EPISODE 189 - The Christmas Spirit, Part 2

"Get up!"  Christopher orders as he looks at Andrew Murray, who is on the floor of his motel room after being punched by Christopher.  "GET UP, YOU SON OF A BITCH!!"

 

"Hey, what the hell is this?"  Asks a stunned Andrew, still laying on the floor.

 

"I'm about to make you pay for what you did to Courtney!"  Says an angry Christopher as both Andrew and Ben look at him in fear!

 

"I didn't do anything to Courtney,"  Andrew protests.

 

"You're a lying snake!"

 

"Dad, what's goin' on?"  Asks a confused Ben.  "What's he talking about?"

 

"Nothing,"  Andrew replies, getting to his feet.  "Christopher, I don't know what my daughter told you, but I didn't do anything."

 

"You're lying,"  Christopher says, slowly walking toward Andrew, who is backing away.

 

"Leave my father alone!"  Ben says.

 

"Christopher, you touch me again, and I'll have you arrested for assault, I swear!"

 

Ignoring the man's warning, Christopher grabs Andrew by the shirt collar and forcing him back against the wall, hard.  

 

"STOP!  DAD!"  Ben yells.  

 

Christopher angrily looks Andrew in the eye, his first instinct being to beat this man to a bloody pulp.  Instead, he tosses Andrew to the floor beside the bed.  He looks down at the frightened man.  "Murray, you'd better be glad your son is here.  I don't Ben to see his father ripped apart.  But if you know what's good for you, you'll get the hell out of Dallas.  I don't wanna see you around here, or even hear your name again.  And if you ever, EVER try to contact my wife in any way, I WILL find you, and I'll make you regret the day you were ever born."  Christopher looks at Ben, then at Andrew again.  "Why don't you tell your son what you did to your daughter?"  He asks, then he turns and storms out of the room.  

 

As Andrew struggles to pull himself up off the floor, Ben looks at his father.  "Dad, what's going on?  What the HELL was that all about?  What have you done?"

 

"Ben, I haven't done anything.  Just listen to me......"  Andrew says.

 

"No,"  Ben says in tears.  "Dad, Christopher said you did something to Courtney.  What did you do?"

 

"I.........I didn't do anything.  Son, listen to me........"

 

"No.  NO!"  Ben turns and runs from the room.

 

"BEN!!"  Andrew yells after his son.  He runs to the door and opens it, walking onto the balcony of the motel, but Ben has already run down the steps to the ground floor.  "BEN!!!!"  Andrew calls after the boy again.  Ignoring his father, Ben gets into his truck and speeds away.  

Braddock Medical Center....

 Bobby walks into the emergency department at Braddock Medical Center and approaches the nurse's desk.  "Excuse me, my name is Bobby Ewing.  My grandson, Michael Ewing, was brought in here a little while ago after an accident."

 

"Yes, Mr. Ewing, your son and his wife are in the waiting room just down the hall,"  the nurse says.

 

"Thank you,"  Bobby says.  He walks a short distance down the hall and into the waiting room, where he finds Lucas, Heather, and Krystina.  "Lucas,"  he says.

 

"Dad."

 

"I got here as fast as I could.  What happened to Michael?  How bad is he hurt?"

 

"The doctor said that he has a mild concussion, and he hurt his leg,"  Heather replies.  "We're waiting now for results of his x-rays."

 

"Thank God, it wasn't worse,"  says Lucas.  "When I heard him yell, and I looked up and he was falling off that balcony, my God, my heart stopped."

 

"What exactly happened?"  Bobby asks.  

 

"It was all my fault,"  Lucas replies.  "We were putting up the rest of the lights on the outside 

of the house.  I had left the stupid staple gun on the floor of the balcony upstairs and I sent Michael up to get it.  He tripped on some extension cords that were left laying on the floor, and he fell off the balcony.  Damn it, if I hadn't sent him after that stupid gun, or if I hadn't left those cords lyin' around this wouldn't have happened!"

 

"Lucas, don't,"  Heather says.  "This wasn't your fault, it was an accident."

 

"Heather's right, son, you can't blame yourself for an accident.  You had no way of knowin' this was gonna happen."

 

"I shouldn't have been so careless."

 

A male doctor walks into the room.  "Mr. and Mrs. Ewing?"  

 

"Yes,"  Heather says as she, Lucas, and Bobby gather around the doctor.  

 

"How is Michael?"  Lucas asks.

 

"Your son is a very lucky young man,"  the doctor replies.  "He has only a mild concussion, but, unfortunately...........Michael's left leg is broken, so, we're gonna have to do surgery on it."

 

"Surgery?  My God, how bad is the break?"  Lucas asks.

 

"It could've been much worse.  Mr. Ewing, try not to worry.  The surgery is relatively minor, and after several weeks in a cast, Michael's leg should be as good as new."

 

"Can we see him?"  Heather asks.

 

"Yes.  We gave him some pain medicine, so you might find that he's a little groggy and loopy.  We're going to need for you to sign some consent forms for us to do the surgery."

 

"Yes, of course,"  Lucas says.  "How long will he have to stay in the hospital?"

 

"No more than a couple of days,"  the doctor replies.  "If there are no complications, and we don't expect any, you should be able to take him home no later than Tuesday afternoon.  Now if you'll follow me, you can see Michael  for a moment, and then I'll have you sign the consent forms so we can get your son into surgery and repair that leg."

 

"Dad, would you do me a favor and call Krystina and Alex and Jacob, and let them know that Michael has a broken leg and is gonna have to have surgery?"

 

"I will.  You two go on.  I'll be in in a minute,"  says Bobby.

 

Lucas and Heather follow the doctor down the hall.  

Southfork....a few minutes later....

"Oh, Bobby, I'm so sorry to hear that,"  says Krystina, talking to Bobby on the phone.  "Yes, I'll let everyone know.  And give Michael our love and tell him we hope he feels better and gets home real soon.  Okay.  Thanks for calling.  Bye."  Krystina puts down her phone and looks at Alex and Jacob, who are sitting on the sofa awaiting news of their cousin.  

 

"What'd Uncle Bobby say?"  Alex asks.

 

"Michael has a concussion and a broken leg.  He's gonna have to have surgery on his leg."

 

"Ouch,"  says Alex.

 

"That sucks,"  Jacob says.  "Will he have to stay in the hospital?"

 

"Just for a couple of days."

 

"Can we go and see him?"

 

"Probably tomorrow,"  Krystina replies as Christopher and Courtney come into the living room from their bedroom down the hall.

 

"Hey, what's going on?"  Christopher asks asks.

 

"Michael got hurt and he's in the hospital,"  Jacob says.

 

"Hurt?  What happened?"

 

"He tripped and fell off the balcony upstairs,"  says Alex.

 

"What?  Oh my God."  Courtney says

 

"Bobby just called,"  says Krystina.  "He's got a broken leg and they're gonna have to do some surgery, but he should be home in a couple of days."

 

"Oh, poor Michael,"  Courtney says as the doorbell rings.  

 

"I'll get it," Jacob says, standing to his feet.  He walks into the foyer and opens the front door to find Ben.  

 

"Is Courtney here?  I need to see her."

 

"Yeah, she's here.  Come in."

 

Ben walks into the house.  

 

"Your Ben. right?  My Mom's brother?"  Jacob asks.

 

"Yes, I am."

 

"She's in the living room."

 

"Thanks,"  Ben says.  He walks into the living room, followed by Jacob.  "Courtney, I need to talk to you."

 

"Ben, what are you doing here?"  Courtney asks.

 

"I need to talk to you."

 

"Ben, this isn't a good time,"  says Christopher.

 

"Oh, I think it is, Christopher.  Courtney, I want you to tell me the truth.  What did Dad do to you to make you hate him?  And I'm not leaving here until you tell me the whole truth about our family."

 

Christopher and Courtney exchange looks, then the couple looks at the young man standing in the doorway demanding answers about his father's past.

 

 "I have absolutely NOTHING to say to you,"  Courtney tells Ben.  "If you wanna know anything about your father, then I suggest you ask HIM."

 

"I already did after Christopher came tearin' into Dad's motel room and knocked him around.  Dad said he didn't do anything.  Christopher's said he's lyin'.  Now I want the truth!  You owe me that!"

 

"Uh, come on, boys, let's get out of here and let them talk in private,"  Krystina says.  

 

"But I wanna know what's going on,"  says Jacob.  

 

"Hey, Jacob, come on,"  Alex says.  "Let's you and me go outside and shoot some baskets."

 

The boy sighs.  He nods his head, then he and Alex leave the room.  Krystina also leaves the room and heads upstairs.  

 

"Okay. now everybody's gone but us,"  Ben says.  "Tell me the truth, Courtney."

 

"I don't owe you a damned thing."

 

"Oh, yes, you DO.  Ever since I can remember, you've acted like you hated me, and I never knew why.  The only crime I can see that I've ever committed against you was being born.  I wanna know what happened."

 

"Courtney, tell him,"  Christopher says.  "The kid has a right to know."

 

In tears, Courtney turns her back on Christopher and her brother.  

 

Christopher looks at the young man.  "Ben, when Courtney was 14-years-old, when she was staying at your father's home while her mother was with Gavin in the hospital when he had his appendix out, something horrible happened to her.  She was raped."

 

"Raped?"  Ben asks.  "Are you saying that my father....."

 

"No, not your father.  Your half-brother, Zack.  Courtney was 14 and Zack was, what, Courtney?  18?"

 

"Yes,"  replies a tearful Courtney as she turns to face her husband and brother.  

 

"Zack raped you?"  Ben asks, tears now running down his own face.

 

"I told our father, and you know what he did?  He didn't believe me.  Zack's a good boy, he wouldn't do such a thing. That's exactly what he said, and after he told your mother what I'd accused her son of doing to me, she and Andrew went to Zack and confronted him.  And Zack lied.  He said I wanted it.  And Andrew and your mother believed HIM! Your mother called me a slut and accused me of seducing her son, and I never did.  And my own father.  Fathers are supposed to protect their daughters, but what did MY father do?  He took the side of my RAPIST!!  His precious wife was more important to him than I was, so he refused to believe me and do anything.  After that first time, Zack came into my room again and he raped me again.  He said no one would believe me, no matter what he did to me.  As soon as my Mom came home, I left Andrew's house.  I never told anyone else about what Zack did to me.  I never told my mother or anyone.  I started acting out because I was so angry, and I felt so dirty.  That's when my Mom sent me to Florida to live with my aunt because she couldn't handle me anymore.  And it was there that I got pregnant with Jacob.  So there you have it, Ben.  You wanted the truth, and there it is.  The whole, ugly TRUTH about what your brother, and your parents did to me.  I hated both of them, and God help me I hated YOU because you were part of them!"

 

"I.......I'm sorry,"  Ben says in tears.  "Oh, God, I'm sorry.  But that wasn't my fault.  Courtney, I was 5-years old when that happened!  How could you hate me?"

"Because you were a reminder of your mother, and Zack and Andrew!  When you showed up here, it brought back all those horrible, painful memories of what that son of a bitch did to me, and of how my own father didn't believe me.  How he took the side of my rapist over his own daughter.  I carried this around with me for years.  I thought I had finally put that part of my life to rest until YOU came back into my life again, a reminder of my father, and your mother, and Zack, and everything that happened to me back then."

 

"I'm so, SO sorry for Zack did to you, Courtney.  I could kill him for what he did."

 

"Ben, where is Zack now?"  Christopher asks.  "He needs to pay for what he did to Courtney."

 

"I don't know where he is.  Zack left home when I was like 8.  The last time I saw him was at my Mom's funeral.  He came back for that, and then, he left again.  I haven't heard from him since.  I even tried to find him on Facebook but, I couldn't.  Look, Courtney, I know that you hate me.  So don't worry.  I'll stay away from you, so you don't ever have to see me again.  And again, I'm sorry for what Zack did to you.  But I think I'm even sorrier for what Dad did to you.  Bye, Courtney."  Ben turns and starts to leave.

 

"Ben, wait,"  Christopher says.  The boy stops in the doorway and turns back to face them.  "Courtney, Ben is your brother.  He was only a little kid when this happened.  Ben is a victim in this, too.  All of you are.......you, Gavin, and Ben, and even Phyllis, you're ALL victims.  Honey, please don't let your little brother walk out that door without at least trying to put aside the way you feel about him for something that wasn't his fault."

 

Courtney looks at Ben, then she turns her back to he and Christopher again.  His heart breaking over yet another rejection by his sister, a tearful Ben turns and walks out of the room.  "Ben!"  Courtney calls to him.  She rushes out of the living room and catches up to Ben in the foyer, just as he is about to leave.  He stops and turns to her.  In tears, Courtney slowly walks over to him.  "I don't hate you," she says, crying.  "Ben, I'm sorry.  I'm SO sorry for the way that I've treated you.  Can you ever forgive me?"

 

"Courtney..........there's nothing to forgive.  I just wanna know my sister."

 

Courtney grabs her younger brother and pulls him into a tearful embrace as Christopher stands in the doorway

watching them, tears in his own eyes at the emotional scene.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Braddock Medical Center....later....

 Bobby hands Lucas and Heather each a cup of coffee as they continue to wait for Michael to come out of surgery late in the afternoon.  "Thanks, Bobby,"  Heather says.

 

"You're welcome.  Can I get either of you anything else?"

 

"Thanks, but we're fine,"  Lucas replies.  "All I want is for that doctor to come in and let us know how Michael is doing."

 

"I'm sure it won't be long,"  Bobby says as Christopher walks into the room.  

 

"Hey, guys,"  he says.  

 

"Chris, thanks for coming,"  says Lucas.  

 

"Sure, no problem.  Krystina told me what happened.  How is Michael?"

 

"Still in surgery right now,"  replies Heather.  

 

"How'd this happen?"  Christopher asks.

 

"Just a freak accident,"  Lucas says.  "He went to get something for me on the balcony, and he tripped on some extension cords and fell off the balcony."

 

"Well thank God it wasn't more serious."

 

"Oh, trust me, big brother, I HAVE been thanking God ever since this happened."

 

At that moment, the doctor walks into the room.  Heather quickly gets up from her seat on the sofa.  "Doctor, how is Michael?"

 

"Michael came through the surgery just fine,"  the doctor answers.  "He's in recovery now, and we should be moving him upstairs to a room very soon."

 

"What about his leg?"  Lucas asks.  

 

"Michael's leg will have to be in a cast for several weeks, and he'll be on crutches, but, his leg should heal completely.  Kids are much more resilient than adults when it comes to broken bones."

 

"Thank God,"  Heather says, breathing a sigh of relief.  "Can we see him?"

 

"Of course.  Michael is heavily sedated, so you'll find him very groggy and even a little loopy, but he's awake. Follow me,"  the doctor says.

 

"We'll wait here,"  Bobby says as Lucas and Heather follow the doctor from the room.  After they're gone, he looks at Christopher.  "Son, is anything wrong?  You seem upset."

 

"I'm fine, Dad.  It's just been a real emotional day for me and Courtney."

 

"Emotional?  Why?"

 

"Courtney finally told me what happened between she and her father.  Why she hates him so much.  And it was much worse than I could have imagined."

 

"What happened?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Dad, why don't we go for a little walk?  We probably won't be able to see Michael until he's in a room, and, I don't really wanna talk in here."

 

"Okay,"  says Bobby.  He and Christopher leave the room.

 

Meanwhile, Lucas and Heather follow the doctor through a set of double doors and into the hospital's recovery

room, where they find Michael laying in bed, a blood pressure cuff on one arm, and an I.V. in the other.  The two parents pause for a moment as they look at their son, who appears to be asleep.  After a few seconds, they walk over to Michael's bedside.  The boy opens his eyes very slightly and looks at them.  "Mom.  Dad," he says groggily.  

 

"Hey, baby,"  Heather says.  "How do you feel?"

 

"Sl-eeepy,"  the boy replies.  

 

"Are you in any pain?"  Lucas asks.

 

"No.  Don't feel anything."

 

"Sweety, the doctor said your surgery went real well.  You're gonna be just fine."

 

"Can I go home?"  Michael asks.

 

"Not just yet, buddy,"  Lucas replies.  "You're gonna have to stay here in the hospital for a couple of days, and then you can come home."   But before Lucas finishes his sentence, Michael has drifted off to sleep.  

 

"Look at him, Lucas,"  says Heather.  "Our beautiful boy.  Thank God all he got was a broken leg."

 

"I know.  I couldn't have stood it if anything had happened to him."

 

"I'm gonna stay at the hospital with him tonight.  I don't want him to be by himself."

 

"I'll stay, too,"  Lucas says.  

 

"No.  You should go home and get some rest. I'll be fine."

 

Lucas puts his arm around his wife as they continue to watch their son sleep.

Pamela's apartment....the next morning....

 Pamela is feeding Hunter at the dining table of her apartment the next morning when her doorbell rings.  "Now who in the world can that be at this hour?"  She asks her infant son.  "Why don't I just go and see?  Mommy will be right back, sweetheart."  Pamela wipes the baby's mouth with a napkin then gets up from the table and goes to the door.  She opens it, and to her surprise, she finds Shawn there, carrying several beautifully wrapped Christmas gifts.  

 

"Good morning," he says, walking into the apartment.  

 

"Shawn, what are you doing here?"  Pamela asks.

 

 

"I come bearing gifts,"  he replies as he puts the gifts down on the sofa.  "I know that Christmas Eve is still a week away, but, I wanted to bring these on over so you could get them under your.........."  he pauses and looks around the room.  ".............tree.  But, I see you haven't gotten a tree up yet."

 

"No, I haven't.  And I probably won't be putting up a tree this year."

 

"What?  You're kidding.  Why not?"

 

"Because I'm not in the Christmas spirit this year."

 

"Because of Justin?"  Shawn asks.

 

"Yes.  Because Justin is languishing in a prison cell when he doesn't belong there."

 

"I'm sorry.  But, Pamela, you have to celebrate Christmas.  For the boys, if for no other reason."

 

"Hunter is 2 and a half years old.  Randall is  a year and a half.  They're too young to know what Christmas is about, or to understand."

 

Shawn smiles.  "I beg to differ.  I think that all kids, no matter how young, understand Christmas.  Are you gonna be home for a while?  Like, for a couple of hours?"

 

"I guess.  Why?"  Pamela asks.

 

"I'll be back in a little while,"  Shawn says, going to the door.  "I have one more present to  bring over."

 

"Shawn, why are you doing all this?" 

 

Shawn looks at her, then at Hunter sitting at the table, and back at Pamela again.  "For my nephew.  And his mother.  I'll be back soon,"  he says, then quickly exits the apartment, leaving Pamela curious and confused.

Reverchon Park in Dallas....

 Jimmy and Emma are walking in Dallas's Reverchon Park on this brisk Monday morning.  "I always loved coming here in the morning,"  Jimmy says.  "Especially in the winter."

 

"It is beautiful here,"  Emma says.

 

"Yes it is.  Just like the company I'm with."

 

 

Emma looks at him and smiles.  But the smile fades from her face very quickly.  

 

"Emma, are you okay?"

 

"I'm fine.  Just thinking about everything."

 

"Everything, like.......what?"  Jimmy asks.

 

"Mainly how dramatically different my life is this holiday season from this time last year,"  Emma says sadly.  "Last Christmas, Kevin's death was still very fresh in my mind.  I was still living at Falcon Crest.  Now, I really don't even have a home."

 

"Come on, of course you do  You're living with Ann in her new apartment."

 

"That really doesn't feel like home to me,"  Emma says.  "And I feel like I'm underfoot.  I just wish that things could go back to the way they were."

 

"Yeah, so do I.  This will be my family's first Christmas without my father, and I don't know how we're gonna get through it."

 

"I'm sorry, Jimmy.  God, 2018 has really sucked."

 

"Yes, it has, for pretty much everybody,"  Jimmy says.  "I can't help but think about what Lucas is going through right now.  I know that my cousin isn't your favorite person right now, and I can't blame you after what he did, but, I still can't help but feel bad for him and Heather with Michael in the hospital."

 

"What?  Lucas's son is in the hospital?  What happened?"

 

"Michael had an accident yesterday.  He's gonna be okay, but he broke his leg and had to have surgery.  It's a shame, poor kid, for this to happen right here at Christmas time.  From what I hear, Lucas is real upset.  He loves his son so much.  I'm sure he also loves Logan now that he knows Logan is his son, too.  It's a real shame he can't see Logan."

 

"Jimmy, why all this talk about Lucas?"  Emma asks.  

 

"No reason, Emma.  We were just talking about the holidays, and I was just making conversation, that's all."

 

"Well, your cousin Lucas is not a topic of conversation I care to discuss."

 

"Alright, fine," says Jimmy.  "We'll talk about whatever you want."

 

"Right now.......it's freezing out here, and I just wanna go some place warm,"  Emma says, walking away from him.  Jimmy pauses and watches her for a few seconds, then jogs to catch up to her.

Ewing Oil....

 John Ross is working at his desk that morning when his cell phone begins ringing.  Picking the phone up from his desk, he looks at it and smiles, then answers the call.  "Brandon, good mornin',"  he says cheerfully.  "I trust you've 

had  a chance to think over my proposal I made the other night?"  He listens for a moment as Brandon speaks on the other end of the line.  A smile comes to John Ross's lips.  "Well, now, Brandon, you made the right decision, bud.  Ewing Oil will be a much better partner for you than Catlin Oil.  Alright, you have your attorney draw up the contract, and we'll have this 

deal signed and sealed before Christmas.  Yeah.  Alright, you take care, bud.  Yeah.  I'll be talkin' to ya."  Ending the call, John Ross puts his phone down and smiles.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Catlin Oil....

 C.J.'s secretary buzzes his office at Catlin Oil.  "C.J., Brandon Harwood is on line one," she says.  

 

"Thank you, Debbie,"  C.J. says.  He picks up his phone.  "Brandon, hello.  I've been waiting for your call.  Have you had a chance to think about my proposal over the weekend?"  C.J. listens for a moment as Brandon speaks on the other end of the line.  A look of anger comes over C.J.'s face as Brandon tells him that he has decided not to take Catlin Oil on as a partner.  "Wait, Brandon, come on.  I don't understand.  You've decided to go with another company?  What company?  I see.  I don't suppose there's anything I can say to change your mind?  Yeah.  Sure, I understand.  Yeah, there'll be other deals.  Thanks.  Bye."  C.J. ends the call and tosses his phone onto his desk.  "Damn,"  he says angrily.  Standing to his feet, C.J. pauses a moment, trying to compose himself.  After a few seconds, he quickly leaves his office.  

 

 

 

Love International....a few minutes later....

C.J. steps off the elevator and walks into Love International two floors above Catlin Oil a few minutes later.  "Hello, Mr. Ewing,"  says Eric's secretary.

 

"Sandra is Mr. Love in his office?"

 

"Yes, he is, but....."

 

"Thanks,"  C,J. says, then he storms into Eric's office, where Eric is on the phone.  "I need to talk to you,"  C.J. says.

 

"Mike, I'll have to call you back,"  Eric says.  "Okay, I'll talk to you later.  Bye."  He puts down his phone and looks at his brother.  "What's going on?"

 

"I lost the deal with Brandon Harwood,"  C.J. says.  "He just called to tell me he's decided to sign with another company."

 

"Oh, no.  C.J., I'm sorry."

 

"Yeah, as you should be."

 

"What?  Are you saying you think this is somehow MY fault?"  Eric asks.

 Pamela comes into her living room as her doorbell rings.  Walking to the door, she opens it to find Shawn standing in the hallway with a Christmas tree.  "Told you I'd be back,"  he says, bringing the tree into the apartment.  "Sorry it took so long, but I had to go to a couple places to find JUST the right tree.  Oh, and that's not all."  Smiling, Shawn goes back into the hallway and picks up a box and brings it into the apartment.

 

"What is all this?"  Pamela asks.

 

"Well, you have a tree, and you needed decorations for the tree.  So, the decorations are in the box."

 

"Shawn, look, I really appreciate what you're trying to do for Hunter, but, I REALLY don't feel like doing Christmas this year."

 

"Well, I was hoping that maybe this would make you feel a little better, decorating the tree and all."

 

"Decorating a tree is not going to make me feel any better,"  Pamela says.  "But, since you've gone to all this trouble, I suppose we should put the tree up and decorate it, for the boys."

 

Shawn smiles.   "Well, then, why don't we get started and get this tree decorated."

Braddock Medical Center....

  Michael is laying in his hospital bed playing a game on his brand new Nintendo 3DS when a knock comes at his door.  The door opens and Alex and Jacob walk into the room.  "Hey,"  Alex says.  "Up for a couple visitors?"

 

"Hey, guys,"  Michael says.  

 

Alex walks over and takes a seat in a chair, while Jacob stands at Michael's bedside.

 

"How's your leg?"  Jacob asks.

 

"Hurts a little."

 

"It really sucks that this happened to you during Christmas break."

 

"Yeah, but look what my Grandma Jenna brought me today,"  Michael says, showing Jacob his new hand held Nintendo.  

 

"Oh, wow,"  Jacob says with excitement.  "A Nintendo 3DS?"

 

"Yeah, she said she was gonna give this to me for Christmas, but, she thought I could use it to pass the time while I'm laid up with this stupid broken leg."

 

"Hmmm......Grandma's never bought me anything like that before," says Alex.

 

"Well, I guess it's because I'm her favorite grandson,"  Michael says.  

 

"Ha!  In your dreams,"  Alex says.  "She probably felt sorry for you because you're so clumsy."

 

"So when are you coming home?"  Jacob asks.

 

"Tomorrow, I hope."

 

"It's gonna suck, you being on crutches during Christmas."

 

"Yeah, tell me about it,"  Michael says.  "I should've been more careful."

 

"Too bad this couldn't have happened after school started back in January,"  says Jacob.  "Then you could miss a few days and you wouldn't have to deal with that jerk Casey Myers messing with you."

 

"Jacob, shut up,"  Michael says.

 

"Hey, what's this?"  Alex asks.  "Is that the kid at school who was bullying you a while back?  Is he still doing it?"

 

Michael lowers his head, remaining silent.  

 

"Michael, tell him,"  Jacob says.  "Casey's still messing with him, Alex."

 

"But Alex, you CAN'T tell my Mom and Dad."

 

"Well why not?"  Alex asks, standing to his feet.  "Michael, if some kid is bullying you, then you need to tell someone."

 

"No, that would only make it worse,"  says Michael.  "Alex, promise me, you won't tell them."

 

Alex sighs.  "Alright, but, if this kid keeps botherin' you, just let me know.  After all, I'm the only one allowed to mess with my cousins.  Anybody else does it, and they're gonna to answer to me."

 Michael smiles at his cousin.  

Sue Ellen's home....that evening....

 Sue Ellen walks into her and Catlin's home that evening and is greeted in the foyer by her maid.  "Good evening, Doris,"  Sue Ellen says.

 

"Good evening, Mrs. Ewing, how was your day?"

 

"It was alright.  Is Mr. Ewing home yet?"

 

"No, ma'am, he isn't.  But dinner will be ready soon."

 

"Thank you,"  Sue Ellen says.  She goes into the living room, takes off her coat, and places it on the back of a chair as she warms by the fireplace.  As she is warming herself, she hears the front door in the foyer open and close.  "Catlin, is that you?"

 

"Yes, it's me,"  Catlin replies, walking into the living room.

 

Smiling, Sue Ellen walks over to her husband and kisses him.  "I'm glad you're home,"  she says.  "Doris said that dinner is almost ready."

 

"I'm not very hungry tonight."

 

"Catlin, what is it?  What's wrong?"

 

"You know that meeting C.J. had with Brandon Harwood on Friday, about those Lubbock wells?"

 

"Yes.  What about it?"

 

"We lost the deal,"  Catlin replies.  

 

"Oh, sweetheart, I'm so sorry,"  Sue Ellen says.  "I know how much C.J. was counting on that deal.  I can only imagine how disappointed he must be right now."

 

"Disappointed, yes, but more than that, he's really pissed, and so am I.  Especially considering who we lost the deal to."

 

"I don't understand."

 

"We lost the deal to Ewing Oil, Sue Ellen," Catlin says.  

 

"What?"  Asks a stunned Sue Ellen.  "Ewing Oil?  But, Catlin, that's impossible.  As far as I know, Ewing Oil had no plans to go into a partnership with Harwood on any fields."

 

"I think you just said it.  As far as you knew.  This deal was made by John Ross."

 

"John Ross?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"That's right, Sue Ellen.  John Ross stole that deal right out from under C.J."

 

"Catlin, I think STOLE is a bit of a stretch, don't you?  I'm sure that John Ross had no idea that Catlin Oil was interested in that deal or that C.J. was negotiating with Harwood."

 

"I find that impossible to believe, especially since C.J. told me that John Ross happened to come along on Friday when he and Eric were having lunch with Brandon Harwood and discussing the Lubbock deal."

 

"Catlin, I am SO sorry.  I can't imagine why John Ross would do this."

 

"I guess all these months he's been playing nice with me was just an act,"  says Catlin.  "He's been waiting for a chance to stick it to me and my company."

 

"Well, don't worry,"  Sue Ellen says.  "I'm going to have a word with him, you can bet on that."

 

Catlin sighs.  "What good would that do?  Damn it, Sue Ellen, that was a sweet deal that could've made Catlin Oil a lot of money and put us in the same league as the rest of the Cartel.  And losing the deal is not even the worst of it.  C.J. blames Eric for this."

 

"Eric?  But, why would he blame Eric?"

 

"Because C.J. feels that Eric constantly speaking up for him at the meeting gave Brandon Harwood the impression that C.J. wasn't capable of running the meeting himself, much less an oil company.  But that part of this is my fault."

 

"Catlin, that's ridiculous, how could it be YOUR fault?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"Because I'm the one who asked C.J. to invite Eric to lunch with he and Brandon Harwood.  I just hope I haven't inadvertently touched off some sort of rivalry between my two sons.

 

Sue Ellen puts her arms around her husband and embraces him.

Pamela's apartment....the next morning....

 Pamela's doorbell rings the next morning.  Coming down the hall from the bedroom, she walks into the living room and opens the door to find Cliff and Afton there with a large box, and some bags of gifts.  "Good morning,"  says a smiling Afton.

 

"Mom, Daddy, what are you both doing here so early?"

 

"It was your mother's idea,"  Cliff says.  "She wanted to get you in the Christmas spirit, so can we come in?"

 

"Of course."

 

Cliff and Afton walk into the apartment.  "We brought this artificial tree, so, let's get it open and........."  Cliff stops 

short when he sees the tree Shawn had brought over, standing by the window in the living room.  "Oh, you already have a tree,"  he says.

 

"Pamela, the tree is lovely,"  says Afton.  "But, I thought you said you hadn't planned on getting one this year."

 

"I hadn't,"  Pamela says.  "But Shawn brought that tree over yesterday and we decorated it."

 

"Shawn?"  Afton asks.  "Shawn Smith, Tripp's brother?"

 

"Yes, that's right."

 

"Why would he do that?"  Cliff asks.

 

"He said that he did it for Hunter.  He didn't think the boys should be without a tree, or gifts, so, he brought the tree over, and even brought over all these gifts for the boys."

 

Afton smiles.  "Well, that was very sweet."

 

"And, ya know, the kid is right,"  says Cliff.  "Sweetheart, I know that you're upset about Justin being convicted of Tripp's murder, but that's no reason for my grandsons to miss out on Christmas."

 

"I know,"  says Pamela.  "It's just so hard for me to think about Christmas, or presents, or anything else with Justin in that horrible prison."

 

"Oh, baby, I know,"  Afton says.  "But you know how much Justin loves you and the boys, and he wouldn't want you just sitting around here grieving for him.  That's why I'm hoping I can convince you to come over to our apartment on Christmas for dinner.  Your father and I got the boys some gifts, and we got a few things for you, too.  Mitch and Daniel are coming over."

 

"Mom, maybe you and Dad can take the boys over, but, I just don't think I can handle a family Christmas this year.  Besides, I plan to go and see Justin on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day."

 

"Pammy, honey, you HAVE to come,"  Cliff says.  "You can still go and see Justin, and I'll even drive you there.  But we want you to spend at least part of Christmas with us, with your family.  Brad's gonna be there, and  I'm gonna try and see if Emma will over with Logan.  Hunter and Randall can play with their little cousin.  They've never even met Logan.  It'd be great to have all three of my grandsons around for Christmas."

 

"I don't know,"  Pamela says.  

 

Afton walks over to her daughter and puts her arms around her.  "Sweetheart, please.  At least do this for the boys, and for your father and I."

 

Pamela nods.  "Alright.  Alright, I'll try.  I can't promise I'll get through the day, but, I'll try."

 

Cliff smiles.  "Now THAT'S what I wanted to hear."

Ewing Oil....

 

At Ewing Oil, Sly, Cole, and Sally are decorating a Christmas tree in the middle of the large main office when Bobby steps off the elevator.  "Well, good morning,"  he says.  

 

"Morning, Bobby," Sly says.

 

"What a beautiful tree."

 

"Isn't it?"  Sally asks.  

 

"I've always loved decorating for Christmas," says Sly.

 

"Well, y'all must have been here for a while to have almost gotten it finished."

 

"We have been,"  Sly says.

 

 "No, I don't deny that at all,"  John Ross says.  "I made the deal.  A deal that's gonna bring in a lot of money for us.  But steal it, I did NOT.  All I did was make Brandon Harwood a much better offer than Catlin Oil could ever afford."

 

"And you don't see that that's basically the same thing as stealing?"  Sue Ellen asks.  "John Ross, you knew that my husband's company is much smaller than Ewing Oil, both in size and capital.  You had no right to go to Harwood and offer him a better deal."

 

"As one of the owners of Ewing Oil, I had every right.  Mama, I'm sorry, but this is a cutthroat business, and you knew that when you got into the oil business.  So did Catlin.  So did C.J.  Or at least I HOPE they're in this business with that knowledge.  Now we can't afford to play nice or pass up a sweet deal when it comes along just because a smaller comp'ny may want it and that comp'ny happens to be run by a relative.  If we did that, we'd never make any deals, big or small."

 

 

"Going after Harwood when you knew that C.J. was trying to make this deal with them was a dirty trick, John Ross,"  Sue Ellen says.  "I do not want Ewing Oil in competition with my husband's company."

 Sitting at a table at Atomic Sushi in downtown Dallas, Cliff is impatiently looking at his watch, as he is waiting to meet someone who is late.  Finally, he sees Clay Beaumont walk into the restaurant.  Clay walks over and takes a seat across from him.  "Mr. Barnes, sorry I'm late.  Thank you for coming."

 

"Y'know, kid, when you ask someone to meet you, the least you can do is be on time,"  says an annoyed Cliff.

 

"I know, and I'm sorry.  Some business came up."

 

"Business.  Business having to do with my former company, no doubt."

 

"Yes,"  Clay says.

 

"Look, I wasn't gonna come and meet you at all, but curiosity got the better of me.  Now what the hell do ya want?"

 

"Simple.  I want the truth,"  Clay says.

 Emma is walking in Reverchon Park early in the afternoon, pushing little Logan in his stroller, when Jimmy runs to catch up to her.  "Emma!"  He calls to her.  Emma turns around to face Jimmy as he jogs up to her.  "Hey,"  he says.

 

"Jimmy, what are you doing here?"  Emma asks.  "And how'd you know I'd be here?"

 

"I went by your mother's apartment, and Ann told me you brought the baby for a walk in the park."

 

"Yeah, I couldn't stand sitting around that apartment.  So what do you want?"

 

"To apoligize,"  Jimmy says.  "I know that I made you uncomfortable the other day. talking about Lucas.  I never meant to, and I'm sorry."

 "Emma's beginning to crack, I can FEEL it,"  Jimmy says that night, talking to Bobby and Lucas in Bobby's office at Southfork.  "Today when I brought up you and Michael, and how this whole thing is affecting him, I could tell it was really getting to her."

 

"Well, I hope she hurries up and cracks, because I can't take much more of this,"  Lucas says.  "And with this hanging over our heads at Christmas, it's putting a major strain on not only me, but especially Heather and Michael."

 

"I know.  And I'm sorry this is taking so long.  But, I didn't wanna do or say anything that would make Emma suspicious of what I'm doing."

 

"We know, Jimmy, and we can't thank you enough for doin' this for Lucas,"  Bobby says.  "I know it can't be easy."

 

"I'm just glad to  help, Uncle Bobby,"  Jimmy says.  "Well, I need to get going.  I'm meeting Emma at 8 for dinner, and I have to run home and shower real fast."

 

"Okay, and Jimmy, thank you,"  Lucas says.  "I'll never be able to repay you for this."

 

"Hey, that's what family's for.  And, as for repaying me.......I'll think of somethin',"  Jimmy says with a smile.  "I'll see you both later."

 

"Goodnight, Jimmy,"  Bobby says as his great-nephew leaves the room.  He turns to his son.  "Don't give up hope, son,"  he says.  "We just have to pray and have faith that Jimmy will get Emma to spill the truth about that fire and her alleged assault."

 

"I hope so, Dad,"  Lucas says with a sigh.  "This is already gonna be a lousy Christmas for Michael, with his broken leg, but, having this hanging over us like a black cloud is just pure hell."

Clay's apartment....

 Clay pours Ashley a cup of hot chocolate and hands it to her in his living room that night.  "Watch it, it's hot,"  he says.

 

"Thanks."

 

Clay takes a seat on the sofa beside her.  "You're welcome," he says, a sad tone in his voice.

 

"So, Cliff Barnes told you that he never slept with your mother, so there's no way he could be your father,"  Ashley says.

 

"That's right.  So now, I'm back to square one."

 

 "Here's your mail for the day, John Ross,"  Cole says as he hands John Ross a stack of mail in his office the next day.  

 

"Thank ya, Cole,"  John Ross says.  "Looks like mostly Christmas cards."

 

"Is there anything else I can do for you, John Ross?"

 

"No, that'll be all for now.  Oh, and Cole?"

 

"Yes, sir?"

 

"How you like workin' here so far?"  John Ross asks.

 

"It's only been a few days, but so far, I love it.  I'm learning a lot."

 

"Good, good.  I'm still hopin' my son will decide to come to work here, too."

 

"That would be awesome.  I know Alex a little, through Ashley Beaumont, and he seems like a pretty cool guy."

 

"Oh, that's right.  You're datin' my niece, aren't you?"

 

Cole smiles.  "Yes, sir.  Ashley's a great girl.  Well, if there's nothing else, I have some filing to do."

 

"Alright, thank ya, Cole,"  John Ross says as the young man leaves the office.

 

As Cole heads into the copy room a moment later, his cell phone rings.  Taking it from his pocket, he looks at the caller I.D. and smiles, then answers the call.  "Hello?  Amber?  Oh wow, how are you?  Yeah, it's been a long time.  What?  You're in Dallas?  Yeah, sure, I'd love to see you.  Yeah, I'm at work now but I'll be on my lunch break in about half an hour.  Tell you what?  Do you know where Renaissance Tower is?  It's right downtown, you can't miss it.  The address is 1201 Elm Street.  Let's say......1:00?  There's a food court downstairs on the ground floor.  Just meet me in the front lobby at 1.  Great.  I'll see you then.  Bye."  Cole ends the call and smiles.  

Jeremy Wendell's apartment....

 Jeremy Wendell pours himself a drink in his underground apartment in Dallas as Shawn watches him.  "I'll take one of those,"  Shawn says.

 

Jeremy looks at him.  "No, you're still under age."

 

"Come on.  You're trusting me with all that Westar stock, and with becoming the youngest CEO in Westar's history, but NOT with a glass of scotch?"

 

Jeremy again looks at his grandson and sighs, then pours a second glass of scotch and hands it to the young man.  "Shawn, you've really disappointed me,"  Jeremy says.  "I was hoping you would have those Westar shares away from Pamela Barnes by now."

 

 

"I'm still working on it.  Pamela has been difficult.  She's had a very rough couple of months, with Justin Ewing's conviction for my brother's murder.  That's all she seems to think about is that guy, how he's doing in prison, how he's being treated, that sort of thing.  I have to take it easy with or this whole plan will end up blowing up in our faces."

 

"And that had better not happen,"  says Jeremy.  "Shawn, you're going to have to step up your attempts to get those shares from Pamela.  I want them by the end of this year.  So that gives you a deadline of New Year's Eve."

 

"Jeremy, I'm doing my best,"  Shawn says.

 

"Well your best simply is not good enough,"  Jeremy says.  "You've had months to get me those shares in Westar.  You promised me you would deliver them, and I expect results.......BY the beginning of the new year, or I may have to find someone else who will deliver results, and I may have to use more forceful methods in dealing with Pamela Barnes.  One way or another, I WILL have those Westar shares by 2019.  Don't disappoint me the way your brother did, Shawn.  Now you may go."  Jeremy walks over to his desk and presses a button.  A few seconds later, his henchman, Kenneth, enters the room.  

"Ready to go?"  Kenneth asks.

 

"Oh, come on,"  Shawn says.  "How much longer are we gonna have to go through THIS bullcrap every time I come here?"

 

"Until I'm absolutely certain I can trust you beyond a shadow of a doubt,"  replies Jeremy.  "You get those Westar shares for us, and that will go a long way in earning my trust.  Kenneth, take him home."

 

Kenneth places a blindfold on Shawn's eyes and ties it behind his head.  He then handcuffs him, and leads him to an elevator and out of the apartment as Jeremy takes a seat at his desk and finishes off his drink.

Renaissance Tower lobby....

 Ashley walks into the lobby of Renaissance Tower, which houses both Ewing Oil and Ewing Records.  As she enters the building, Cole steps off the elevator.  Ashley sees him and smiles, but Cole doesn't see her.  The smile quickly disappears from Ashley's face when she sees Cole walk over to a beautiful young lady who appears to be about the same age as she and Cole.  Ashley watches as a smiling Cole hugs the young lady, then kisses her.  After a few seconds, the two head down the hall and out of Ashley's sight.  Flashbacks of Shawn with Michelle McKinnon overtake Ashley's thoughts.  She struggles to fight back her tears for a moment, before finally turning and quickly leaving the building, deeply upset.

Phyllis's apartment....that evening....

 "Oh dear God,"  Phyllis says in tears as Courtney and Christopher tell she and Gavin the story of what had happened to her as a teenager when she was staying at her father's home.  "Courtney, my baby.  Why?  WHY didn't you ever tell me what that son of a bitch did to you?"

 

"Mom, I couldn't,"  Courtney says.  "I wasn't going to tell you now, but, Christopher insisted that you have a right to know."

 

Phyllis looks at her son-in-law.  "Christopher, thank you.  Oh, Courtney, I can't even imagine what you went through."

 

"Why didn't you at least tell ME what was going on?"  Gavin asks.

 Clay cuts a piece of red velvet cake in his kitchen and places it on a saucer beside another piece.  He then picks up the two saucers, and a cup of hot chocolate, and walks into the living room, where he hands a saucer and cup to Ashley.  "Thanks, I could've helped," she says.

 

"No, you're my guest, and it's my pleasure to serve you,"  Clay says.  "Here's a fork.  Hope you like the cake."

 

Ashley cuts a piece of the cake and eats it.  "Oh my God, Clay, this is delicious.  Where'd you get this?   The bakery down the street?"

 

"No.  I made that myself."

 

"You're kidding.  You know how to make cakes?"

 

"Oh, yeah, I learned how to bake when I was about 13,"  Clay says.  

 

"From your mother?"

 

"No, absolutely NOT.  My mother was definitely not the domestic type.  I learned from my grandma, Amy Stevens.  She taught me how to bake, and how to cook enough to be able to get by.  With my Mom, it was either learn how to cook, or starve."

 

"Is your grandmother still alive?"  

 

"No.  She died in 2010, when I was 18,"  Clay says sadly.  "I still miss her every day.  But hey, I'm supposed to be cheering you up, not telling you about my grandmother passing away."

 

"Well, if anything is gonna cheer me up, it's a piece of delicious cake, a cup of hot chocolate, and a night of watching Christmas movies with my best friend."

 

"Your best friend?"  Clay asks with a smile.  

 

"Yes.  That's what you are, Clay.  You're the best friend I have right now, and probably the only person I feel like I can talk to.  Jimmy is so busy with everything going on in his own life, and taking care of Justin's ranch and his company, and my Mom's back east.  And since my breakup with Shawn, I really don't feel comfortable hanging out with Alex and Bridget."  Ashley puts her cake down on the coffee table and begins to cry. "I'm sorry," she says.  "I thought I'd cried all the tears I could already."

 

"Hey, it's fine.  You need to cry, you just let it out,"  Clay says, reaching over and touching her hand.  

 

"I really thought Cole was different from other guys,"  Ashley says.  "I thought he really liked me.  But when I saw him with that girl today...........it just proved to me that he's no different.  He's just like Shawn.  All guys are the same."

 

"Hey now, come on," says Clay.  "Don't count us all out, because there are some of us who AREN'T like that.  And, you don't know the whole story.  Maybe she was a relative or an old friend."

 

"No.  Definitely not a relative, not the way he kissed her.  And it was way beyond friendship.  Maybe all guys aren't the same, but all guys MY age definitely are."

 

"Well, if this guy Cole had any sense, he would never do anything to hurt you.  But since he did, then, obviously the guy is no good, and not worth your time."

 

"Maybe I'm just destined to be alone,"  Ashley says.

 

Clay strokes her hair.  "No way.  Not you," he says.  The two look into each others' eyes for a ,moment, then slowly begin to move closer until their lips almost touch.  

 

Suddenly, Ashley pulls away.  "Maybe I'd better go,"  she says.  

 

"Ash, I'm sorry.  I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable.  I'd never do that."

 

"I know that."

 

"Look, why don't we just put on a movie and watch it?"  Clay suggests.  "We don't even have to talk."

 

Ashley nods.  "Alright.  I really don't feel like going home and being alone right now.  Jimmy told me he'd be late tonight getting home."

 

Clay smiles.  "Great," he says as his phone rings.  He picks the phone up from the table and looks at it.  "Umm, I have to take this, it's business.  But, why don't you find us a good movie, and I'll make this short."

 

"Okay."

 

"Be right back,"  Clay says.  Standing to his feet, he goes into the bedroom to answer his call, while Ashley picks up the TV remote and begins searching for a movie on Clay's smart TV for them to watch.

Southfork....

Michael is laying on his bed in his room at Southfork that night, playing on his new hand held Nintendo Jenna had gotten him while he was in the hospital, his injured left leg stretched out and elevated on the covers.  Someone knocks at his door.  "Come in,"  he says, putting down his game.

 

Bobby walks into the room.  "Hey, buddy."

 

"Hey, Grandpa"  Michael says.

 

Bobby walks over to his grandson's bed.  "I see you're enjoyin' that game your Grandma got you for Christmas."

 

"Yeah, I am.  I wonder what she's gonna give me ON Christmas."

 

Bobby smiles.  "Well, whatever it is, you can bet it'll be somethin' special."

 

"Yeah."

 

"I just came in to see how you're doin'.  How's the leg?"

 

"Hurts a little, but not too bad,"  Michael says.   "It just sucks that I'm gonna be stuck on crutches on Christmas.  I was looking forward to getting a new bike."

 

"Well, you could still get a new bike you're just gonna have to wait a couple months before ya ride it, that's all," Bobby says.  "Y'know this reminds me of a Christmas I had myself when I was just about your age.  I broke my leg, too, only it was my right one."

 

"You did?"

 

"Well, actually it wasn't a broken leg, but it was a fractured right ankle.  And like your accident, it happened about a week before Christmas, so I was laid up that whole holiday.  I was miserable."

 

"How'd you hurt yourself?"  Michael asks.

 "I was bein' both clumsy, and a little stupid,"  Bobby replies.  "From the time we were little, my Daddy had always warned us boys not to play around in the hayloft, because it could be dangerous, and we could fall.  Well, bein' the little daredevil that I was, one cold December a week or so before Christmas, your Uncle Gary and I were in the barn playin' a round.  Now Gary was a little over 5 years older than me, so he was old enough to handle goin' up and down the ladder to the hayloft with no problem.  Well, like I said, bein' the little daredevil I was, I was bound and determined I was gonna play on that ladder, despite my older brother's ominous warnings that I was gonna fall......"

 

"Bobby, didn't Daddy tell you not to be playin' around in here like that?"  Gary asks.

 

"Yeah, so?"

 

"Well you better knock it off before ya fall and hurt yourself, and then Daddy's gonna tear your ass up for not mindin' him!"

 

"Stop your worryin', I'm not gonna fall,"  Bobby says.  "I know what I'm doin'."

 

"Okay, go right ahead, but don't come cryin' to me when ya do fall and break your neck," says Gary.  

********************************************************************************

"Well, no sooner had Gary gotten those words out of his mouth, than I climbed halfway up the ladder again, my foot slipped, and I fell, landing on my ankle and crackin' the bone,"  Bobby's voice says as he continues telling his  story to Michael.

*********************************************************************************

As Bobby falls, hurting his ankle, the 10-year-old screams out in pain.  Gary looks down from the hayloft.  "BOBBY!!"  He yells, seeing his little brother on the ground in pain.  Gary quickly climbs down the ladder and kneels beside the child.  "Bobby, where are you hurt?"

 

"My ankle!"  The boy cries.

 

"Darn it, Bobby, why won't you ever listen?  Just sit tight, I'll go get Ray to help me get you to the house!"  Gary says.  He runs out of the barn.

LATER........

As Bobby lays in his bed, a cast on his right foot, Miss Ellie sits at her son's bedside as he finishes a bowl of hot soup.  Once Bobby finishes the last bit of soup, he puts his spoon in the bowl and his mother takes the bowl from him, placing it on a table beside his bed.  

 

"Now, there, is that better?"  Ellie asks.  "Nothin' like hot soup on a cold day when you're sick, or hurt."

 Clay comes out of his bedroom after ending his business call.  "Ash, I'm sorry that call took so long.  Hope you found us a good movie......."  Clay stops short when he sees that Ashley has fallen asleep on his sofa.  Clay smiles.  He walks back into his bedroom, returning a few seconds later with a blanket he covers Ashley with.  He gently kisses her on the head. "Goodnight, and sleep tight," he says.  He walks out of the living room, switching the light off as he leaves the room. 

Clay's apartment....the next morning....

 Ashley wakes up on Clay's sofa the next morning.  Sitting up, she looks around the apartment, confused, wondering what time it is.  Picking up her phone, she looks at it and sees the time is 7:58 A.M.  She quickly gets up and folds the blanket that had covered her during the night.  She wonders if Clay is up yet.  Walking to the open bedroom door, she knocks.  She sees that Clay is gone, but hears the shower water running, then shut off in the bathroom adjoining his bedroom.  Realizing he is just getting out of the shower, Ashley walks out of the bedroom.  Going back to the living room, she beginnings straightening up the sofa where she slept, and getting her things together.  She sits down on the sofa, picks up a pen and piece of paper and quickly writes Clay a note, placing it on the coffee table.  As she is about to leave the apartment, Clay comes out of the bedroom.  

 

"Ashley?"  He says.

 

She stops and looks at him.  "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to fall asleep last night.  I was just so exhausted."

 

"No, it's fine,"  Clay says.  "I saw how tired you were.  I'm just sorry I took so long on the phone.  I just got out of the shower."

 

"I know,"  Ashley says, awkwardly.  

 

"Why don't you hang around for a bit, and I'll fix you some breakfast?"

 

"Clay, you don't have to do that.  You've done enough for me."

 

"I'd be glad to do it.  Please?"

 

Ashley smiles.  "Okay."

 

"Just let me run get a shirt and shoes on, unless you want me making your breakfast with no shirt and bare feet."

 

"No.  Go get dressed,"  she says with a smile.  

 

"Be right back,"  Clay says.  He goes into the bedroom.  Ashley takes off her coat and tosses her purse onto the sofa.  A moment later, Clay returns fully dressed.  "Okay, what would you like for breakfast, Miss Beaumont?  I have eggs, bacon, sausages, pancakes, and waffles."

 

"Waffles and sausage sounds great.  I hate eggs."

 

"No kidding, so do I,"  says Clay.

 

"Really?  That's weird.  You're like the only other person I've ever met in my life who doesn't like eggs."

 

"Can't stand 'em,I never could,"  Clay says as he begins to gather his things to cook breakfast.  

 

Ashely walks over to him.  "Clay, what are your plans for Christmas?"

 

"Nothing.  Probably just gonna stay home and watch a couple football games.  Maybe a good old Christmas movie like Home Alone or It's A Wonderful Life."

 

"Really?  You have nowhere to go?"

 

"Nope.  You forget, I don't really have any friends in this city."

 

"Well, now you have someplace to go."

 

"Oh yeah?  Where?"  Clay asks.

 

"I'm inviting you to the Ewing family Christmas at Southfork.  It's gonna be Christmas Eve."

 

"Ash, come on.  Wouldn't the Ewings, and your brother just LOVE to see me show up at their big family Christmas, considering how they all feel about me?"

 

"Clay, I want you to come,"  Ashley says.  "I need you there.  It's gonna be hard, being at Southfork, where my father was killed."

 

"I'm sorry.  But, Ash, I don't think it would be a good idea.  You know Jimmy hates my guts."

 

"Please.  I really want you there.  Not only for myself, but, I can't stand the thought of you spending Christmas here, alone, by yourself."

 

"Ash, Christmas was never a big deal to me.  Growing up, my Mom never really did anything to make it special."

 

"Well, now's the time to change that.  If you don't come, then I'm just gonna have to come over here and spend the day with you."

 

"What?  And miss your big family Christmas?  I couldn't let you do that."

 

"Then you'll have to come to Southfork with me,"  Ashley says.

 

Clay looks at her and laughs slightly.  "Okay, okay.  I'll come.  At least until someone tosses me out of that house."

 

"That's not gonna happen, I promise."

 

Clay smiles at her.

Southfork....Christmas Eve....

 

A few evenings later, on Christmas Eve, as "O Little Town Of Bethlehem" plays softly in the background, Southfork is alive with people as the Ewings gather in the living room, which has been beautifully decorated for the season.  As the family helps themselves to finger foods in the living room, the doorbell rings.  "I'll get it,"  Bobby says, going into the foyer.  

 

"Well, come in,"  Bobby says as he opens the door to Ray, Donna, Conner, and Dylan, who arrive with a bag full of gifts.

 

"Merry Christmas!"  Donna says, greeting Bobby with a kiss.

 

"Merry Christmas to you."

 

"Merry Christmas, Bob,"  Ray says.

 

"Same to you, Ray, everybody's in the living room, y'all go on in."

 

Ray and Donna walk into the living room, where they are greeted by most of the family.  Ray spots Jenna standing across the room.  "Donna, excuse me,"  he says.  Ray walks over to where Jenna is standing by the Christmas tree.  "Jenna,"  he says.

 

"Hello, Ray.  Merry Christmas."

 

"Same to you.  How are you?"

 

"I'm fine.  Especially being here with the family at Christmas.  Charlie wasn't able to make it.  Unfortunately, she has an assignment to complete and she's behind on her work."

 

"Well, that's a shame."

 

"She's going to try to make it for a visit for New Year's."

 

Meanwhile Jimmy walks into the room, a sad look on his face.

 

"Jimmy, what's wrong?"  Lucas asks.  

 

Jimmy sighs.  "I just got off the phone with my Mom.  There's a big snowstorm in Boston,and her flight got cancelled, so she and Eve won't be able to make it here for Christmas."

 

"Oh, man, I'm sorry to hear that.  I know how much you were looking forward to seeing her."

 

"Yeah I was,"  Jimmy says.  "Ashley's gonna be real disappointed.  Speaking of Ashley......"  Jimmy looks at his watch.  "I thought she'd be here by now."

 

"She's probably on her."

 

Donna walks over to Bobby, who's standing by the French door looking out the window.  "Bobby," she says.  

 

"Hello,"  he says, putting his arm around her.  

 

"Hard believe it's Christmas again,"  she says.  "Last Christmas seems like only a few days ago, and now here we are again."

 

"Well, they say the older we get, the faster the years go by, and I sure believe it,"  Bobby says.  

 

"I'm glad that you decided to have the family Christmas here.  Wouldn't have been the same without it."

 

"Yeah.  It just seems so different this year.  So many that are usually here couldn't be here this year.  James, Justin.  Matt and Margaret."

 

"And.......Ann?"  Donna asks.

 

"Yeah......Ann,"  Bobby says sadly.

 

"Have you spoken to her at all?"

 

"No.  Not in a few days, anyway.  Our divorce hearing is set for this Friday."

 

"I'm really sorry that it's come to this.  If there's anything Ray and I can do......."

 

"I know, and I really appreciate it,"  Bobby says, kissing her on the cheek.  

 

Meanwhile, Catlin, Sue Ellen, and C.J. walk into the room.  The three pause at the door as Catlin looks around the room.  C.J. lets out a deep sigh upon seeing John Ross across the room.  

 

"Son are you alright?"  Catlin asks.

 

"Fine, Dad.  Just as long as I don't have to interact with John Ross tonight."

 

"C,J., I know you're angry,"  says Sue Ellen.  "But let's all just try and get through this night without any drama."

 

"Okay, Sue Ellen, for YOUR sake, no drama.  I'll just stay away from John Ross."

 

"Catlin, Sue Ellen, welcome,"  Christopher says.  

 

"Merry Christmas, Christopher,"  Sue Ellen says, kissing her nephew.  

 

"Merry Christmas to you all.  Is Eric coming?"

 

"Yes, he called me when we were driving up.  He's on his way,"  Catlin replies.

 

At that moment, the doorbell rings.  "Oh, excuse me,"  Christopher says.  He walks into the foyer and opens the front door to Clay and Ashley.  "Hi, come in."

 

"Hi, Christopher,"  Ashley says.  "I hope it was okay that I asked Clay to come."

 

"Of course,"  Christopher.  "It's Christmas, and Clay, you're welcome."

 

"Thanks, man."

 

"No problem, you guys come on in.  Everyone's in the living room."

 

As Clay and Ashley walk into the living room, Jimmy is surprised to see them together.  Making his way through the crowd, he approaches his sister and Clay.  "Hi, Jimmy,"  Ashley says.

 

"Ashley, what the hell is going on?  What's this guy doing here?"

 

"Merry Christmas to you, too,"  Clay says.

 

"I invited him,"  says Ashley.

 

"Why?"

 

"Because he's my friend.  And not only that, I wasn't about to let him spend Christmas alone."

 

"Ashley........"

 

"Jimmy, have you talked to Mom?"  Ashley asks.

 

"Yes, and she won't be able to make it.  A big winter storm back east has caused her flight to be cancelled."

 

"Oh, no.  I really wanted to see her and Eve."

 

"So did I,"  Jimmy says. "But she said she'll be here as soon as the weather clears.  Sis, we have to talk."

 

"Jimmy, please, don't start.  Clay, come on, let's go look at the tree."

 

Jimmy watches with anger as Ashley takes Clay by the hand and leads him across the room.  John Ross walks up to his nephew.

 

"What the hell are those two doin' here together?"  John Ross asks.

 

"I dunno.  Ashley said she didn't want the guy spending Christmas alone."

"I'm sorry.  But.........what's with you and this Clay guy?"

 

"Clay is one of the sweetest, nicest guys I've ever met.  In fact, he even made breakfast for me the other morning."

 

"He made BREAKFAST for you?"  Alex asks.  "Meaning you were either in his apartment early in the morning, or you were there all night.  Ash, Clay may not be your brother, but, don't you think the guy's a little too old for you?"

 

"Clay is 27, and I'm 19.  So NO, I don't,"  Ashley replies.  "He's the most caring guy that I know right now, and he treats me like I've never been treated before.  Maybe a slightly older guy is exactly what I needed, because guys OUR age, have all proven themselves to be complete jerks and cheaters."  She picks up two glasses of eggnog and walks away from him.  Alex shakes his head.

Meanwhile....Harris Correctional Institute....

Cally and Pamela are waiting anxiously in the visitation room at Harris Correctional Institute that evening, when a man in a suit, the prison's deputy warden, comes in to speak to them.  "Ms. Harper, Ms. Barnes, I'm very sorry."

 

"Sorry?  Well, what do you mean by that?"  Cally asks.

 

"Justin refuses to see either of you."

 

"Refuses to see us?"  

 

"Yes.  He said that doesn't want any visitors, and that you should go home and enjoy your Christmas."

 

"Look, we wanna see my son,"  says Cally.  "Can't you bring him out here?"

 

"I'm very sorry, but I can't force any inmate to see a visitor if he doesn't want to.  I'm sorry, but, you both should leave.  And, as hard as it is, have a good Christmas."

 

"Cally, we might as well go,"  Pamela says.  

 

Cally and Pamela reluctantly leave.  Once outside, Cally begins to cry.  "I can't believe he refused to see both of us."

 

"Neither can I.  But if he refuses to see for Christmas, there's nothing we can do.  Come on,"  Pamela says.  The two women head down a hall to the building exit.  

Ann's apartment....

 Emma sits in the living room of Ann's new apartment looking at the Christmas tree standing in one corner of the room.  Ann walks in.  "Well, Logan is out like a light,"  she says.  "Poor little guy was exhausted."

 

"Some Christmas Eve, huh?"  Emma asks.  "Just us here, alone.  This is your first Christmas away from Southfork, isn't it?"

 

"Yes, it is."

 

Emma looks at her.  "I noticed you have a couple gifts under the tree for the Ewings."

 

"Yes.  I bought gifts for the kids.  I'll take them out there some time this week."

 

"Why not tonight?"  Emma asks.

 

"Because it's Christmas, and I'm sure the whole family is over there."

 

"What better time?  Come on, you know you wanna see Bobby and the rest of the family at Christmas.  And to find out how Lucas's son is after he broke his leg."

 

Ann sighs.  "Yes, I would.  But, I'm just not sure how appropriate it would be under the circumstances."

 

"I really think that you should go, and take the gifts."

 

"I really don't wanna leave you here alone."

 

"Please, just go,"  Emma says.  "Logan and I will be fine here for a while.  Just go."

 

Ann looks at her and  nods.  "Alright, I will.  But I'll only be gone a little while.  Emma, are you alright?"

 

"Fine.  Just thinking about Christmas, and Logan, and Lucas.  Everything."

 

"Emma you've been real quiet the last few days.  And sad.  Is there somethin' you'd like to talk to me about?"

 

"No."

 

"Are you sure?"  Ann asks.  "This is the second time this week you've brought up Lucas's name.  Why is that?"

 

"He's my son's father.  Is it so unusual that I'd be thinking about him over the holidays?"

 

"No, I suppose not.  But, you and Lucas don't exactly have the best relationship.  Emma, what's really goin' on?  Are you maybe feelin' a little guilty?"

 

"What would I have to feel guilty about?"  Emma asks.

 

"I dunno.  You tell me."

 

"I'm not feeling guilty about anything.  Look, why don't you just go to Southfork, and take those gifts?"

 

"Alright."  Ann walks over to the Christmas tree and picks up five gifts.  Then she looks at her daughter.  "Emma, you're my daughter and I love you dearly.  Just like you love your son.  And one day, Logan is gonna wanna know about his father.  He's gonna wonder why Lucas itn't in his life.  That's when you're gonna have to come up with the answers to some real tough questions.  How do you explain to a child that his father is in prison?  Just think about that, okay?"  Taking her gifts, Ann walks over and places them into a box.  She picks the box up, looks at Emma again, and  then leaves the apartment.

 

After her mother is gone, Emma begins to cry.  

Pamela's apartment....

                                                                                                                                                                 Pamela steps off the elevator down the hall from her apartment.  As she slowly walks to her apartment, she sees Shawn standing in front of her door, ringing her doorbell.  She approaches him.  "Shawn?"

 

"Pamela, hi."

 

"What are you doing here?"

 

"I came over to watch Hunter and Randall open their gifts.  I should've figured you'd be at your parents' place tonight."

 

"The boys are.  I spent the day there, but then Justin's mother and I went to visit Justin at the prison."

 

"Oh yeah?  How's he doing?"  Shawn asks.

 

"I have no idea.  He wouldn't see us."

 

"Why not?"

 

"Justin.........he's given up,"  Pamela says, unlocking her door.  She and Shawn walk into the apartment.  "He wants me to forget about him and move on."

 

"Maybe you should."

 

 "I can't do that,"  Pamela says.  "No matter what, I still love him."

 "I understand that,"  Shawn says.  "Pamela, I know this itn't what you wanna hear, but, Justin was given LIFE in prison for murder.  No possibility of parole, which means he's gonna be in there for the rest of his life.  Do you really think he would want you to just sit around and mourn for him.......or would he want you to move on with your own life?"

 

"I know.  I understand what you're saying, but........"  Pamela walks over to the window and looks out.  "It's so hard, and so damned unfair."

 

Shawn walks over to her.  "I know it is.  But it is what it is.  You can't change it.  All you can do is move on and try to be happy, for yourself and your boys."  Shawn places a comforting hand on her shoulder.  "Pamela, I think you need someone.  Even if it's just for tonight.  I know I do.  Maybe we can be there for each other."

 

Pamela turns and looks at him.  Neither says a word as they stare into each others' eyes.  "I hurt so much right now,"  she finally says in tears.  "I feel so empty inside."

 

Shawn gently touches her face.  "I know.  And if you'll let me, I'd like to try and fill that emptiness."

 

Pamela looks at the handsome young man standing before her, the younger brother of her former husband, and for the first time, she begins to feel an attraction for Shawn, an attraction born out of neediness and loneliness.  Against her better judgement, Pamela doesn't resist when Shawn moves closer and kisses her.  After a moment, she pulls out of the kiss.  The two look into each others' eyes again, then begin kissing passionately......

Southfork....

 Back at Southfork, the doorbell rings.  Bobby makes his way out of the crowded living room and into the foyer.  He opens the front door to find Ann there with a box full of gifts.  "Hello. Bobby," she says.

 

He smiles.  "Hello, Ann.  Please, come in."

 

"Thank you," she says, walking into the house.  "It's cold out there."

 

"Yes it is.  I'm kinda surprised to see you.  But I'm glad you came over."

 

"Thank you, Bobby.  I brought  few gifts for the kids."

 

"Everybody's in the livin' room.  Come on in."

 

"Bobby, maybe I shouldn't.  I don't wanna make anyone uncomfortable, under the circumstances.  I'll just leave these, and......"

 

"Nonsense,"  Bobby says.  "Ann, it's Christmas.  A night of forgiveness.  Come in,  Please."'

 

She looks at him and nods, then follows him into the living room.

Meanwhile....back at Ann's apartment....

 Emma folds two blouses, puts them into her suitcase, then closes and zips the suitcase.  She walks over and picks up Logan from his crib, then picks up his little bag, throwing it over her shoulder.  Picking up a sealed envelope on which 'Mom' is written, Emma picks up her suitcase and walks into the living room.  She places the letter on the coffee table in front of the sofa, then, with Logan in one arm, her suitcase in the other hand, Emma walks to the 

 

door.  She pauses and takes one last look around the apartment, tears streaming down her face.  "Goodbye, Mom," she says quietly.  "I'm so sorry.......for everything."  She then walks out of the apartment, closing the door behind her.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Southfork....

 Back at the ranch, as everyone is engaged in various conversations around the room, Bobby steps to the center of the room.  "Everyone, may I have your attention, please?"  He says loudly.  "EVERYONE!?"  

 

Slowly, the noise begins to die down in the room. 

 

"Thank you,"  Bobby says, once everyone is quiet and gathering around him, the crowd including Ann, Christopher, Courtney, Jacob, Phyllis, Gavin, Ben, Lucas, Heather, Michael, Jenna, John Ross, Krystina, Little John and Ellie (held by Krystina), Alex, Bridget, Sue Ellen, Catlin, C.J., Eric, Lucy, Jimmy, Ashley, Clay, Ray, Donna, Conner, Dylan, and a very sad Cally.  "Thank you, everyone,"  Bobby continues.  "First of all I'd like to thank everyone for being here tonight.  And let us also remember those no longer with us, and those who are unable to be here on this very special night, James, Justin, Debra Lynn and little Eve, and Gary and his family in California.  As I look around this room, I'm very happy and very proud to see this many people filling this home.  There was a time when Southfork was a very empty and lonely place.  It was for years.  But now, this home is once again filled with people, and family, and, despite all the fighting and dysfunction that sometimes occurs........love.  And that's what Christmas is all about, love.  Not the petty disagreements and arguments we have the rest of the year.  Tonight, as we celebrate not only the birth of the Christ Child, we also celebrate family and what that word means.  So, grab your glass and raise it in a toast, no matter what you happen to be drinkin'........to the Ewings.  And may 2019 bring better times to this family."

 

"Here, here,"  Christopher says as everyone toasts.  

 

"And now,"  Bobby says.  "My very talented grandson, Michael, who is temporarily crippled, is going to serenade us with a a song."

 

The entire room applauds as the boy hops over to a stool set up from him in front of a microphone by the Christmas tree.  He takes a seat on the stool.  Heather hands her son his guitar.  A quiet comes over the room as 

Michael begins to softly play "Silent Night" on his guitar, and then sing:

 

"Silent night, holy night

All is calm, all is bright

Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child

Holy infant so tender and mild

Sleep in heavenly peace

 

Sleep in heavenly peace..... 

Silent Night.  Holy night......"

 

 

Across the room, listening at the beautiful rendition of the song, Ben turns to Dylan, who is standing beside him.  "Merry Christmas, Dylan," he says with a smile.

 

"Merry Christmas, Ben,"  Dylan says.

 

As everyone listens to Michael's song, Clay takes Ashley by the hand and leads her over to the doorway.  "Hey, where are we going?"  Ashley asks.  

 

 

"Right here,"  Clay replies.  "Look up."

 

Ashley turns her head and looks up, and sees that they are standing underneath the mistle toe.  

 

"You know what that means,"  Clay says.

 

"Oh yes, I do,"  Ashley says, and the two begin to kiss. 

 

Across the room, Jimmy sees the two kissing and his mouth falls open in shock,  He and John Ross exchange looks.  Jimmy quickly breaks away from the crowd and walks over to them.  "Ashley, what the hell is going on over here?" He asks.

 

"What's it look like?"  Ashley replies.  

 

"Ashley, stop this.  You have to stop this NOW!"

 

"Jimmy, I know how you feel about Clay, but I don't care,  I really care about him, and there's nothing you can do about it. Clay and I are seeing each other."

 

"Ashley, you CAN'T do this!"  Jimmy says angrily.  

 

"Yes, Jimmy, I can."

 

"You don't understand."

 

"No, you're the one who doesn't understand,"  says Ashley.  "Clay is the first guy who treats me really well. And you're just gonna have to accept that."

 

"Ashley........He's our brother,"  Jimmy says.

 

Both Clay and Ashley look at him in shock.  "What?"  Ashley asks.

 

"Boy, you'd do or say anything to keep me away from your sister, wouldn't you?"  Clay asks.

 

"Jimmy, why would you say that?  We were both there when that DNA test proved that Dad wasn't Clay's father,"  says Ashley.

 

"It was a lie.  The DNA test was faked.  I paid the doctor to switch the results after the real DNA test proved that Clay is Dad's son.  Ashley, this guy is our brother."

 

Both Clay and Ashley look at Jimmy, their mouths open in shock, then the two look at each other, completely blown away by what they have just heard!

END OF EPISODE 189....