EPISODE 22

"Joy to the World:Part Two"

 

A While Later

Lucas stood beside the fireplace, staring at the pictures that adorned it, sipping his punch. “Man,” he thought “this party blows. I wonder if I could sneak something to liven up this punch, that would sure make this evening pass faster.”

Saffy observed Lucas from across the room, drinking up every inch of him in those tight black slacks he was wearing. Margaret noticed her watching him, and nudged her playfully, “What are you lookin' at, as if I didn't know.”

Saffy laughed, “You know damn well. Girl, that brother of yours is H-O-T.”

Margaret rolled her eyes, “Well that's a lot more than I can say for this party. I am bored outta my freakin mind.”

Saffy grinned slyly, reaching into her pocket, “You know, I have something that would really make it a party, but we have to find a secluded place.”

“We could probably sneak outside for a while. What've you got,” Margaret asked?

“Just get your brother and meet me outside by the pool,” Saffy replied, “and try not to be obvious about it.”

Another part of the room

“Bobby I hope you don't mind me gate crashing, but, it's just that Donna was insistent on my coming with her. I think without Ray, she needed some moral support.”

“It's great you're here. If it hadn't been so last minute, I would have asked you myself, ” Bobby said, secretly glad to see Madeline but at the same time, feeling awkward with Pam being there as well.

“Anyway, how come you're still in Dallas. I thought you were heading back to Washington to spend the holidays with your children?”

“Oh I had a change of heart,” Madeline said dismissively and immediately changed the subject. “So are you going to introduce me to your Momma?”

Across the room

“So, Donna how are you coping with a house full of teenagers,” Pam asked?

“Well, I think I'm on a learning curve, but then I've felt like that since the day Margaret was born.” Donna laughed

“I noticed her darkened hair. Do I see a trace of teen rebellion there?”

“Yes, I am trying to ignore it as much as I can but if her skirts get any shorter.”

“I wouldn't worry, when I was that age the only jeans I wore were the ones that stopped my circulation,” Pam laughed.

“I just worry about the type of boy she might be attracting.”

“Well I snared Bobby, so I did okay.” Pam replied

“Mmmm” Donna said, with a hint of irony, “a Ewing wife, I'm not sure if that's what I'd wish for my daughter.”

Pamela laughed and nodded in agreement, “Yet, here we are, both at South Fork.again.”

Donna raised her eyes. “I know it's like a cult. Do you think JR is a descendent of the pied piper.”

“Must be. It's like we know he's evil, but we are still drawn to him. It's like a car crash.” Pam said

“That's so true, you know what you are going to witness is horrible but you are still drawn to it” Donna laughed.

“Merry Christmas,” Pam said and raised her glass.

The two women clinked glasses and as they did JR just happened to pass by and giving them hostile glare, causing them both to burst into laughter.

Outside Southfork

Several minutes later, Margaret and Lucas made their way outside. “Psst,” Saffy whispered to them from the darkness of the far corner of the patio, “over here.”

Lucas and Margaret joined her, and Saffy handed the joint to Lucas. “Try this, I promise it'll liven up this party,” Saffy whispered seductively in his ear.

Lucas took a puff of the joint, inhaling deeply, and handed it to Margaret. A couple of seconds later, Lucas started coughing. He coughed and coughed and coughed, before finally catching his breath. “Don't worry,” Saffy said, “That's normal for you first time.”

Margaret took a healthy puff and passed it back to Saffy. Suddenly, they heard voices and decided to step back into the shadows and wait.

“Chris. Chris wait,” Ian called. “What is wrong with you?”

“Everything's fine. I just needed to get outta there for a bit and get some fresh air.”

Ian walked up behind Chris and wrapped his arms around him, allowing his hands to roam over Chris' body, kissing his ear and neck.

“Oh I know what you need,” he whispered pressing himself tightly against his lover. Chris felt himself becoming aroused.

“I'm sure with a place this large, we could find some place to be alone,” Ian continued whispering, “Don't you?”

Lucas couldn't take it any longer, the marijuana had finally taken effect and the sight before him was too much. He started laughing hysterically. Saffy and Margaret froze, as a startled and irritated Chris and Ian approached them.

Back in the house

Ellie stood chatting to Charlie.

“Your mother was a wonderful women, I still miss her a lot.”

“Thank you, Miss Ellie. It's nice to know she isn't forgotten.”

“While you and Lucas are alive she will never be forgotten. Whenever I look at Lucas it's just like seeing Jenna again.”

“You're right there,.” Charlie said. “I guess like me with my mother, you miss Clayton at this time of year the most.

Miss Ellie nodded, “I do. He was a lovely, kind man. He always loved this time of year. He had a wonderful singing voice, you know and use to serenade me with carols. I can still just hear him singing his heart out, even now.” Miss Ellie smiled at her fond memories.

At The Bar

Lucy poured herself another drink and, revealing that she was more than a bit tipsy, sashayed her way across the room to where Dean stood alone. As she passed by JR and Sue Ellen, she gave JR a nudge with her elbow spilling his drink.

“Opps sorry Uncle JR,” she giggled and walked off towards without giving him chance to reply.

“Hey, Christmas Grinch, what you doing standing all alone?” Dean didn't reply and took another slug of his drink. Lucy tried to ignore Dean's mood and continued. “Maybe this time next year, we'll have a new member of our family to celebrate with.”

Dean gave Lucy a halfhearted smile.

“In fact why don't we slip away now and try practicing again” she said.

“Lucy, I'm not in the mood. I'm going to get another drink,” he said, as he walked away, leaving Lucy alone. She stood sipping her drink for several minutes and then spotted Tom walking back into the lounge. Catching his eye, she went over to speak to him.

“Hey there, are you okay? I think you'll find the others have all gone outside,” Lucy said.

“I am fine here. I prefer to be in more adult company,” Tom said, after witnessing Lucas and the girls leaving the party giggling moments earlier.

“So you met grandma in Arkansas. Is that where your folks are from?”

“Yes,” Tom replied, offering no more information

Trying a different approach, Lucy said, “So Grandma tells me you are looking for some work out at the ranch.”

“Yes, that's if there something I can do.”

“Well I'm sure I can find something. In fact there is gong to be tons of work to do in the new year.”

“That's cool as long as that is no charity”

“Don't worry I work my people hard, you will definitely earn your money mister.”

Tom nodded.

“So Tom you want a beer?”

Tom Looked down at his soft drink and then in the direction of Miss Ellie.

“Come with me,” Lucy said. “What grandma doesn't know won't hurt her. And besides, anyone who slugs JR deserves a beer in my book.”

Lucy dragged Tom into the kitchen.

Outside

“What's goin on here,” Chris asked, Lucas laughing even harder, and falling to the ground. Margaret stared out into space, her heart pounding out of her chest. “Do you see that,” she said? “A shooting star, it's just sooo beautiful. Starlight, Star erm” forgetting the words Margaret began to laugh.”

Chris and Ian exchanged looks, and Chris finally laughed, at Saffy, “Okay, give it up. You guys are stoned.”

“I have no idea what you're talking about. Did my mom you send out here,” Margaret said, hiding the joint behind her back.

Lucas died laughing again, slipping off the concrete and falling into the wet grass. Ian noticed Margaret was getting a little too close to the pool for comfort, so he walked over to her.

“Hi,” he smiled, “I'm Ian. Why don't we move closer to the stars over here,” he said gently taking her arm and guiding her away from the pool.

The pair rejoined Chris and Saffy. “Come on Saffy,” Chris grinned, “we're not squares. I just want a drag. Lord knows I could use it.”

Saffy handed him the joint and Chris inhaled deeply, plopping into one of the patio chairs. Ian joined him and took the joint, taking a drag, allowing himself to thoroughly enjoy the sensation. Lucas crawled back up onto the patio, and began howling at the moon, causing the whole group to burst into laughter.

“Shhh,” Margaret whispered, “I think I hear someone pulling up, a late arrival, Listen.” Her comments, and her glazed over look, caused an increase in their laughter. She began walking back toward the pool, searching for the mysterious voice she heard, Lucas chased after her on his all fours, still baying at the moon.

“What the hell is going on here?”

“Crap,” Saffy whispered, “It's my Mom.”

Chris snickered, trying his best to be serious. He stood up and walked over to Marilee. “Why, Mrs. Stone. Lovely you don't look tonight.”

Marilee gave him a look of disdain, “Really Christopher. I would've thought you would have set a better example for these three children.”

Margaret walked closer to Marilee, “Hey there Mrs. S, how are you? Merry Christmas. Margaret stumbled and fell into Marilee, flailing her arm into Marilee's waist. The force of the blow caused Marilee to lose her balance. She teetered on the edge of the pool, and Chris tried to grab her. Instead, he pushed her over the edge and into the icy cold water. Upon hearing the loud splash, the rest of the family rushed outside upon hearing the splash.

“Whats going on here,” Sue Ellen said?

“Well we had an unexpected guest and she accidently fell into the pool,” Lucas replied.

The figure in the pool finally scrambled out and there stood Marilee, drenched through and through, with mascara pouring down her face.

“Ohh, it's the ghost of Christmas past,” Pamela said. Sue Ellen and Donna started laughing which infectiously spread to everyone else.

“Sapphire! We are leaving.”

Saffy rolled her eyes and slipped another joint into Lucas's hand.

“Later sweetheart,” and before he could object, she gave him a Christmas kiss on his lips.”

“Like mother, like daughter,” JR whispered to Sue Ellen, causing her to laugh again.

As the commotion died down, and everyone returned inside the house, JR pulled Sue Ellen aside, and away from the rest of party. “Hey Darlin, what would you say to a moonlight walk?”

“I would say that it is freezing” she replied.

JR grinned, and raised one eyebrow at her, “Oh come on. I promise I'll keep you warm.”

Sue Ellen wondered exactly what he wanted, but decided it was pointless to argue and reluctantly agreed. “Alright,” she sighed.

“Great,” JR smiled, and proceeded to retrieve their coats from the house. He slipped his on, and helped Sue Ellen with hers. As they fastened their coats and linked arms, walking out of the house, Sue Ellen thought about how the conference center bombing had shaken all of them up. She rested her head on JR's shoulder.

“He's changed so much,” she thought. “And this time, he's really trying to prove he's changed. He's even been trying to get along better with Becky. Well, at least not antagonize her purposely, which was a start . I suppose it is true what they say. Nothing warms the heart like a new grandchild.” She thought about her grandson, John Ross Ewing IV or “Jock” as they had affectionately decided to call him. What a handsome child he was. He had his father and grandfather's eyes and their smile and what a head of hair, she thought. Her thoughts continued to drift to when John Ross was a child.

No matter how bad things were between her and JR, they always tried to put it aside and give their son a happy Christmas.

“Sue Ellen,” JR said softly, jolting her from her thoughts, “are you alright? You seem to be miles away.”

Sue Ellen hugged his arm tighter and snuggled closer to him. JR relished the feel of her next to him. “Oh, I was just thinking about how strange life can be. I was dreading this time of the year with John Ross gone, and even thought it still hurts so much. With Jock here now and our closeness, it's almost as if he's looking down on us and making sure we're okay without him,” she said, tearing up slightly.

JR took her arm from his and wrapped it around his waist, placing his arm around her shoulder and hugging her tightly. ““I know what you mean. I kinda feel like my boy is looking out for me, keeping me from messing up again. I'm just sorry it took losing him for us to get here.”

Sue Ellen placed a finger on his lips. “Okay, no more talk of the past or of regrets. Let's keep John Ross in our hearts and let his memory help us create a new beginning for all of us.”

JR stopped their progress, and pulled her securely into his strong embrace, kissing her passionately. “Have I told you that you are still the most wonderful, beautiful and amazing woman I have ever known?”

Sue Ellen laughed, “No.”

“Well then,” he grinned, “let me tell you that you are, and you always have been. I know I don't say it often Darlin', but I do love you.”

“I know, and I love you too. Now come on, we'd better get back before everyone thinks we froze to death.”

JR stood firm as Sue Ellen clasped his hand, intertwining their fingers and tried to pull him toward the house. “JR, c'mon.”

“No, we're not finished with our walk yet,” he said pulling her toward the barn. Once they were inside, Sue Ellen saw the horse drawn carriage. It was beautiful, decorated with garland and bows and hooked to the two most majestic black stallions. Inside the carriage, she noticed a blanket and a picnic basket.

JR smiled his best smile and stepped up into the carriage. “Well, are you going to stand there, or are you going to join me,” he asked, extending his hand to help her inside. Sue Ellen climbed in and took her seat next to him. JR took the reins and released the brake. Instinctively, the horses pulled the carriage out of the barn.

“JR, you hate horses, and it's been years since you handled them. Are you sure this is a good idea?”

JR gave Sue Ellen a disapproving glare, and said, “I think we are safe enough.

I might be a little rusty, but I have not forgotten how to handle horses. And think of it this way, I have the best horse woman on Southfork with me if anything should happen to go wrong.”

Sue Ellen smiled and shook her head, “Always the charmer, JR.”

JR smiled triumphantly as the horses trotted out into the moonlit night, moving them closer to their destination. Sue Ellen covered them both with the blanket and snuggled up to JR, enjoying the sights, the sounds, and the smells of the wonderful, magical fields of Southfork. She had almost drifted off, when JR stopped the carriage and hopped out. “What's going on JR? Why did you stop?”

“You'll see,” he grinned, helping her out of the carriage. He reached back and grabbed the blanket and the basket, and walked out under the hundred-year-old oak tree. He spread out the blanket, and sat down motioning for her to join him. She eyed him suspiciously, but obliged his request. He opened the basket and removed two glasses and a bottle of non-alcoholic champagne. He handed her the glasses. Using the corkscrew, he popped the cork on the bottle, and poured the champagne. He sat the bottle aside, took his glass and held it up to hers. “Here's to my family, and to the beautiful lady who never gave up hoping that one day I would wake up and see all that my life could be.”

Sue Ellen smiled softly, and they both took a sip of the champagne. Reaching up to softly caress his cheek, she replied, “And to the man who finally woke up and realized what is really important in life.” JR returned her loving smile, as they took another sip of the champagne.

JR quickly finished his drink, and laid the glass on the blanket. “Speaking of important, I have a little present for you. Before you complain, I know it's only Christmas Eve, and you don't like getting your presents early, but I am dying to give you this one, and this might be the last chance we have to be alone until after Christmas.” JR stood up and walked behind the tree, the butterflies in his stomach intensifying with every step. He retrieved a rectangular package the size of an ordinary shoebox. It was neatly wrapped in red paper, and adorned with a green bow and ribbons. He took a deep breath, and returned to his spot on the blanket. Handing the package to her, he said, “Merry Christmas, Darlin'.”

Once again, Sue Ellen looked at him suspiciously, especially after seeing the size of the package. She had half expected a ring and a proposal. Trying to hide her disappointment, she smiled and replied, “Thank You,” as she tore into the package. JR picked up on the slight disappointment in her voice, and smiled wickedly to himself, knowing he'd pulled off his surprise. Sue Ellen opened the box, revealing a pair of high-heeled shoes. She took one out of the box, held it up, and looked at it with confusion. “You were dying to give me shoes,” she asked quizzically?

JR laughed and held his hands up in surrender, “Hey, I know how much you love shoes, but those are not just any shoes. Those are, now let me make sure I get this right,” he said taking a piece of paper from his pocket, “black kidskin, pointed toe, open lace vamp, three-quarter inch heel Jimmy Choos, with a diamond engagement ring.”

Sue Ellen's face lit up as she pulled out the other shoe revealing the exquisite diamond ring JR had purchased. “JR,” she gasped. “It's…. it's beautiful,” she whispered as tears began to stream down her cheeks.

“So,” he grinned, “will you marry me for a third and final time?”

“Yes,” she managed to whisper as she scooted over to him and hugged him tightly.

JR returned her embrace, and replied, “It's a good thing. I had to go to five different stores before I found the just the right shoes for you.”

Sue Ellen laughed as JR wiped away her tears, and they shared a passionate kiss.

Back in the main house

The rest of the family was gathered in the living room. Miss Ellie was playing with her new great-grandson, while the rest of the family looked on, maintaining polite, awkward conversation with one another. The chime of the grandfather clock caught Ellie's attention, and she said, “JR and Sue Ellen have been gone quite a long time. I wonder what's keeping them?”

“There's no tellin' Momma. Those two have been getting along like two peas in a pod lately. It's been kinda sickening.”

“Kinda, isn't the word for it Bobby,” Lucy chimed in. “I just wonder how long it'll last,” she continued sarcastically.

“Lucy,” Miss Ellie scolded. “I think it's wonderful. I can't tell you all how wonderful it is to be back home, and how much I appreciate this party, and having the whole family here.”

“Speaking of the “happy couple,” Donna retorted sarcastically, “I think I hear them now.”

JR and Sue Ellen entered the room, arm in arm, both smiling.

“Hey everybody,” JR greeted.

“Hello JR, Sue Ellen,” Miss Ellie replied.

JR continued to grin like an idiot.

“JR, what are you up to,” Miss Ellie finally asked?

He led Sue Ellen by the arm and sat down facing the rest of the family.

“Why Momma, I'm sure I haven't any idea what you're talkin' about,” he said, feigning innocence, his smile growing as he glanced at Sue Ellen.

“Now I know you're up to something,” she said, raising an eyebrow at him.

JR replied, “I'm not up to anything. I just gave Sue Ellen an early Christmas present, which she absolutely loved.”

“I'm sure I'm going to regret this,” Lucy said sarcastically, “but what was it?”

JR nudged Sue Ellen, who handed the shoebox to him. JR held it while she pulled out the exquisite pair of high-heeled shoes. “Well,” Sue Ellen said pulling the shoes out using her left hand, “JR bought me this beautiful pair of Jimmy Choos. And” she grinned, wiggling her ring finger, “this breathtaking engagement ring” and began to laugh at the shocked expressions.

 

There was a nervous laughter as people exchanged stunned glances.

A yellow taxi came to a halt in the South Fork driveway. It's passenger climbed out and tipped the driver. As it drove away, she paused a moment to gather her thoughts before entering the house.

“It's been a long time,” she thought, taking a deep breath and opening the patio door. Being familiar with the Ewing home, she entered through the kitchen and made her way quietly into the dining room, following the sounds of laughter. She crossed the foyer, still unnoticed by anyone in the family. Stopping in the doorway, she smiled,

“Merry Christmas, Sue Ellen.”

Sue Ellen turned toward the familiar voice, and everyone else looked toward the door.

“Mother,” she gasped.

FADE TO BLACK

 

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Happy Christmas from all of the DTL team!

xx