This day is born a Saviour
Of a pure Virgin bright,
To free all those who trust in Him
From Satan's power and might.'
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy....."
"From God our Heavenly Father
A blessed Angel came;
And unto certain Shepherds
Brought tidings of the same:
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by Name.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy.
'Fear not then,' said the Angel,
'Let nothing you affright,
This day is born a Saviour
Of a pure Virgin bright,
To free all those who trust in Him
From Satan's power and might.'
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy....."
"The shepherds at those tidings
Rejoiced much in mind,
And left their flocks a-feeding
In tempest, storm and wind:
And went to Bethlehem straightway
The Son of God to find.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
And when they came to Bethlehem
Where our dear Saviour lay,
They found Him in a manger,
Where oxen feed on hay;
His Mother Mary kneeling down,
Unto the Lord did pray.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
Now to the Lord sing praises,
All you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood
Each other now embrace;
This holy tide of Christmas
All other doth deface.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy...."
Rejoiced much in mind,
And left their flocks a-feeding
In tempest, storm and wind:
And went to Bethlehem straightway
The Son of God to find.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
And when they came to Bethlehem
Where our dear Saviour lay,
They found Him in a manger,
Where oxen feed on hay;
His Mother Mary kneeling down,
Unto the Lord did pray.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
Now to the Lord sing praises,
All you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood
Each other now embrace;
This holy tide of Christmas
All other doth deface.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy...."
As Christopher finishes singing but continues playing softly, Heather, feeling increasingly uncomfortable, gets up from her seat and abruptly leaves the room.
"Christopher, that was lovely," Sue Ellen says.
"Sure was," says Bobby II. "Wish I could sing like that."
"Let's do something a little more lively," says Lucy.
"Like what?"
"Jingle Bells."
"Not sure that'll work on the guitar."
"Then what about the piano?" Margaret asks.
"Let's do it," Ann says,
Margaret goes over to the piano and takes a seat. As she begins to play and the entire group starts to sing, Lucas quietly leaves the room through one of the French doors leading to the back porch.
Lucas finds Heather standing alone on the patio by the pool. He walks over to her. "Heather?"
"Lucas."
"Heather, we need to talk. I didn't know you were gonna be here today. But I'm glad you are. You and Michael both."
"Thank you, Lucas," Heather says. "Look, I ran into Christopher at the mall this morning. He invited us. I knew it was a bad idea comin' here, especially knowin' you were gonna be here. If I had known you were Christopher's brother, I never would've come back to Dallas."
"Why, Heather? What the hell did I do to you? Everything was going great between us, or at least I thought so. Then, all of a sudden, you just did this huge turnaround on me. Told me you couldn't see me anymore, and that you were married. And then I never saw you again after that, until The Oil Baron's Ball."
Heather turns and looks at him. "You didn't do anything to me, Lucas. You didn't do anything but try to love me. And I fell in love with you when things were goin' real bad between me and Bo. But then, I had to try to make it work."
"Because of Michael?" Lucas asks. "Is that why you broke up with me? Because you found out you were pregnant? I know it wasn't because of Bo. Otherwise you never would've let our affair go on all those months."
Heather fights back tears. "Yes, Lucas. I found out I was pregnant."
He walks over and puts his hands on her arms. "Heather, I have to ask you....."
"No. Lucas, for God's sake, don't ask me anything."
Lucas reaches into his pocket and pulls out a photo. "Heather, look at this. Look at this picture."
"Christopher, that was lovely," Sue Ellen says.
"Sure was," says Bobby II. "Wish I could sing like that."
"Let's do something a little more lively," says Lucy.
"Like what?"
"Jingle Bells."
"Not sure that'll work on the guitar."
"Then what about the piano?" Margaret asks.
"Let's do it," Ann says,
Margaret goes over to the piano and takes a seat. As she begins to play and the entire group starts to sing, Lucas quietly leaves the room through one of the French doors leading to the back porch.
Lucas finds Heather standing alone on the patio by the pool. He walks over to her. "Heather?"
"Lucas."
"Heather, we need to talk. I didn't know you were gonna be here today. But I'm glad you are. You and Michael both."
"Thank you, Lucas," Heather says. "Look, I ran into Christopher at the mall this morning. He invited us. I knew it was a bad idea comin' here, especially knowin' you were gonna be here. If I had known you were Christopher's brother, I never would've come back to Dallas."
"Why, Heather? What the hell did I do to you? Everything was going great between us, or at least I thought so. Then, all of a sudden, you just did this huge turnaround on me. Told me you couldn't see me anymore, and that you were married. And then I never saw you again after that, until The Oil Baron's Ball."
Heather turns and looks at him. "You didn't do anything to me, Lucas. You didn't do anything but try to love me. And I fell in love with you when things were goin' real bad between me and Bo. But then, I had to try to make it work."
"Because of Michael?" Lucas asks. "Is that why you broke up with me? Because you found out you were pregnant? I know it wasn't because of Bo. Otherwise you never would've let our affair go on all those months."
Heather fights back tears. "Yes, Lucas. I found out I was pregnant."
He walks over and puts his hands on her arms. "Heather, I have to ask you....."
"No. Lucas, for God's sake, don't ask me anything."
Lucas reaches into his pocket and pulls out a photo. "Heather, look at this. Look at this picture."
Heather takes the photo and looks at it.
"That's me, Heather," Lucas says. "When I was a little boy. Look at my face, and my hair. Heather, I look at Michael, and I see how much he looks like me. Heather, you have to tell me. Is he mine? Is Michael my son?"
"I told you not to ask me that," Heather says in tears, turning away from him.
"Damn it, you HAVE to tell me!" Lucas says angrily, grabbing her and turning her back around to face him. "Heather, am I Michael's father?"
Heather looks at him, crying. "Yes. Yes, damn it. Is that what you wanted to hear, Lucas? Michael is your son!"
As Heather speaks these words, she and Lucas were unaware that Michael and Christopher are standing on the back porch and heard every word. She looks over Lucas's shoulder and sees Christopher and her son.
"Oh my God," she cries. "Michael....."
Lucas turns around and sees them. The little boy is in tears, and Christopher looks at his younger brother
"That's me, Heather," Lucas says. "When I was a little boy. Look at my face, and my hair. Heather, I look at Michael, and I see how much he looks like me. Heather, you have to tell me. Is he mine? Is Michael my son?"
"I told you not to ask me that," Heather says in tears, turning away from him.
"Damn it, you HAVE to tell me!" Lucas says angrily, grabbing her and turning her back around to face him. "Heather, am I Michael's father?"
Heather looks at him, crying. "Yes. Yes, damn it. Is that what you wanted to hear, Lucas? Michael is your son!"
As Heather speaks these words, she and Lucas were unaware that Michael and Christopher are standing on the back porch and heard every word. She looks over Lucas's shoulder and sees Christopher and her son.
"Oh my God," she cries. "Michael....."
Lucas turns around and sees them. The little boy is in tears, and Christopher looks at his younger brother
and Heather, stunned speechless by the revelation he has just heard.