Previously on DALLAS:
--------------Ann continued to be haunted by memories of her past, especially after visiting her hometown and going to her father's grave.
--------------Justin payed a visit to Amanda's father after asking Bum to find him.
--------------After Charlie ended things with Christopher once and for all, he decided to go to California to get away from everything.
-------------While in her hometown of Gilmer, Ann paid a visit to her mother, who did not appear happy at all to see her daughter after so many years.
Gilmer, Texas....
"Hello, Mama," Ann says, standing face to face with her mother for the first time in many years.
"Yes, Mama, it's me. You look well. Real well."
"I just.......I don't believe it, after all these years."
"It has been a long time. Mama, can I come in?"
"No," Marian Smith says, anger in her voice. "You've got a lot of nerve coming back here after all these years. Just go away, Annie. You don't belong here, and I don't want you here."
Ann looks at her mother, the hurt apparent on her face from her mother's stinging rejection.
The Smith home......Gilmer, Texas
"Mama, how can you say that?" Ann asks. "How can you still be so bitter after this many years?"
Marian turns to face her daughter. "You wanna know how I can still be bitter? Are you serious with that question after everything you did? After everything you cost me?"
"And what about everything that it cost ME, Mama?" Ann asks angrily. "I see you haven't changed one bit in all these years. It's still all about you, isn't it, and to hell with everyone else."
"Get out. I want you to leave, now."
"No. I'm not going anywhere until I've had my say. Until we clear the air between us, Mama. I've held this inside of me for so many years that it's eaten away at me. Well now I'm here to deal with the past."
"It's eaten away at you?" Marian asks. "I'm not surprised. Guilt has a way of doing that."
"Guilt?" Ann asks. "Guilt for what? Being a victim?"
"Victim, my ass. You have always done exactly what you wanted to do, Annie, no matter how your choices and decisions affected other people. You didn't even bother to show up at your own father's funeral and now you come back here after all this time wanting what, Annie? A second chance? Forgiveness?"
"Forgiveness? I have nothing to feel guilty about and nothing to ask your forgiveness for," says Ann, in tears.
"Nothing to feel guilty about? How dare you even stand there in front of me and say that after what you've done! You took my husband away from me, and my son!"
"I took NOTHING from you!"
"YOU are the reason your father is dead, Annie! It's all your fault. You killed your own father!"
Ann looks at her mother in tears.
Back in Dallas......Afton's Lounge
"Every night I´m dreamin
And I wake up screaming For you
Been I know that it´s true
And my tears are falling
Can´t you here me calling I pray
You will come back someday
Farewell No you never gonna way forever
I´ll waiting Night and day for you
So long You return and we can be together
Farewell One day it will come true
Why I´ll my pretending
Love a fair is ending
Your gone And I have to move on
But I want forget you
And I don´t regret you
Your free You think it better about me
Yesterday, lovin me
How was up to none
And I´ll today Can believe You would really go"
Once the song is finished, the young man who had accompanied Afton on piano begins to applaud. "Afton, that was absolutely wonderful," he says. "Better than the first time."
"You're really gonna wow the crowd when you debut that new song."
"I sure hope so. That's why I wanna get this one just right. It's the first song I've written myself in about four years."
"I really appreciate you saying that, and I appreciate you working over time to help me rehearse and get this song right."
"Ah, it's no problem at all. I'm the one who should be grateful to YOU for giving me this job here at Afton's. I had been to every place in town, with no luck. I was about to give up on ever finding a job as a piano player again."
"Well, I'm just glad you came along when you did," Afton says. "The way Adam, my last pianist left, so suddenly due to a family emergency, I really needed someone, and you showing up was like the answer to a prayer."
Jesse smiles. At that moment, Pamela and Tripp walk into the lounge and approach them.
"Mom," Pamela says.
"Oh, Pammy, hello," Afton says. "What are you two doing here?"
"Well, we came hoping we could take you to dinner," replies Pamela.
"I'd love to. Oh, I'm sorry, Jesse Matthews, this is my daughter, Pamela McKay, and her husband, Tripp."
Jesse stands to his feet. "Hi," he says, shaking hands with Pamela.
"Hello, Jesse," says Pamela.
"Hey, what's up, man?" Tripp greets, shaking Jesse's hand.
"Well, I see that beauty runs in your family, Afton," Jesse says.
"Thank you, Jesse. Listen, why don't you take the rest of the evening off?"
"You sure? I could stay here for a while and practice some more."
"No, we've done enough for today. Go on home, or, whatever you have planned for your evening."
Jesse smiles. "Thanks, I will. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Yes, see you tomorrow," says Afton.
"It was very nice meeting you both," Jesse says.
"Nice meeting you, too, Jesse," says Pamela.
Jesse again smiles at the three, then turns and walks away.
"Yes, he is," agrees Afton.
"Shall we go, ladies?" Tripp asks.
"Where would you like to eat, Mom?" Pamela asks.
"Oh, I really don't care. At this point, ANYWHERE, because I'm starving," Afton says as she leaves with Tripp and Pamela.
Back at the Smith home in Gilmer....
"Oh, can't I?" Marian asks. "Just why do you think your father took his own life? It was because of YOU. Because he had lost everything. He had lost his daughter, and both of his sons, and even his reputation in this community because of you. Because of the horrible things you said about him. How could you do that? How could you have told such lies about your own father? The man who gave you everything. The man who worked his ass off to put a roof over your head and food in your mouth."
"And the man who was an abusive drunk who not only beat me and Mark but also beat YOU, Mama! How can you forget that?"
"I won't listen to another word. Your father was a good man. Ask anyone who knew him."
"Anyone outside of this family, you mean," Ann says. "I remember the things that he did. I remember him comin' home so drunk he could barely stand up after he'd been out with one of his other women. I remember how we use to have to sit quietly in that very living room without openin' our mouths or even movin' because it would set him off and send him into a rampage and then he would start beatin' on us, or you! I remember when he use to come to my room at night when everyone else was asleep and he'd be so drunk and he'd want me to........" Ann stops talking as she fights back tears. "I remember what he did to me, even if you refuse to remember!"
"Are you still that blind, Mama? Even after forty years, are you STILL in denial about what kinda man you married? What kinda man my father was? You refused to believe me, but what about my friend Julie? Do you think SHE was lyin' too when she came forward about that night she spent here with me and Daddy came into my room that night when I was asleep and he crawled into bed with her?"
"STOP!" Marian yells. "You were the one who put that girl up to sayin' such horrible things about your father. He denied everything and I believed him. I still do."
"Of course he denied it," Ann says in tears. "Next mornin' he always acted like nothin' happened. He was so drunk that he probably didn't even remember a damn thing about what he'd done. And there weren't too many times I remember him when he wasn't drunk. Early in the mornin' when he went off to work, he was sober. But then every night he came home ragin' drunk and the whole thing would start all over again. I remember the many times you overcooked the dinner, or undercooked it, and what did you get for those mistakes, Mama? A black eye? A bloody nose? The man was a monster. He's been dead for 17 years and you're STILL defendin' him."
"I spent 42 years of my life married to George Smith. I know what kind of a man he was. Sure, he enjoyed a drink now and again, maybe more often than he should. But he worked hard to provide for this family, and when........when Scotty died......that just about destroyed your father, and me."
"Mama, I know," Ann says. "I know how hard Scotty's death was on both of you. But lots of families lose a child and the father of those families doesn't turn into a mean drunk who physically abuses his wife and two remaining kids."
Marian walks over to the mantle and picks up a photo, She looks at it. "Scotty was such a sweet child," she
"Mama, I was 9-years-old when Scotty died," says Ann. "How is a 9-year-old child supposed to understand somethin' like that when her own parents won't help her to understand? You were bad, but Daddy was much worse. The way he treated me and Mark after that, like Scotty's death was our fault."
Marian turns to Ann. "Your fault? I never felt so back then, but later, how many times did I wonder why God took our little Scotty and not......."
"And not.......what, Mama?" Ann asks. "Not me? Not Mark?"
"Yes, damn it! You and Mark. You both caused your father and I nothin' but trouble. You, always going out with all those different boys and Mark, always getting into trouble because of drugs and those hoodlums he called friends."
"And did you ever stop to wonder why Mark and I acted that way, Mama?" Ann asks. "Did you ever once try to talk to me and teach me what every mother should be teachin' her daughter? Did you ever once talk to me about the boys I went out with, or ask me why I acted out when I was a teenager? I tried my best to find somebody who could get me out of this house, and the first chance I saw to leave here, I took it."
"Yes, you did, didn't you?" Marian asks. "First chance you got and you were out that front door and never looked back. You married that rich man from Dallas, that, Harris somethin' or other. And never once did you give me or your father a second thought, or your brother Mark for that matter."
"And when did you ever give me a thought, Mama?" Ann asks. "How many times when I was a little girl did I beg you to let's just pack up and get out of this house and away from Daddy? Get away from the beatings and his drunken rages? So yes, Mama, just as soon as I was old enough and able to, I got outta here. I got married and I had a little girl."
Marian turns away from Ann. "Why did you come back here after all this time?"
"I had to," Ann replies. "Because it's the only way I could find some peace. I thought I had put this place......this life.......behind me. I'm married to a wonderful man now. A man who loves me. I have a beautiful home. Two handsome grown stepsons, and a good life. I'm close to my daughter Emma now after many years away from her. I needed to come here so I could finally confront the demons from my past and get on with my life."
"Why don't you just go back to that wonderful husband, that beautiful home, and those handsome stepsons of yours? And your daughter," Marian says. "There's nothing for you here anymore."
"That's not true. You're here, Mama, and like it or not, we are STILL mother and daughter."
"You ceased bein' my daughter the day you walked out of our lives and never looked back. Did you think you were just going to walk back in here after so long and be welcomed with open arms? I watched your father waste away from heartbreak, and then, when you and that friend of yours told those lies about him... ......you will never know what that did to him. Or did you even care? And when your brother went to prison, where were you then? Off living in your mansion with your rich husband. You never even bothered to show up at your father's funeral, and I can't say as I blame you, since it was you who drove him to put that gun to his head."
"Don't you DARE lay the blame for Daddy's suicide on me!" Ann says, walking over to her mother. "Daddy was a sick man, and if you had done something......if you had acknowledged the problem a long time ago, he could've gotten help and this family might could have been saved."
"Get out. Just get out of here, Annie," Marian says. "Just go back to wherever it is you came from. As far as I'm concerned, my daughter died a long time ago."
Ann looks at her mother for a moment, tears streaming down her face. "You really are the coldest woman I have ever met," she finally says. "I really had hoped that, after all this time, you would have changed and at least been able to accept the truth. But I see that's never gonna happen." After another brief pause, Ann starts to leave. She stops at the front door and turns back to Marian. "Mama, what about Mark? Do you ever see or hear from him? Is he even still alive?"
"Your brother is alive, and well."
"Where is he? I'd like to see him."
"No, Annie," Marian replies, shaking her head. "Mark has finally gotten his life together, and seeing you again would only bring back painful memories. Just go on back to your own life and leave Mark alone. And me."
Ann looks at the woman standing across the room from her and shakes her head. "One more question, Mama. Did you ever love me at all?"
Without answering her daughter's question, Marian turns her back to Ann and holds back tears. Ann looks at her silently for a few seconds, then turns and walks out of the house, closing the door behind her. After she's gone, Marian turns back to face the door. Then she again picks up the framed photo of herself with Ann and her deceased son Scotty. As Marian looks at the photo, she begins to cry uncontrollably. Meanwhile, outside, Ann runs across the street to her SUV and gets in. Once inside the vehicle, Ann looks across the street to her mother's house. So many memories, mostly bad, in that place. She begins to cry.
Southfork.....later
"You still haven't heard anything from my Mom?" Emma asks.
"Not a word."
"I'm sure Ann's fine," Lucy says.
"Yeah, if anything had happened, we'd have heard something by now," says Lucas.
"I dunno, maybe," Bobby says.
"I was just heading back to the cottage," says Emma. "I can stay if you want me to."
"No, no, you go on home. I'll have Ann call ya when she gets home."
"Alright, if you're sure."
"Come on. I'll walk you home," Lucas says. He gives Bobby a glance, then he and Emma walk off the patio. As they begin to make their way to the cottage, Ann's SUV pulls in and comes to a stop beside Bobby's car in the parking area. Lucas and Emma stop and turn around.
As Ann gets out of the vehicle, Bobby walks over to her, as do Lucas and Emma.
"I'm sorry, Bobby, I didn't mean to worry anyone," Ann replies.
"Are you alright?"
"I'm fine. I just needed to drive around for a while before I came home. I needed to do some thinkin'."
"I have. I think I got it all out of my system."
"I was just headed to the cottage. I can stay if you want."
"No," Ann says. "You go on. I'll be fine. We'll talk later."
"I'll call you tomorrow," Emma says.
Ann nods. Emma and Bobby exchange looks of worry, then Emma and Lucas turn and head for the cottage. After they're gone, Ann starts toward the house. Bobby follows.
"Annie, wait," he says, grabbing her by the arm. "Honey, what's goin' on? What happened in Gilmer?"
"Bobby, I'm sorry if I worried you," she says, near tears. "But I've had a really horrible day, and I can't talk about it right now."
"What do you mean, you can't talk about it?"
"Bobby, please understand. Right now all I wanna do is go upstairs and crawl into bed." Without another word to him, Ann turns and hurries to the house. She walks past Lucy on the patio without so much as a hello and goes into the house. Bobby walks over to where Lucy stands.
"Bobby, I'm really worried about her," Lucy says.
"Yeah. So am I," he says. "Whatever happened to her today when she went to visit her father's grave, it's eating her up inside."
Southfork......the next day
"Hi, Bobby," Lucy says. "How's Ann this morning?"
"She's still asleep right now. She took a couple sedatives the doctor gave her a while back, and they knock her out pretty good."
"As upset as she was last night, sleep is probably a good thing."
"You're right," Bobby says. "Lucy, listen, I wanna thank you for droppin' Christopher off at the airport for me."
"Well, I'm actually kinda glad you didn't, Lucy. I may need your help here right now."
"You mean with Ann?"
"So am I. She's been this way ever since before Christmas, when we brought up the subject of her family and her childhood."
Bobby sighs. "Yeah, she has. I'd like to do somethin' to sort of lift her spirits a little."
"Like what?" Lucy asks.
"Like maybe.......redecoratin' the house a little."
"Redecorating? Bobby, you just completely redid the place only year before last after that fire."
"I know. But, I think maybe it's time for a little change. I'm not talkin' about anything drastic. Maybe just make the place a little.......brighter. Anything to cheer Ann up and get her out of this depression."
"Okay, then, I'll be glad to help, and I'm sure Krystina and Sue Ellen will, too."
"Good," Bobby says.
"But why don't we make it a surprise?" Lucy asks. "You take Ann away for a couple of days, and by the time you get back, the house will be done."
"This is hardly the time for me to be goin' away and leaving the office, with Christopher in California."
"Yeah, but Sue Ellen and John Ross are perfectly capable of running things for a few days. Besides, isn't Lucas filling in for Christopher? He can keep an eye on John Ross if that's what you're worried about. And I think it'll do Ann some good to get away from here, at least for a couple days."
"Y'know, Lucy, I think you're right," Bobby says. "I've been promising Ann to take her on a cruise for the last couple years. I don't exactly have the time to get away for a weeklong cruise right now, but, maybe a little trip down to the Gulf would do us both some good."
Ewing Oil....
"Well, well, don't you look comfortable there," John Ross says. "Sittin' behind Christopher's desk while he's off in California doin' whatever it is he went out there to do."
"I just came in to offer to be of assistance if you should need help while you're here fillin' in. I mean, if you should need directions to the washroom or anything," John Ross says.
"Thank you, but, even if I needed help, you'd be the last person I would ever ask."
"My, my, aren't we touchy?" John Ross asks with a smile. "Love life on the downslide these days, cousin? Emma not puttin' out now after findin' out about your baby mama? So how's it feel bein' a daddy?"
"John Ross, why don't you just get out of here?" Lucas asks, standing to his feet.
"I'm goin', I'm goin'," John Ross says, smiling with satisfaction now that he's successfully gotten under Lucas's skin. He starts to leave, then turns back to his cousin. "Oh, say, Lucas, if you ever need any advice on fatherhood, I'm always available." John Ross laughs, then walks out of the office, leaving Lucas irritated.
As John Ross heads back to his office, he meets Sue Ellen, who notices her son's apparent good mood. "Well, what on earth are you so happy about this morning?" She asks.
"Oh, nothin', I was just chattin' with cousin Lucas."
"That must have been some chat," Sue Ellen says. "John Ross, I hope that you will at least make an attempt to get along with Lucas while he's filling in for Christopher around here."
John Ross smiles. "Now, Mama, you know I'll do all I can to make cousin Lucas feel at home here." John Ross kisses his mother on the cheek, then walks into his office, closing the door behind him. He walks over to his desk and takes his cell phone from his pocket. He dials a number and waits. On the third ring, a woman answers. "Brad Stone, please," John Ross says. "John Ross Ewing. Yes, I'll hold."
Meanwhile.....Stone Oil....
"Mr. Stone, John Ross Ewing is on line one."
"John Ross Ewing? Now what the hell could he want? Thank you, Brenda." Bradley picks up the phone on his desk and presses the '1' button. "Hello?"
Ewing Oil....
Stone Oil....
Ewing Oil....
Stone Oil....
"What sort of business?" Bradley asks, surprised by John Ross's call.
Ewing Oil....
Stone Oil....
Ewing Oil....
"How did you know that?" Asked a stunned Bradley. "We haven't made public any of the details concerning the Waco field."
Ewing Oil....
Stone Oil....
Ewing Oil....
Stone Oil....
Southfork....
"Honey, you really should eat somethin'," he says. "You didn't have any dinner last night or breakfast this morning."
"I'll eat soon," Ann says. "I'm just not hungry right now."
Ann looks at him and remains silent for a moment. "Somethin' else happened."
Bobby sighs. "I think it's time you talked about it. If somethin's upset you this much, Ann, I wanna know what it is."
"You're right," she says, her tears beginning to form. "You do have a right to know. And, I've kept this bottled up inside of me for too long."
"This have somethin' to do with your parents? Your childhood?"
"Yeah. Bobby, when I was in Gilmer yesterday, I went by my family's home. I went to see my mother."
A look of shock comes over Bobby's face. "Your mother?"
"That's right. I had not seen her in over twenty years."
"So what happened?" Bobby asks.
"It was just awful," Ann replies in tears as she stands and walks to the window. "She blames me for my father's death."
"Why?" Bobby asks, rising to walk over to her.
Ann turns back to him. "Bobby, there's some things I never told you. It wasn't because I wanted to keep secrets from you. It was just because I COULDN'T tell you. When I was growin' up, my family looked like any other. Just a normal, average suburban family. From the outside, we could've been right out of 'Father Knows Best.' But that's not how it really was. You see there were three of us kids. My brother Mark was the oldest, and then me. And then my younger brother Scotty, who was a year and a half younger than me. When I was 9-years-old, Scotty became sick. It was leukemia. He underwent chemotherapy, and I remember he was real sick for about two months. We couldn't even see him because his immune system was so weak. And then..........my little brother died. He was only 8-years-old."
"Oh my God," Bobby says. "Oh, honey, I'm so sorry. I had no idea."
"That was a horrible time," Ann continues through her tears. "After Scotty died, the whole family just fell apart. My father started drinkin' very heavily, and my mother, she........well, she just became very cold and distant toward Mark and me. We both knew that Scotty was our parents' favorite, and it was almost like they blamed us for livin' while their favorite had been taken. Over time, Daddy's drinkin' grew worse and eventually, the only time he was ever sober was when he was at work. We use to dread him comin' home from work at night. He was a real mean drunk. He'd start cussin' at us, and if we said anything, our punishment was a severe beatin'."
"You and your brother were beaten by your father?"
"Oh yes. It became an almost nightly occurrence. He'd hit Mama, too. The only time we ever saw any happiness or peace was when we went to my aunt's house durin' summer vacation. And in those days, there were no agencies in Gilmer to help victims of domestic violence. And my father was a well known and well respected member of the community. And he was real good at puttin' on his MR. NICE GUY face in front of neighbors and friends. But his abuse didn't stop at beatings. By the time I became a teenager, he would..........late at night when he was drunk, he would come into my room and he........." Unable to finish her sentence, Ann stops talking and breaks down in tears.
Bobby puts his arms around her. "Oh, honey. I am so sorry. Listen, if you don't feel like goin' on......."
"No," she says. "It's alright. I need to tell you. My father......molested me. But, not only me, but one of my girlfriends, Julie. My older brother Mark was all I had. And I was all he had. Eventually our friends stopped comin' over. And then, I lost Mark."
"Lost him? How?" Bobby asks.
"He needed an escape. And that escape was drugs. Mark started doin' drugs with his friends, and after a while, he started runnin' away and gettin' into trouble. He was arrested several times, and each time, he'd get a beating from Daddy. When Mark was 19, they kicked him out. So, then all of my father's wrath fell on me and finally I couldn't take it anymore. As soon as I hit 18, Bobby, I got the hell out of that house. I found Mark, and for a while, we were both homeless, livin' on the street. Mark sold drugs to make money to buy food. That is, until he got arrested again and went to prison for the first time. After that, I was on my own. I saw my parents sometimes, but, my relationship with them was over. I tried to help Mark as best I could. I got a job as a secretary and when he got out of prison, he and i got an apartment together. He swore to me that he'd straighten out, but, he didn't. He started doin' drugs again. Met this girl and moved her in with us, and I'd come home from work and find them doin' drugs together. Cocaine. Crack, which had just become the popular drug at that time. I finally had enough and kicked them both out. Later, Mark's girlfriend ended up dead and my brother was arrested and charged with manslaughter in her death. He went to prison again. After that, I left Gilmer and found my way to Dallas, where I got a job as a waitress. Eventually, I met Harris, a man who was as abusive in his way as my father, and well, you know the rest of that story."
"What happened with your parents?" Bobby asks.
"Honey, I'm so sorry you've had to go through all that," Bobby says, putting his arms around his wife. "It's alright. All that stuff is in the past and you're safe now, and I swear, Annie, I will NEVER let anyone hurt you ever again."
Ann looks at him. "Bobby, I'm sorry I never told you any of this. It was just so painful, and I was ashamed."
"It's okay, honey," Bobby says, stroking her hair. "I understand now why you never wanted to talk about your family or your childhood."
"I just wanna forget it all," Ann says. "Maybe goin' to Gilmer was a mistake, but I really needed to confront the past."
"Honey, we're gonna go away," Bobby says.
"Go away?"
"Yes. Just for a few days. I think you need a little vacation away from here."
"Bobby, I can't ask you to take the time away from Ewing Oil, especially with Christopher out in Knots Landing."
"Don't worry about that. Sue Ellen, John Ross, and Lucas can take care of everything at the office for a couple days. I think we both need some time away together."
"Where will we go?" Ann asks.
"Well, the weather's unseasonably warm right now for winter, and, it's supposed to stay warm through the weekend, so, how about a trip down to the Gulf? Corpus Christie, maybe."
"I'd like that."
"Good. Then we'll leave this evening, as soon as we can get packed. I'll go call Sue Ellen and make sure there's no problem with her and John Ross handling things at the office."
Ann smiles and nods at him. "Bobby, I love you."
"I love you, too." Bobby kisses her, then turns and walks out of the bedroom.
The Wentworth Home....
"Yes it is," Katherine agrees. "But, should you have anymore? After all, you do have to get back to your office."
Bradley smiles. "Actually, I don't. I could take the rest of the afternoon off, and just, uh.......lounge around here with you." Bradley leans over and kisses Katherine on the cheek.
"Bradley, stop," she says.
"Why?"
"Because now is NOT the time for us to think about ourselves," Katherine says. "Right now we need to concentrate on our plan to draw John Ross Ewing into this Waco deal."
Bradley sighs. "Give me a break, Katherine," he says angrily. "That's what you ALWAYS say, whenever we start getting hot and heavy, you pull away. I'm almost beginning to think that you're not attracted to me at all."
"Darling, I'd have to either be blind, crazy, or a lesbian to not be attracted to you, and I assure you, I am neither."
"Because I know how to control my hormones, Bradley," Katherine says. "You need to learn how to do the same. I've already told you. Business first, and then pleasure, and I can promise that it'll be well worth the wait."
"Yeah, well, it damned well better be," Bradley says. "I guess I might as well get back to the office. At least there I can keep myself busy and my mind off of.........well, what I'd RATHER be spending the afternoon doing." Bradley stands to his feet. "How about dinner tonight?"
"Tomorrow night," Katherine says. "I promised my son I'd have dinner with him and a young woman he seems interested in."
"Fine." Bradley takes Katherine by the hand and pulls her to her feet. "You know, you are one beautiful woman, Katherine Wentworth. But, you'd better not keep me waiting too long. After all, I'm still a young man and I have needs."
"Yes, you did, for which I am very grateful. I'll call you later."
"Yes," Katherine says. Bradley kisses her, then turns and walks out. After he's gone, Katherine walks over and pours herself another glass of wine. She smiles, then takes a sip.
Southfork.....that evening
"Well, evenin', everybody," John Ross greets his family cheerfully as he walks in.
"Hi, sweetheart," says Krystina. "How was your day?"
"It was just fine, darlin'," John Ross says, kissing his wife. "Sorry I'm a little late, but I had a meetin' over cocktails with Henry Langston, our foreman on one of our wells in the Gulf. Where's Uncle Bobby and Ann tonight? They go out for dinner?"
"Bobby took Ann away on a little trip," replies Lucy.
"Down to the Gulf for a couple days," Krystina says.
"Yeah, Bobby called the office and told your mother after you left this afternoon," Lucas says.
"Strange time for Uncle Bobby to take a sudden trip outta town, with Christopher out in California. What made him decide to take a trip?"
"Actually, it was for Ann," Krystina says. "She's been feeling really down lately, so Bobby thought she needed some time away."
"And, he needed to get her out of the house while we take care of redecorating," says Lucy.
"Redecoratin'? Redecoratin' what?"
"The house," replies Krystina. "Bobby thought a few changes, maybe lightening the house up a little would help Ann feel better, so, Lucy and I are taking care of that while he and Ann are away."
"Yeah, it's gonna be a surprise for Ann," Lucy adds.
Emma sighs. "This house seems really empty with Bobby, my Mom, and Christopher all gone away at the same time," she says. "And Conner having dinner over at Ray and Donna's."
"Yes, it does," agrees Lucy. "But, in a few days, everyone will be back, and Southfork will have a makeover."
At that moment, Maria, the family maid, comes to the door. "Excuse me, dinner is ready," she says.
"Thank you, Maria," Krystina says. "Well, everyone, let's eat."
"Good, I'm starved," Lucas says as the family heads into the dining room.
Justin and Amanda's home....
"What are you smiling at?" Amanda asks, looking up at him.
"Mmmm, I was just thinkin' about how happy I am," Justin replies. "And how lucky. Here I am layin' in bed with the most beautiful woman in the world, my belly still full from that delicious chilli you cooked tonight."
"I'm glad you liked that. It actually was your grandmother's recipe."
"My grandmother? Miss Ellie?"
"Yep."
"Well, how in the world did you get her chilli recipe?" Justin asks.
"Ann gave it to me. I think it turned out pretty good."
"Darlin', it was perfect."
Amanda lays her head on his chest.
"Amanda, there's somethin' I been wantin' to talk to you about for a few days now," Justin says.
"Sounds serious," Amanda says, looking up at him.
"It is. A few days ago, I went to see your daddy and your brother."
"You did what?" Amanda asks, sitting up in bed.
"I asked Bum to do some checkin' and he found out where they were stayin', so I went over to the motel to talk to them. Originally, I was gonna tell your daddy to get out of Dallas and leave you alone. I was even prepared to pay him off to get outta town. But then, after talkin' to the man........Amanda, he wants to see you again."
"Well, I hope you told him to go to hell."
"No, I didn't. I told him I'd talk to you about seein' him."
"Darlin', I know how ya feel," Justin says.
"No, Justin, you DON'T know how I feel. My father was never around when I was growing up, and now, why do you think he suddenly showed up after he saw me on the news after the Oil Baron's Ball, with the EWINGS? No, I don't wanna see him, and if you happen to talk to him again, you tell him that for me. Tell him to just go back to wherever the hell it is he came from." Amanda gets out of bed and storms into the bathroom, slamming the door behind her.
Tripp and Pamela's apartment.....the next morning
"My Mom," Pamela replies, getting up from the table. "She's coming by to take me to my doctor's appointment this morning, and then we're gonna go shopping for some more baby things."
"Oh, good."
Pamela walks through the living room and opens the door to Afton. "Hi, Mom," she says.
"I'll be ready in a few minutes."
"It's alright, darling, I'm in no hurry. Your appointment isn't until 9:30, is it?"
"No, it's not. You want some breakfast?"
"No, thank you, had some before I left the apartment."
"Hi, Tripp."
"Sweetheart, I've gotta be heading to the office," Tripp says, putting his arms around his pregnant wife.
"Okay. Listen, if Mom and I are still out and about around noon, why don't you meet us for lunch?"
Tripp smiles. "I'd love to. Just shoot me a text if you're still in town at 12 or 12:30."
"I will," Pamela says.
Tripp kisses her. "Have a good time," he says, picking up his brief case from the sofa. "Text me anyway and let me know what the doctor says. See you later, Afton."
"Bye, Tripp," Afton says as her son-in-law is on his way out the door. After he's gone, Afton turns to her daughter. "You are one lucky girl to have a found a man like Tripp."
"Yes, aren't I, though?" Pamela asks, sounding unconvincing.
"Pamela, is everything alright?" Afton asks.
"I see. Is it the fact that still works at the company itself, or is it that he works for Jillian Cryder?" Afton asks.
"Am I that obvious?" Pamela asks.
"To your mother, yes. Darling, I think I understand. You don't feel comfortable with your husband working with a girl he use to be.......involved with."
"Exactly. And I don't trust Jill Cryder. She made a point the Oil Baron's Ball of rubbing it in my face that she was with Tripp first."
Afton walks over to her. "That may be true, Pamela, but Tripp also left her and YOU'RE the one he married. Sweetheart, Tripp loves you. I've seen how he looks at you. You do trust him, don't you?"
"Of course, I trust him. More than I ever trusted John Ross."
"Pamela, it's understandable that your experiences with John Ross have made you insecure. But Tripp McKay is NO John Ross Ewing. The man loves you, and when he looks at you, I can see that love all over his face and in his eyes. You and Tripp are going to be parents soon, and I can hear the love and excitement in his voice when he talks about that baby, and about you. Darling, you have to trust your husband. But if you feel so strongly about this, why not talk to him? Just tell him that you don't feel comfortable with him working at Westar with Jill Cryder."
"I could never do that. If I did, then Tripp would be hurt and think that I don't trust him enough. But, I know you're right, Mom. Tripp is completely different from John Ross, and I have to get past the insecurities I have because of John Ross's affair with Emma."
Afton smiles. "That's exactly what you have to do. Listen, why don't you and Tripp come to the lounge tonight? Have dinner, and I'll join you after my first set."
"That sounds nice," Pamela says.
"Good. That's what the two of you need, to get out of this apartment more. Anyway, we'd better be going or we'll be late for your appointment."
"Oh, yes," says Pamela. "I'm all set." She walks over and picks up her purse from a chair, then she and Afton leave.
A villa on the Gulf Coast....
"I'm sorry, Bobby. I was hopin' to have it all outta my system by the time you came back with breakfast."
"You slept well?"
Ann nods. "Actually, I did. Best night's sleep I've had in quite a while. I guess havin' everything out in the
Bobby smiles. "I'm very happy to hear that, and I also hope that the romantic night you spent here in this beautiful seashore villa with your handsome husband also helped," he jokes.
Ann laughs slightly. "It certainly did help. Bobby, I don't know what I'd do without you right now. Your love and support means everything to me."
"I love you, Annie."
"I love you, too. And thank you, not only for bein' my rock during this time, but also, for bringin' me here. You were right. I needed to get away from Southfork, and from everything. Just a change of scenery."
"Good. Now, I think we'd better have our breakfast before it gets cold. And then, since it's such an unseasonably warm day, I'd love to take my beautiful wife for a walk on the beach."
"That sounds nice."
Bobby smiles at his wife, and kisses her.
Stone Oil....
"Good morning, Mr. Stone," Brenda replies.
"Any calls or mail this morning?"
"No, sir, but.......your mother is in your office."
Bradley looks at Brenda for a moment, then at his closed office door with dread. He sighs deeply.
"I'm sorry, sir. I didn't know how to keep her out."
"No, it's fine, Brenda, thank you." Bradley walks over to his door, braces himself, then walks in to find Marilee sitting on the sofa in his office. "Hello, Mother," he says, his tone not sounding pleased to see her.
"Hello, Bradley," Marilee says, standing from her seat.
"What on earth brings you here? I thought you were going back to Europe soon."
"And why is that? Sticking around to see what I'm up to?" Bradley asks sarcastically.
"Of course not. I would, however, like to be near my son for while. After all, I haven't seen that much of you in the last couple of years."
"Darling, that was a long time ago," Marilee says. "I'm really trying to forge a relationship with you now."
"Why? You're not sick or dying are you?"
"Of course not, I'm in perfect health."
"Then why? Bradley asks.
"Because you're my son, Bradley. And I'm worried about you. I don't wanna see you get hurt."
"And why would I get hurt, Mother?" Bradley asks, taking a seat at his desk.
"Because of this vendetta you have against the Ewings. Bradley, I have known the Ewings for a very, very long time. I know what kind of people they are, and I know how dirty they can fight when they're cornered."
"I am NOT afraid of the Ewings."
"Darling, don't start a war you cannot possibly finish or win," Marilee says. "Stone Oil is a small company right now. You are no match for the Ewings."
"I appreciate your sudden attack of motherly concern, but it's completely unnecessary. I have a.......... partner, in my plan to destroy the Ewings for causing my father's death. A partner every bit as rich and powerful as they are, so don't worry."
"A partner?"
"That's right."
"And just who is this partner of yours?"
"That's none of your business, Mother," Bradley replies. "Now if you'll excuse me, I really have a lot of work to do."
"Bradley....."
"Good BYE, Mother," he says. Bradley then proceeds to read over some reports on his desk, completely ignoring his mother's presence as Marilee stands before his desk looking at him for a moment. Finally realizing that talking to her son was of no use, Marilee turns and angrily walks out of his office.
Ewing Oil....
"Mrs. Ewing, Catlin Ewing is on line one."
"Oh, thank you," Sue Ellen says with a smile. She picks up her phone and presses the '1' button. "Catlin, hello," she says. "How are you?"
"I'm just fine," Catlin Ewing replies on the other end of the line. "I was just calling to speak to Bobby about taking a trip down to Cherokee County in a couple of days, maybe on Sunday, to take a look at our joint field there, but his secretary said he's out of town."
"Well, that's a shame," Catlin says. "I'm coming to Texas on Saturday, and I was hoping we could fly down to Cherokee together and check on our investment. But, since Bobby isn't available, would you be interested in accompanying me?"
Sue Ellen smiles. "I'd love to."
"Fine. How does Sunday afternoon work for you?"
"Sunday works just fine," replies Sue Ellen.
"Terrific," Catlin says. "Why don't I give you a call on Saturday evening, and we can plan a time that works?"
"That will be just fine. I look forward to hearing from you."
"Alright. Goodbye, Sue Ellen," Catlin says.
"Goodbye, Catlin," Sue Ellen says as John Ross walks into her office, uninvited. "Have a nice day." She hangs up the phone, still smiling.
"Well, you sure seem happy about that phone call," John Ross says.
"Don't you know how to knock?" Sue Ellen asks. "I thought I taught you that when you were a small child."
"Catlin Ewing?"
"That's right. He's coming to town this weekend and I'm flying down to Cherokee County with him to take a look at the field Ewing Oil jointly owns with Catlin Oil there."
"Hmm, I see. And you're happy about finally gettin' the chance to go down and see that field, or, that you're goin' with our new found cousin?"
Sue Ellen looks at her son and smiles. "John Ross, is there anything in particular that you wanted?"
"I'm intrigued," Sue Ellen says. "So who is this man?"
"Brad Stone, the son of Marilee Stone and the late Seth Stone."
"That's right."
"To discuss doing business with him?"
"Yes. Stone just bought a field down near Waco, the Bud Denton field, that's gonna be real profitable. I heard through the grapevine that Stone can't finance drillin' that field on its own, so he needs a partner. And since I have had my eye on that field for quite some time, I figured it'd be the perfect business marriage."
"John Ross, I really don't think that getting involved with Bradley Stone is a very good idea at all."
"Well why the hell not? Ewing Oil did a lot of business with Marilee and Seth Stone over the years, so why shouldn't we now do business with their son?"
"Because Marilee came to see Bobby and me a few days ago," Sue Ellen says, standing from her seat. "She was concerned that her son might be about to try and carry out some sort of vendetta against Ewing Oil and against our family."
"Why?"
"Because of his father's death."
"What the hell does Stone's father's death have to do with anything? Seth Stone killed himself a long, long time ago, didn't he?"
"Yes. But, it's the circumstances of Seth Stone's suicide," Sue Ellen says. "John Ross, Ewing Oil had bought some oil leases in a small Asian country, and, your father managed to sell those leases to his friends in the old Cartel, one of whom was Seth Stone. Shortly after J.R. unloaded those wells on the Cartel, there was a revolution and the wells were nationalized. The timing was too perfect, and most people thought at the time that J.R. somehow had foreknowledge that a revolution was about to happen in that country. The Cartel members who had bought the leases lost millions, but it was Seth Stone who lost almost everything. Unable to cope with the failure......"
"Seth killed himself," John Ross says, finishing his mother's sentence.
"That's right. Marilee later sent both of her sons off to boarding school in the east, and when she came here to see us, she said that Bradley blames J.R. for his father's death, and for destroying his family."
"But J.R.'s been dead for almost three years. The rest of us had nothin' at all to do with that, unless Uncle Bobby was involved in J.R.'s scheme to unload those wells on his friends all those years ago."
"Bobby didn't know a thing about it until it was all over. In fact, he was so angry with J.R. that he and Pam actually left Southfork. Then, when J.R. was shot, they came back."
"Well, that's quite a history," says John Ross.
"Yes. So that's why I don't think it would be a good idea for Ewing Oil to get involved with Bradley Stone in anyway."
"Come on, Mama, that's ancient history. That was what? 34, 35 years ago or somethin' like that? Daddy did a lot of business with Marilee after that, from what I hear."
"Yes, but her son is a different story," says Sue Ellen.
"Well, thank ya for tellin' me this," John Ross says, standing. "Gives me somethin' to think about."
"Then you'll reconsider doing business with him?"
"Maybe. Still, I don't see the harm in meetin' with Stone, seein' what he has to say. I'll talk to you later, Mama." John Ross nods to his mother, then turns and walks out of the office.
Downtown Dallas....
"Hello, Cliff," she says.
Cliff looks at the woman and smiles. "Marilee," he says. "It's been too long." He gives her a gentle hug.
"How are you, Cliff?"
"I'm just fine. How in the world have you been all these years?"
"Just wonderful. I've had a good life, livin' in Europe. And I've heard about some of the ups and downs you've had through the years."
"So, I see that things haven't changed much at all since I left Dallas those many years ago."
"Nope. J.R. is dead and rotting, but the rest of that family is still out to destroy me. Recently, I was named CEO of Westar, but John Ross took that away from me by setting me up with a phony deal that fell through, just like J.R. use to do to me, and I lost my position. But I'm sure you didn't come here to hear me moan about the Ewings."
"No, actually, I didn't," Marilee says.
"Then what can I do for you, Marilee?" Cliff asks.
"Cliff, I need your help. It's about my son, Bradley."
"Oh, yes. I remember seeing him at the Oil Baron's Ball back in December. What about him?"
"Cliff, Bradley has come back to Dallas with an agenda. As you know, he's formed his own oil company, Stone Oil. But he intends to use that company as a tool to seek revenge against the Ewings for Seth's suicide."
"I say more power to him," Cliff says.
Marilee gives him a stern look. "Cliff, this is serious."
"My son is no match for the Ewings, and his company is no match for Ewing Oil."
"That's certainly the truth. The kid must know that. So, what can I do, Marilee? Why is this any business of mine?"
"Bradley claims he has a partner in his revenge against the Ewings," Marilee says.
"Yeah, so?" Cliff asks,
"I wanna know who that partner is, and Bradley won't tell me."
"Why not?"
"My son is a very bitter young man, and he doesn't trust me."
"So what can I do about that?" Cliff asks.
"I'd like for you to find out who my son's partner is. After all, you're still an insider in this town, with a lot of connections. If need be, you can become friendly with my son until you find out for me."
Cliff thinks for a moment. "Wait a minute," he says. "Marilee, I think I might know who your son's partner against the Ewings is."
"Who?" She asks.
"The woman he attended the Oil Baron's Ball with........Katherine Wentworth."
"Katherine Wentworth?" Asks a stunned Marilee. "As in........your SISTER, Katherine Wentworth?"
"That's right. Katherine and your son looked pretty cozy together that night, so, I'll bet you anything, that she is his partner in whatever scheme he's going on against the Ewings."
Marilee's face shows her obvious shock over learning that her son was in cahoots with the very evil Katherine Wentworth.
The Cattlemen's Club....
"Hello, John Ross," Bradley says.
"Brad Stone, how's it goin'?"
"Just fine."
"Your server will be with you shortly," says the hostess.
"Thank ya, darlin'," John Ross says. The girl smiles, then walks away.
"So, John Ross, what can I do for you?" Bradley asks. "You said you wanted to discuss the field Stone Oil recently purchased near Waco."
"Because I am willing to offer you top dollar. Many of the other comp'nies in Dallas are cash poor at the moment, but Ewing is doing quite well, thanks to a new field in Cherokee County that's thrivin', and our offshore wells in the Gulf, so Ewing Oil can afford it. Especially since geological reports say that Denton field in Waco is extremely rich in crude and could keep makin' both our comp'nies a huge profit for the next decade."
"You sure cover all your bases, don't you?" Bradley asks.
John Ross smiles. "Always. That's how you stay one step ahead of enemies, people who wish to do you in, and even..........friends."
"Well, I like that about you, John Ross. I'm the same way."
"Look, I realize that there was a problem between our families many years ago that resulted in your father's untimely death, so, maybe we need to clear the air about that before we even agree to do business."
"Your father cheated my father. Caused him to lose millions of dollars, and that resulted in his taking his own life."
"Yes," John Ross says. "But Stone, that was a lotta years ago. What? 1980? I was just a year old then and you were......."
"2," Bradley says.
"J.R. is long dead. None of the rest of us Ewings had ANYTHING at all to do with what happened to Seth Stone, not even my Uncle Bobby. So if you're thinkin' about comin' after my family or our comp'ny for somethin' that happened almost 36 years, I would advise you to think again. Now, we can go into business together on this Waco field, and maybe do some further business in the future. Both of us can make a lotta money. It's up to you. Are you willin' to put aside your personal feelin's, or are you willin' to let that field sit there for years, maybe, unable to find another partner willin' to shell out top dollar to buy half from you, and perhaps lose millions, just because you hate my fam'ly for somethin' a man who died three years ago did so long ago?"
Bradley looks at John Ross, then smiles. "You're very persuasive, John Ross. A trait I trust you inherited from J.R."
"Yes, I am. So, can we do business?"
Bradley pauses a moment. "Sure," he says. "We have a deal."
"Then let's order some champagne and celebrate the birth of our new joint field, Stone-Ewing," says John Ross. "And maybe the start of a long business relationship."
Bradley again looks across the table at John Ross and smiles deviously.
Cliff's apartment......
"Darling, thank you for stopping by here with me before I drop you off at home," Afton says.
"It's no problem, Mom. I knew you had a couple things you needed to get into the fridge before you take me home."
"Why don't you sit down and relax for a while?" Afton asks. "I'll make us some hot chocolate."
"That sounds nice," Pamela says with a smile. She takes a seat on the sofa as Afton goes into the kitchen. "I am EXHAUSTED."
"So am I," Afton says as she puts a jug of milk and a carton of eggs into the refrigerator.
The doorbell rings. "I'll get it, Mom."
"Oh, thanks, Pammy."
Pamela gets up from her seat on the couch, walks over and opens the front door. A young delivery man is standing there with some flowers and a small wrapped box. "Afton Cooper?" He asks.
"No, I'm her daughter. May I help you?"
"I have a delivery here for Ms. Cooper."
"Oh, thank you," Pamela says. She takes the small box and the flowers. She walks over to her purse on the coffee table, takes out some money, and gives him a tip."
"Thanks, ma'am," he says, then turns and leaves.
Pamela closes the door and walks back over to the sofa, looking at the flowers. Afton comes in from the kitchen.
"Who was it?" Afton asks.
"A guy just delivered some flowers and a gift for you," replies Pamela.
"Probably from Daddy."
"I doubt that. Hey, here's a card." Afton takes the card from inside the flowers and opens it. "To Afton, the most beautiful woman and best singer in the world. And it's not signed."
"See what's in the box," Pamela says.
Afton picks the box up, unwraps and opens it to find a beautiful bracelet.
"Mom, that's lovely."
"Yes it is. And here's another card." Afton opens the card and reads it aloud: "Dear Afton, please accept this token of my affection........signed, your biggest fan."
"Wow, Mom," says Pamela. "Looks like you have a secret admirer."
"Yes it does, doesn't it?" Afton says with a smile.
The Wentworth home....
"Excuse me, Miss Wentworth?"
"Yes, Helen?" Katherine says.
"There's a Marilee Stone downstairs to see you," Helen says.
"Marilee Stone?" Katherine asks, surprised to hear the name of her visitor. "Thank you. Tell Mrs. Stone I'll be right down."
"Yes, ma'am," Helen says, then walks out.
Katherine stands from her seat. "Marilee Stone. Interesting."
A few moments later....
"Well, well," Katherine says. "Marilee Stone. To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"
Marilee looks at Katherine for a moment. "Well, if I didn't see for myself, I never would've believed it. I heard you were back in Dallas and even that you'd been pardoned for all the terrible things you did."
"That's right, I have. I'm as free as a bird. I must say you're looking well. So what brings you here?"
"My son brings me here," replies Marilee. "I heard that you accompanied Bradley to the Oil Baron's Ball."
"That's right. So what if I did?"
"Have you been seeing a lot of my son?"
"That's NONE of your business."
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"You know damned well what it means, Katherine. Not only are you YEARS older than my son, but you are a criminal who just spend thirty years on the run after an arrest for attempting to murder a man you CLAIMED to have been in love with. No way in hell am I gonna let you sink your claws into my son."
"You really are the hypocrite, aren't you, Marilee? Just like you always were. You have the nerve to stand there and pass judgement on ME?"
"I may have done a lot of things in my life I'm not proud of, but I have never been accused of attempted murder. I wanna know one thing. Have you slept with Bradley?"
Marilee grabs her by the arm. "I am not goin' anywhere until I get an answer to my question," Marilee says.
"Let go of my arm, you bitch!" Katherine says.
"Just answer the damned question, lady. Are you sleepin' with my son, and for your sake, and Bradley's, the answer had better be 'no.'"
Katherine pulls out of Marilee's grasp. "What does it matter to you? You're the one who abandoned both of your kids when they were barely old enough to read and write, and now, after more than thirty years you wanna play mother of the year? You've got one hell of a nerve, and I want you out of my house NOW!"
Marilee walks closer to Katherine, standing just two inches from her. "Katherine, if you have slept with my son, then you have made one huge mistake."
"You're the one making a mistake, Marilee, if you're threatening me. This is actually pretty funny, in a sick sort of way. A dried up old bitty, jealous of a woman his son is interested in. Talk about Mother Bates."
"If you've gone to bed with my son, that's what's sick, Katherine, because you have committed incest," Marilee says.
"Incest? My God, you really ARE out of your mind."
"No, I'm not. You might be interested in knowing that..........Seth Stone wasn't Bradley's father. Cliff Barnes is."
Katherine's mouth drops open in complete shock at the bombshell Marilee has just dropped on her.