Previously On DALLAS:
--------------The custody case of John Ross and Krystina headed to court.
Dallas County Courthouse.....late afternoon
"This is a very difficult decision to make," Judge Thompson begins. "My primary concern is the welfare of this infant child. It is clear to me that John Ross and Krystina Ewing can and have provided a stable, loving home for this little boy, while at the same time, a child, ANY child, needs the love and touch of his natural mother. Therefore, there is only one decision that I can in good conscience make in this case. Therefore, custody of the infant child John Ross Ewing IV, formerly known as Drew Ramos, will be awarded to.......John Ross and Krystina Carrington Ewing."
The courtroom erupts with audible gasps as John Ross and Krystina and the rest of the Ewings breathe a sigh of relief.
"NO!!!!" Elena screams, springing from her seat. "You can't do this!!" She cries.
"Let me finish, Mrs. Channing," Judge Thompson says. "Now take your seat."
Michael pulls Elena back into her seat.
Judge Thompson continues: "Now, I am awarding custody to Mr. and Mrs, Ewings. However, I am also granting very liberal supervised visitation rights to the child's mother, Elena Ramos Channing. The Christmas holidays are coming up in just a couple of weeks. Mrs. Channing is to be allowed visitation with her child on a day of her choosing during the Christmas holidays."
John Ross's happiness turns to anger upon hearing that Elena will have access to his son for Christmas.
"The child will be returned to Mr. and Mrs. Ewing after seven days with Mr. and Mrs. Channing," the judge continues. "Now I realize that, given the distance between the homes of the Channing family in California and the Ewing family here in Texas, visitation could be difficult under different circumstances. However, given the vast financial resources of both the Ewing and Channing families, travel between Texas and California should not be difficult at all. Mrs. Channing is to have supervised visitation with the child for one weekend each month, from Friday evening, until Sunday evening. I'll leave the dates of Mrs. Channing's weekend, whether the first or last weekend of each month, to be worked out between Mr. Ewing and Mrs. Channing, through their attorneys. Mrs. Channing and Mr. Ewing are also to have visitation with the child on alternate holidays. After a period of six months, Mrs. Channing will be allowed to have unsupervised visitation with her son, provided she follows the guidelines set forth in this hearing. Court is adjourned."
As the judge bangs his gavel, Elena breaks down in tears in Michael's arms. John Ross and Krystina embrace each. Christopher exchanges looks with a tearful Elena.
A smiling John Ross walks over to Elena and Michael.
"This isn't over, John Ross," Michael says.
"It's over," John Ross says.
"John Ross, come on," Krystina says, walking over and taking him by the arm.
He smiles at Elena. "Y'all have a nice day now. And a real nice flight back to California. WITHOUT my son." Still smiling, John Ross turns and walks away with Krystina.
"I can't believe I ever loved him," Elena says. "Now, I hate him more than I ever thought possible to hate anyone."
"Come on, honey. Let's get out of here," Michael tells her.
John Ross and Krystina joins Sue Ellen and Krystle as they chat happily about their childrens' court victory.
"We're so happy for you both," adds Krystle.
"Thanks, Mom," Krystina says. "You will be able to stay at least a couple days, won't you?"
Krystle smiles. "I'd love to."
"And you can stay with me," says Sue Ellen.
"Are you sure, Sue Ellen? I can go to a hotel."
"Not on your life. I live alone in that big house, and I'd love the company."
"Well, everyone," Bobby says, walking over to them with Ann and Christopher. "Now that's all over, why don't I treat the Ewing clan, and Krystle, of course, to dinner? I'm sure the rest of you are as hungry as I am."
"That sounds wonderful, Bobby," Sue Ellen.
"Now that's all over, you say?" Comes the voice of Richard Channing from behind Bobby. Bobby turns to face Richard.. "This isn't over, Mr. Ewing. Not by a long shot. This fight between us is only just beginning."
The Omni Hotel.......early evening
"Yes, it is. Almost as good as the company," Kevin says, leaning over and kissing her.
After a moment, Emma pulls out of the kiss. "I really should be going," Emma says, getting out of bed. She picks up her bra and puts it on.
"Why so soon? We've had such a great time this afternoon, I was hoping I could convince you to stay the night. I'm not flying back to California until tomorrow. We can do some more.....catching up. Just like old times."
"Emma, what's going on?" Keving asks. "You're not as much fun as you used to be."
"London was a long time ago, Kevin. I've grown up. Matured. Maybe you should try it sometime. Besides, I'm.......sort of involved with someone."
"Okay, then, I guess you could say I am."
"Well, you sure didn't act like it an hour ago."
"This was a mistake, Kevin," Emma says, slipping on her panties. "I never should've let myself get this carried away."
"So, who is this lucky guy? I assume he has a name."
"Lucas."
"Lucas? Just Lucas? No last name."
Emma turns and looks at him. "Lucas Krebbs. John Ross's cousin."
Kevin rolls his eyes as he turns his head. "Another Ewing. Just great," he says, standing to put his boxers on. "Ya know, just a month ago I was happily ignorant of the existence of these people, but in the last couple weeks, these Ewings have invaded my life. My brother is married to the ex-girlfriend of both John Ross AND Christopher Ewing. John Ross is the father of her kid, who they just had a big custody fight over. Christopher Ewing showed up at my house to try and sweet talk Elena into dropping the case. John Ross's mother and uncle came all the way to California to try and intimidate my father into withdrawing his support for Elena, and now, I just slept with John Ross's ex-lover who's also sleeping with his cousin. Just freakin' great." Kevin picks his shirt up from the floor. "I wonder how that family will next intertwine themselves with my family."
"Well, it's little consolation, but you could make it up to me if I could convince you to spend the night?" Kevin asks, kissing her.
"Uh-uh."
"I hope things don't work out between you and Lucas," Kevin says.
"What the hell kind of a thing is that to say?" Emma asks.
"The kinda thing a guy says when he wants another shot at the girl who got away."
"Gotta go." She walks to the door and turns back to him with a smile.
"If things don't work out with you and this Lucas guy.........I'm only 3 and a half hours away by plane."
"Bye, Kevin," Emma says, then quickly leaves.
"Bye, Kevin," Emma says, then quickly leaves.
After Emma is gone, Kevin walks over to the window and looks out at the darkening evening sky, it's golden sunset in the distance, and the lights beginning to come on all over the city. "Lucas Krebbs," he says quietly. "Well, Mr. Krebbs. You might just be in for some competition."
Southfork....
"You happy, darlin'?" John Ross asks her.
Krystina smiles, then kisses him. "Happier than I ever thought possible."
"That's a beautiful sight," Krystle says. "The three of you there together. You look very natural."
"At least the visits will be supervised," Sue Ellen says as Bobby, Ann, Christopher, Charlie, and Lucas walk in from the living room.
"Well, I'd say it was a victorious day for the Ewing family once again," Bobby comments.
"Yeah, but what about Richard Channing's little threat that his fight with the Ewings isn't over?" Christopher asks.
"I'm not worried about Channing. If he wants to fight, then we'll just give him the fight of his life."
"Hey, Alex, you hadn't said two words since you been here," John Ross says, walking over to his older son.
"Everything okay?"
"Yeah. I'm fine," the boy replies, unconvincingly, then walks out of the room, leaving John Ross concerned. He watches Alex give Christopher and Charlie a dirty look as he walks by them and leaves the room.
"Well, now that this ugly custody fight is over, this family can concentrate on enjoyin' the Oil Baron's Ball, and prepare for Christmas," Ann says. "Which reminds me.....Krystina, would you help with the Christmas decorations tomorrow? We'll put up the tree, and hang some garland around."
Krystina smiles. "Ann, I'd LOVE to."
While the rest of the family chats and plays with the baby, Lucas walks into the living room alone and looks at his watch, worried because Emma hasn't arrived yet. Finally, she walks into the living room through one of the French doors from outside. Lucas hurries over to her.
"Emma, where've you been?" He asks. "I was really getting worried."
"I'm sorry," replies a nervous Emma. "I got here as fast as I could."
"Emma, hi, sweetheart," Ann says, walking into the living room with the other. "I thought you were comin' to court today."
"It did," says Ann. "John Ross and Krystina were awarded custody of Little John, with Elena bein' given visitation rights."
"Good. Congratulations," Emma says, looking at John Ross and Krystina, who simply looks at her and says nothing.
"If you will all excuse me, I think the baby's getting sleepy," Krystina says. "I'm gonna put him down for the night."
"You alright, darlin'?" John Ross asks.
"I'm fine," replies Krystina, again looking at Emma as she walks out of the room with the baby. Krystina's sudden change in mood after Emma arrives does not go unnoticed by Krystle and Sue Ellen.
Charlie walks over to John Ross while Christopher chats with Bobby, Ann, Lucas, and Emma. "Where'd Alex go?" She asks.
"Outside, I guess. You and my cousin lookin' so chummy seems to really upset our son."
Charlie sighs. "Yeah, it does."
"You and Christopher gettin' serious?" John Ross asks.
"And Alex duttin' like that," says John Ross.
"No. But he's just gonna have to get use to it. I'd better go find him and talk to him."
"No, let me."
"Alright," Charlie says.
John Ross walks away from her and leaves the room as Christopher walks over. "Is everything okay?" Christopher asks.
Charlie sighs. "Alex was upset again, seeing us together. John Ross went to go find him and try and talk to him."
"He'll come around. Maybe I need to try to talk to him. Maybe if I try harder to make friends with him. I don't like that Alex's disapproval of me is making you so unhappy."
Charlie turns to face him. "I'm okay. It's Alex that I'm worried about. I see a lot of the old Alex coming back lately. The way he was a year ago.......angry, sullen, moody. And I don't like that."
"He's 16. All 16-year-old boys are moody and sullen, even angry a lot of the time."
MEANWHILE....
"Gettin' kinda cold out here," John Ross says. "Still not cold enough for this time of year, though."
Alex remains silent as John Ross walks up the first two steps of the gazebo.
"Why don't you come over here and have a seat?" John Ross asks, sitting down on the top step. The boy continues to ignore him. "Alex," John Ross says. "Come. Sit."
Reluctantly, the boy walks over and takes a seat on the step beside him.
"Wouldn't it bother you?" Alex asks.
"I dunno. Maybe. Hell, Christopher aint such a bad guy underneath."
"I never said he was."
"Well, somethin' must really bug the hell outta you about him spendin' time with Charlie. So what is it?"
"My Dad. Phillip. It just bothers me seeing my Mom with another man. I'd rather her have ended up with you. You are at least my real father."
"Only one little problem with that," John Ross says. "I'm married to Krystina." John Ross hesitates a moment as he takes in a deep breath of the night air. "Look, Alex, I know you were real close to Phillip. And I know that you loved him a whole lot. So did your Mama."
"She has a strange way of showing it," Alex says. "My Dad.......he......." Alex stops talking for a moment as he tries to gather his thoughts. "Did you ever know him, John Ross?"
"No. I never got to meet him."
"I'll be in later," Alex says. "I wanna stay out here for a while by myself."
"Well here," John Ross says, pulling off his leather jacket. "Take my jacket. It's too cold out here for short sleeves." He hands the jacket to the boy and he puts it on.
"Thanks," Alex says quietly.
John Ross nods and smiles at the boy, then turns and starts walking back toward the house.
"John Ross?" Alex calls to him.
John Ross stops and turns around. Alex stands and walks over to him, his eyes filled with tears. Without
The Wentworth Home.....the next morning
"Thank you, Helen," Katherine says.
"You're welcome, Ms. Wentworth."
Austin walks onto the patio. "Good morning, Mother," he says.
"Good morning."
"Did you read that article in the Tribune about the Ewings the other day?" Austin asks, pouring himself a cup of coffee.
"Yes, I did. Very interesting. Lots of skeletons in that closet."
"Are you ready for the Oil Baron's?"
Katherine smiles. "I'm very ready. What about you? Have you gotten a date yet?"
"Of course. There's no shortage of young ladies who'd give their eye teeth to go to a big ball with a rich, handsome young CEO."
"So who is she?" Katherine asks.
Katherine looks at her son. "You know I don't like surprises. But anyway, have you been keeping up with the news?"
"Depends on what news you mean."
"John Ross Ewing's custody battle with his ex-girlfriend over their son," says Katherine.
"I heard a little something about it," Austins says. "It was all over the news and in all the papers so it was hard to escape. What about it?"
"I was curious about this Elena Channing girl, the mother of John Ross's son. The paper says she's now married to Michael Channing. His father is Richard Channing."
"Never heard of him."
"Wonder what?" Austin asks.
"If perhaps Richard Channing couldn't be a useful ally against the Ewings."
"How so?"
Katherine looks at her son and smiles. "Oh, Austin, darling, you do still have a lot to learn. Since Channing is a publisher who is nationally known, it makes me wonder about that scandalous article about the Ewings published in the Tribune a few days ago."
"That does make sense," Austin says. "Channing's son and his wife are involved in this heated custody fight with John Ross over that kid, and suddenly, all the Ewings past sins and secrets appear in print just before the custody case goes to court."
"Now you're catching on," Katherine says. "And I know the Ewings well enough to know they aren't going to just let that go."
"But where could Channing have gotten all that personal info about the Ewings?"
"Good question," replies Katherine. "Only one way to find out........by asking the source himself."
"Channing?"
"Yes."
Austin smiles at his mother.
Southfork.....later
"Boy this sure brings back memories," Lucy says. "Back when I was young, decorating the tree with Grandma, and Sue Ellen, and later Pam."
"Those must've been some happy times," says Ann.
"Oh, they were. I'd give anything to go back," Lucy says sadly.
"What were Christmases like at your house, Krystina?"
"They were nice. Of course, at my house, the servants usually did most of the decorating."
"Well that doesn't sound like much fun," Emma says.
Krystina gives Emma a harsh look, but says nothing in response to her comment.
"What about you, Ann?" Lucy asks. "You never talk much about your childhood or your family."
"Do you realize that you've been married to my Uncle Bobby for ten years, and I really don't know much about you," Lucy says. "Your family, your childhood."
"I have to admit, I'm kind of curious myself," says Emma.
"I've never heard you talk about your parents, either."
"My parents died when I was still quite young," Ann says.
"You have a brother, right?" Emma asks.
"Yes," Ann replies, somewhat hesitantly.
"Don't you ever talk to him?" Lucy asks.
"No. I haven't spoken to him in years. Look, why don't we talk about somethin' else?"
Lucy, Emma, and Krystina exchange looks of concern over the change in Ann's mood upon the mention of her family and childhood. Before anyone can say anything else, Justin and Amanda walk into the house.
"Hey, y'all," Justin says.
"Well, hey, you two," Ann says. "You've been keepin' yourselves pretty scarce lately."
"And in the meantime I did a little redecorating at the house," says Amanda.
"I can't wait to go over and see it," says Krystina.
"By the way, Krystina, we heard about the custody hearin'," Justin says. "Congratulations."
"Thanks. John Ross and I are real happy with the way it turned out."
Amanda walks over and gently touches a branch of the tree. "What a beautiful Christmas tree. I think it's even prettier than the one you had last year."
"Would you like to help?" Ann asks.
"I'd love to. Justin keeps promising me he's gonna get one for us, but so far, I have yet to see him bringing home a Christmas tree."
Justin laughs. "Sorry, darlin', I promise, I'll get one this afternoon."
"By the way, you two are comin' with us to the Oil Baron's Ball tomorrow night, aren't you?" Ann asks.
"Ann, I dunno," replies Justin. "I mean, I'd feel kinda funny at somethin' like that, all dressed up. Just not my style."
"Come on, ya have to go. Almost the whole family's goin' this year."
Amanda sighs. "Sure is weird how much has changed since last year's Oil Baron's Ball. I went with John Ross. It's amazing how much has happened in just one year."
Justin's cell phone rings. Taking the phone from his pocket, he looks at the caller ID. "Hmm, it's John Ross. What could he want," Justin wonders. He answers the call. "John Ross, what's up? Nah, I'm over at Southfork. Why? Yeah, okay. I'll be there as soon as I can. Okay. Bye." Justin ends the call and puts his phone away.
"What was that all about?" Amanda asks.
"John Ross. He wants to see me, Jill, and Jimmy at Ewing Oil in half an hour."
"What on earth for?" Krystina asks.
"No idea. He didn't say. Guess I'll find out in half an hour. I'm gonna call Jimmy."
As Justin dials Jimmy's number, Amanda and Krystina exchange curious looks, each of them wondering why John Ross had called a meeting at Ewing Oil between his siblings and nephew.
Ewing Oil....
"No, all he said was that he wanted to have a meeting to talk about something important."
As Bobby is about to say something, he looks out into the main office and sees Jill, Justin, and Jimmy getting off the elevator. "What in the world are they all doin' here?" He wonders.
The three walk into the conference room. "Hello, everyone," Jill says as they enter the room.
"Hello, Jill, how are you?" Bobby asks, kissing his niece on the cheek.
"Just fine."
"Do any of you know why John Ross wanted to see us here?" Justin asks.
"No clue," Christopher replies.
"We were hoping one of you might know," says Sue Ellen.
"Are you kidding?" Jimmy asks. "We're the three relatives John Ross hardly ever talks to."
"Well, I guess we're about to find out," says Christopher. "Here he comes."
"John Ross, what's this all about?" Sue Ellen asks.
John Ross looks out and sees Krystina get off the elevator and head toward the conference room. "Well now that my beautiful wife has arrived, we can get started."
Krystina walks into the room. "Hello, everyone," she says.
"Hi, Krystina," greets Sue Ellen.
"Have you told them yet?" Krystina asks.
"No, darlin' I was waitin' for you."
"Tell us what?" Jimmy asks. "John Ross, why did you ask us all to come here?"
"That's right, the Jock Ewing Memorial Scholarship to SMU," Bobby says.
"Thank ya, Uncle Bobby," John Ross says. "I wanted to run it by all of you, which is why I asked you all here, all the principals involved in Ewing Oil, and three of Daddy's four children. Jimmy, I asked you here in James's place since he's back East."
"So, I take it everyone agrees with my idea."
Justin, Jill, Jimmy, Bobby, Sue Ellen, and Christopher exchange looks between them and nod.
John Ross smiles. "Justin? Jill? Hadn't heard anything from the two of you yet."
"John Ross, I think it's a great idea," Justin says.
"And so do I," Jill agrees. "You have my full support. Of course I'll have to run this by the rest of the Westar board, but since together, you and I own a majority of shares in the company, I don't see a problem."
"Great. Finally, somethin' we can ALL agree on," says a smiling John Ross. "Well, I appreciate you all comin' down here, and, I'd like to announce this scholarship and foundation at the ball tomorrow. I already spoke to Dirk Jackson, chairman of this year's ball, and he and the committee gave their okay. Now then, that's all I had to say, unless someone else has somethin' to say? Uncle Bobby?"
"No, John Ross, I think you covered everything," Bobby says, smiling at his nephew.
"Okay, then, you can all go on about the rest of your day."
As Justin and Jimmy walk out, Bobby, Sue Ellen, and Christopher talk among themselves, Jill walks over to Krystina and John Ross and gives him a smile.
"You know, you never cease to amaze me," she says. "You can be the biggest scoundrel in the world sometimes. But then, when you want to, you can actually be a pretty decent human being."
"Don't let that get around," says John Ross. "My ruin my reputation."
Jill smiles and shakes her head. "Bye John Ross. Krystina."
"See you later, Jill," Krystina says as Jill walks away. After Jill leaves, Krystina puts her arms around John Ross. "I agree with your sister.......you never cease to amaze me."
"Darlin' I have only just BEGUN to amaze you," he says, kissing her.
As Jill walks out of the conference room, she sees Justin standing in front of the portraits of Jock and J.R. which now hang together in the receptionist area at Ewing Oil. She pauses for a second, then walks over to him.
Jill sighs. "Sometimes, I think about it. Sometimes, I still can't quiet comprehend that this man I had heard of, but never knew anything about, is my father. And, after growing up as an only child, I have three brothers."
"Yeah, me, too," says Justin. "Well, two brothers and a sister." Justin looks at Jock's portrait for a moment, then at J.R.'s. "We got their blood flowin' through our veins, Jill. I don't think I ever really understood that until right now, standin' here in front of these two portraits. My Daddy and my Granddaddy. Sometimes I wonder how different my life would've been if my Mama had told me who my Daddy was. If she had let J.R. be part of my life when I was growin' up."
Jill walks up to her brother and puts a hand on his shoulder. "I know. I've thought about that a lot, too. In a way, we were both cheated by our mothers out of the chance to get to know our father. But we have each other now. And James. And.........even John Ross. He seems a lot..........nicer now, after that hit and run."
Justin smiles. "Yeah. But how long is that gonna last?"
"Who knows? Let's just enjoy it as long as it DOES last. Come on, little brother. I'll buy you lunch."
Justin turns and looks at her. "Well, in that case, I'm gonna order the biggest, most expensive steak in Dallas."
"I think I can afford it. Come on." Jill takes Justin's arm and they leave together.
Southfork.....the next evening
"Yeah, just about."
"Everybody's prob'ly downstairs waitin' already."
Ann comes in from the bathroom. "All ready," she says.
Bobby looks at his beautiful wife in awe and smiles. "Oh, honey, you look gorgeous. You're gonna be the most beautiful woman there."
Ann smiles. "Well, I wouldn't go that far. But thank you."
"I love you," Bobby says, kissing her.
"And I love you. Shall we go?"
"Yes, we shall."
Downstairs....
"Well, don't you two look nice," Christopher says.
"I'd say we all look nice," says Bobby.
"The Ewings are a real good lookin' fam'ly," John Ross says. "Now, if only my bride would hurry and come on down, we'd be all set to go."
"Well, here I am," Krystina says, walking into the room. Everyone turns and looks at the new Mrs. Ewing, stunned at her beauty.
"Krystina, you look gorgeous," Charlie says.
"Thank you."
"You sure do, darlin'," says John Ross, walking over to his wife.
"This being my very first Oil Baron's Ball, I figured I had to look my absolute best."
"Well, you sure do."
Lucas looks at his watch. "Everyone, I guess I'll see you at the ball. I'm gonna go over to the cottage and pick Emma up, and if I know her, she won't be ready for at least another fifteen or twenty minutes."
"Just try not to be late," Bobby says. "I'd like us all to get there and walk in together as a family."
Lucas smiles. "I hurry her up," he says as he walks out of the house.
"Is everyone ready?" Bobby asks.
"All set," replies Lucy.
"Wait a minute, what about Ray and Donna?" Ann asks.
"They're gonna meet us there," says Bobby.
"Thank you, John Ross. You look nice yourself."
"Hard to believe, itn't it? Last year, you were my date for the Ball. That was before you tricked me into marryin' you. A whole lot's happened since then."
"So much, it makes my head spin."
"Now, just a year later, I'm happily married to Krystina, and you're with my baby brother."
Hyatt Regency Hotel......later
"Hello, Mavis," Bobby says, greeting the elderly woman with a kiss on the cheek.
"Bobby, Ann, it's so wonderful to see you," Mavis says. "Ann, you look lovely."
"Thank you, Mavis, so do you."
"I agree, Mavis," Bobby adds. "You're just as lovely as always."
"No, I don't believe we have," says Bobby. "You must be Eric's son."
"Actually, now that I think about it, I have met you before, but you were just a little boy then."
"Scott, I've known Bobby since HE was a little boy and I became friends with his dear mother, Ellie. How I do miss her."
"So do, Mavis," Bobby says. "So do I. Scott, how old are you now?"
"Twenty-one, sir."
"Scott has been such a big help to me in the last year or so," says Mavis.
"Grandma, we'd better find our table so you can sit down."
"Alright, Scotty. Bobby, it's wonderful to see you. You too, Pam."
The smiles disappear from Bobby and Ann's faces when Mavis calls her 'Pam.'
"Grandma, you mean Ann," Scott says, correcting his grandmother's mistake.
"What?"
"You called Mrs. Ewing 'Pam.' It's Ann."
"Oh, yes. I am sorry. An old lady's mind does get muddled from time to time."
"We'll see you both later," Bobby says as Scott takes his grandmother by the arm and helps her away. Bobby watches his mother's old friend with concern over her mistaking Ann for Pam.
Meanwhile, Cliff, Afton, Pamela, and Tripp arrive at the ball. Cliff looks around restlessly. A look of disgust comes over his face when he sees the Ewings.
"Great," he says. "The first people I see would have to be the Ewings."
"Cliff, just ignore them," Afton says. "I don't want any trouble this year like last year. I came here to have a good time and enjoy this ball. So let's do that and pretend the Ewings aren't even here."
"Kinda hard to do that when they're everywhere," Cliff says, looking at Bobby and Ann dancing, then cutting his eyes across the room to John Ross and Krystina.
As Cliff complains about the presence of the Ewings, Tripp and Pamela hit the dance floor and they immediately are noticed by John Ross, who exchanges dirty looks with them.
"Just look at him," Pamela says, looking over at her ex-husband. "So smug."
"Just ignore him."
"That's awfully hard to do after the crap he pulled on my father."
"Don't worry, sweetheart," Tripp says. "John Ross is gonna get his.......soon."
Across the crowded ballroom, Jay and Jill are dancing. "You know, I haven't told you this," Jill says. "But I was very proud of you, the way you won that custody suit for John Ross."
Jay smiles. "I was kinda proud of myself. Although, I did take some heat from my cousin Todd for taking John Ross's case. He's still so angry and bitter."
"Can't blame him. After what John Ross did to him."
"I know," Jay says as Justin walks over to him.
"Haha, VERY funny," Jill says as Justin laughs.
Jay smiles, then walks away as Jill and Justin begin their dance.
"I like that guy," Justin says. "When are you gonna make him my brother-in-law?"
"It's a little soon for that yet, brother dear. When are YOU gonna make Amanda my sister-in-law?"
Justin smiles. "That's one reason I wanted to dance with you, so I could talk to you about somethin'. I'm gonna ask Amanda to marry me, and I need your help. Would you go with me one day next week to pick out a ring? I want the best ring I can find."
"Will I?" Jill asks happily. "Hell yes, I'll go with you! Justin, I'm so happy, that's great news. When are you gonna asks her?"
"I was thinkin'........Christmas Eve. I can ask her to marry me, and the ring can be one of her Christmas gifts."
"That's so wonderful."
"But listen, now, I want you to keep this JUST between us. I want it to be a complete surprise to her, and to the rest of the fam'ly."
Jill smiles. "Don't worry. I won't say a word."
"Say a word about what?" John Ross asks, walking up to them.
Justin and Jill exchange looks. "Nothing, just a private joke," Jill replies.
"I hate to interrupt this little dance, Jill, but I need to have a word with our baby brother here."
"It can't wait?" Justin asks.
"No, it can't since the announcement of the J.R. Ewing Foundation and scholarship is gonna be soon."
"Well, I need to visit the little girl's room anyway," Jill says. "See you boys later."
"What is it, John Ross?" Justin asks after Jill walks away.
"I got a favor to ask of you. More like a job, really."
"A job? Okay, now ya got me real curious."
"I want you to head up the J.R. Ewing Foundation," John Ross says.
Justin's mouth drops open in shock. "What? You want ME to head up the Foundation?"
"That's right."
"But, why me, of all people?"
"Because James is back East now with Debra Lynn, who is gonna be givin' birth to their late life baby any day now, and you're the only one of J.R.'s kids here in Dallas who itn't busy all the time. I'm workin' at Ewing Oil now, and Jill is CEO of Westar, and I do feel that the Foundation and Scholarship program should be headed up by one of Daddy's offspring, especially one that was conceived on the right side of the sheets, if you know what I mean."
"In case you forgot, John Ross, I have a ranch to run," says Justin. "Plus, I wouldn't know the first thing about how to run a foundation."
"Then hire a foreman, like Uncle Bobby did at Southfork. The Foundation itn't gonna take all your time. And as for not knowin' how to run it, hell, look at all the fam'ly members you got who'd be glad to help you out."
John Ross sighs. "You can thank Dylan Baxter for that. Partly, at least. Bein' laid up blind after that hit and run, made me realize how important my fam'ly is to me. And you can also thank Amanda."
"Amanda?"
"That's right. Somethin' she said to me after Jimmy was kidnapped. I was watchin' you and Jill that night on the porch, how close you two are. And Amanda said somethin' to me that really stuck. She said that, if I was on the outside lookin' it and y'all, it was because I put myself there. You, James, and Jill didn't. Justin, you're my baby brother. I loved your Mama when she was married to J.R. And who knows, if they hadn't got divorced..........if everything hadn't fallen apart back then.........you and me, we'd have prob'ly been close all along. Like real brothers."
Justin looks at his brother, fighting back tears. "That would've been real nice."
"Yeah, it would have. I'll see ya, man." John Ross turns and walks away as Amanda comes over.
"What was that all about?" Amanda asks.
"I think I just witnessed a miracle. John Ross really HAS changed."
Amanda puts her arms around him and smiles. "Well, after all, it IS the Christmas season. The season for miracles."
Meanwhile, as Bobby and Ann chat with Ray, Donna, and Sue Ellen, Bobby looks up and sees Katherine and Austin coming toward them with a young brunette woman and a young man. "Oh, great," Bobby says. "That's all we need."
Sue Ellen ignores Katherine's comment and rolls her eyes.
"Bobby, I don't believe I've had the pleasure of meeting of your new wife. Hello, I'm Katherine Wentworth."
"I know exactly who you are," Ann says.
"We were invited," replies Austin.
"Invited? I thought only civilized people were allowed at these events," says Bobby.
"You take that back, old man," Austin says, stepping forward toward Bobby.
"Sweetheart, let it go," Katherine says, placing her hand on Austin's shoulder. "They aren't worth it. Bobby, I was simply trying to make peace after all these years."
"Do you honestly think that I would EVER make peace with you after all the things you did to me and my family?" Bobby asks. "Just stay out of my way, Katherine. And that goes for your boy here, too."
"Why don't you just move along?" Ann asks. "And stay the hell away from my husband and the rest of my family."
Katherine smiles. "My, my. Bobby, she's an even bigger bore than my dear sister Pam was. Have a nice time at the ball." Still smiling, Katherine walks away with Austin and their dates.
"Someone needs to knock that Wentworth kid on his butt," Ray says.
"Maybe so, but now ISN'T the time or the place," Donna says.
Standing nearby, Cliff and Afton witnessed the mini-confrontation between the Ewings and Wentworths. "Darn," Cliff says with disappointment. "I was hoping somebody would have thrown a punch at least."
"Cliff," Afton says, shaking her head in exasperation.
Meanwhile, in the ladies' room, Jill is reapplying some eye shadow at the mirror when Pamela walks in.
"Pamela."
"Enjoy your newfound power at Westar while you can, Jill. It's only gonna be a matter of time before that snake of a brother of yours tries to unseat you as CEO again."
"I wouldn't be so sure," Jill says. "John Ross seems perfectly happy at Ewing Oil these days."
"Oh, please. If you believe that, then you really ARE delusional. I know my ex-husband very well. And John Ross will NEVER be happy at Ewing Oil unless he's running the whole company.
Jill turns and faces her. "Pamela, you know, pregnancy makes most women glow. Makes them happy. But you seem even nastier and more bitter than you were before you got pregnant. And I just have to wonder if you're trying to get under my skin because you're jealous."
"Jealous? What would I have to be jealous of you for?" Pamela asks.
"You also LOST him.......to me."
"Yes, I did. And I should thank you for that. Because if Tripp hadn't left me for you, I might never have found love with Jay Smithfield........a better man than you could ever HOPE to have. Enjoy your evening." Jill walks past Pamela and out of the ladies' room.
"Ya know, little brother, you haven't said anything at all about me and Charlie," Christopher tells him.
An uncomfortable look comes over Lucas's face. "Well, to be perfectly honest, man, it's a little..........weird.........for me. I mean, my brother and my sister dating each other, even though you guys aren't related to each other. But, if you make each other happy, that's all that matters."
Christopher smiles. "We do. I'm happier than I've been in a long time."
"You can count on that," Christopher says, shaking hands with his brother. Almost as soon as he utters the words, he looks over Lucas's shoulder and sees a very familiar face from his past..........working as a waitress serving drinks at the ball is Heather McCabe, the young woman he had a relationship with more than a year and a half ago when she worked as a ranch hand at Southfork.
"Chris?" Lucas calls to him. "Hey, what's wrong?"
"I just.......I just saw someone I know. Or, that I use to know. Lucas, excuse me, would you?"
"Yeah, sure," says a curious Lucas as Christopher walks away from him. Lucas watches him as Christopher walks over to Heather, and when he sees her, a strange look comes over Lucas's face......as if he recognizes the young woman his brother has walked over to talk to. "Heather?" he says quietly to himself.
"Hello, Christopher."
"What.....what on earth are you doing here? What are you doing back in Dallas?"
"I've been back in Dallas for almost a month now. I needed a job, and when I saw an add in the paper for waitresses to work the Oil Baron's Ball, I applied."
"You look great," he says.
"So do you. I heard about what happened last year. When, everyone thought you had been killed. I was heartbroken. You can't imagine my relief when I heard on the news that you were alive and well."
Christopher smiles. "Yeah, I was relieved, too. So how've you been? How's Michael?"
"What about Bo? Things goin' okay with you and him?"
"There is no me and him. We're over. For good this time."
"Sorry to hear that. What happened?"
"After Bo recovered from his injury, he started doin' drugs again. Pain killers at first, and then harder stuff. It got really bad for a while, and then, in a moment of anger and very bad judgement, I hurt him by tellin' him the truth about somethin' that I had kept from him for a long time. After that he went on a real bender. Got abusive toward me and Michael, so I left him. I don't even know where he is now."
"I'm really sorry, Heather," Christopher says. "Really sounds like a rough time."
"It was. Michael still hasn't forgotten you. He talks about you a lot, and the fun he had with you."
"I'm surprised he still remembers."
"He remembers. So do I," Heather says as Charlie and Lucas walk over to them.
"Christopher," Charlie says. "Who's your friend?"
"Oh, Charlie Wade, this is Heather McCabe. Heather, this is Charlie. The woman I'm seeing now."
The smile disappears from Heather's face. "Oh. Hello."
"Alright. Heather, it's very nice to see you again. Listen, umm, give Michael my love."
"I will. Bye, Christopher."
"Bye," he says. "Lucas, you comin'?"
"Yeah, I'll be there in a minute. I just need to find Emma."
"Okay." Christopher smiles at Heather, then turns and walks away with Charlie.
"Hello, Lucas. It's been a long time."
"Yeah, it has. I can't believe I ran into you here."
"Yeah, I feel the same way," Heather says. "And, I can't believe you know Christopher."
"Christopher's my brother," Lucas says.
Heather looks at him in shock. "Your......your BROTHER? Christopher Ewing is your brother?"
"Yes. How do you guys know........" Lucas stops talking for a moment as he thinks. "Wait a second. Heather. You wouldn't happen to be the Heather who worked at Southfork a while back and Chris had a thing with, would you?"
"Umm, that would be me," Heather says.
"Oh, wow. Small world, isn't is?" Lucas asks.
"Too small. Christopher never even mentioned to me that he had a brother. I knew he was adopted, but I thought he was an only child. So are you a biological brother, or adopted?"
"Adopted. But, Bobby Ewing is my biological father, and Christopher's adopted father. So, Christopher said you left town. With your husband?"
"Yes. And my little boy."
"That's right, Chris did mention you have a son. How old is he?"
Heather hesitates for a moment as she looks at Lucas. "Michael is......he'll be seven in a couple of months."
"Seven? Seven, huh."
"Excuse me, Lucas," says Heather. "I have to get back to work. It was great seein' you again, and findin' out you're Christopher's brother."
Lucas simply nods as Heather turns and walks away from him. Heather, in the meantime, walks over to a table, where she puts down the empty tray she had been carrying. She appears to be upset over her encounter with Lucas.
As Lucas finds Emma and they take their seats at the large table occupied by the Ewing family, a middle aged man of about fifty takes the stage and walks to the podium.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the man says. "May I have your attention, please? Everyone, please find your seat. Our ceremonies are about to begin." The man waits for a moment until everyone is seated and the room is relatively quiet, then he continues: "First of all, I'd like to welcome everyone to the 2015 Oil Baron's Ball. For those of you don't know, my name is George Cameron, and I am Co-Chairman of the committee that
A round of applause erupts as the same young man who had escorted Katherine to the ball, walks onstage, shakes Cameron's hand, and steps to the podium. "Thank you, everyone," he says over the applause. Then he waits a moment until the applause stops. "Thank you very much. As Mr. Cameron said, my name is Bradley Stone. Many of you in this room don't know me, but some of you do. Many of you knew and
Upon hearing the news, the crowd begins to applaud. After a moment, the applause again died down, and Bradley Stone continues:
"Our first item on the agenda for this evening, the Ewing family has asked to speak to you this evening and make a special announcement, so, before we go any further, I'll turn the stage over to them."
"Thank you," John Ross says. "Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you. Now, I suppose that all of you here tonight are wonderin' why my fam'ly is up here on this stage. Many years ago, at the first Oil Baron's Ball following the death of my grandfather, Jock Ewing, a special scholarship was set up in memory of him at SMU. Well, tonight, my fam'ly and I are very pleased and proud to announce that we are establishing a special foundation and a scholarship in memory of my father, J.R. Ewing."
The crowd, at least most of them, begin to applaud the news announced by the Ewings, the exception being Cliff, Afton, Pamela, and Tripp, and at their own table near the Barnes, Katherine and Austin.
Another round of applause begins, and this time the crowd stands to their feet as they applaud the announcement. Sitting in the crowd, Cliff rolls his eyes as he shakes his head in disbelief. "Come on," he says to Afton, Pamela, and Tripp. "Let's get the hell out of here."
"But don't you wanna stay and see who'll be named Oil Baron of the Year?"
"No, I don't. The way things are going tonight, it'll probably be a Ewing, and that's more than I can stomach tonight after this."
From the podium, John Ross smiles as he watches Cliff, Afton, Pamela, and Tripp get up from their seats and leave the ball as the other guests remain standing and continue to applaud.
Southfork.....later
"Well, I have to say, that was SOME ball," Lucy remarks.
"Yes, it was," Ann agrees. "And there were no fist fights this year like last year."
"Fist fights?" Krystina asks.
"Yeah, well, darlin', last year we had a little problem with Cliff Barnes and Tripp McKay."
"It was a good night," says Bobby. "Except for Katherine Wentworth and that son of hers being there."
"Oh, it was my pleasure, Lucy, good night."
"Night."
"I think I'm gonna head on to bed myself," Conner says. "Night everyone."
"Good night," Bobby and Ann each say.
"Bed sounds like a real good idea," says Ann. "I'm prety wiped out myself. It's been a busy day."
"Well, we're gonna head on home," Justin says. "Thanks everyone for a great time tonight. And John Ross, thank you for what you did."
"No problem, little brother. Just don't let me down."
"Oh, I won't. Night, y'all."
"Goodnight," Ann says as Justin and Amanda leave. "You ready for bed, Bobby James?"
"Definitely. I'm so tired I may just sleep in my tux tonight," Bobby jokes as he and Ann leave the room and head upstairs to bed.
Meanwhile.....Waco, Texas
"Earlier this evening," the newscaster begins. "The annual Oil Baron's Ball was held in Dallas, and the prominent Ewing family were clearly the stars of the evening, as they announced the establishment of the J.R. Ewing Foundation and Scholarship program in memory of the late Dallas oil man J.R. Ewing. Something of a legend in Dallas, J.R. Ewing was shot and killed by a vagrant in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico in March of 2013. Seen here at tonight's black tie gala are Bobby Ewing, president of Ewing Oil with his wife Ann, J.R. Ewing's former wife, Sue Ellen Ewing, his son John Ross Ewing and his wife, Krystina, J.R. Ewing's son Justin and a young woman we have learned is his girlfriend and the former wife of John Ross Ewing, Amanda Shepherd Ewing....."