"It can't be," said Sue Ellen.

"Kristin?" asked Christopher.

"Christopher, you've grown into quite a man. Sue Ellen, it's so nice to see you after all these years."

"What? Who are you? Kristin drowned almost eighteen years ago in the Southfork pool. There is no way you can possibly be her," said Sue Ellen.

"That's a long story. I'm not really feeling up to it right now. I just want to see my son."

Pam had been quiet through the incident, but Kaitlin's last words were enough to break her silence. "He is NOT your son! Bobby and I are Christopher's parents."

"Pam," said Bobby.

J.R. also spoke up. "Who the hell do you think you are barging in Southfork like this."

Kaitlin remembered that she had told J.R. her story, that was for the most part untrue. She had however, told him her name was Kaitlin. "You know who I am J.R."

"You're right, I do."

"Who ever you are, you're not Kristin Sheperd. Get off of this ranch," said Miss Ellie sharply.

Clayton walked to the window, "I don't think anyone is going anywhere tonight. It looks like we have the makings of an ice storm out there."

"That's good," said Christopher suddenly, "I want to talk to Kristin. Alone please."

Christopher motioned for Kristin to follow him upstairs and the two left the room full of baffled partygoers. "Who are you?" asked Christopher when the two were out of earshot of the rest.

"I am Kristin Sheperd, your mother."

"Give me one reason why I should believe you."

"You've seen pictures of me. Pictures do not lie."

"They say everyone has a lookalike somewhere in the world."

"And my case is no exception. Let me explain. I had a twin sister named Kaitlin. She was 'adopted' by another family. Kaitlin came to Dallas after I left for California and tried to impersonate me. It was she that drowned in the pool, not me."

"Can you prove this?"

"There is proof, but not here with me now."

"I have proof," said a third voice. It was Sue Ellen.

"What is it?" asked Kaitlin.

"Kristin had a birthmark on her left shoulder. Our mother used to call it her 'Angel's Kiss'. If you are really who you say you are, then you will have it."

Kaitlin paused for a moment. "Go on, show it to us," said Christopher. "Prove you really are who you say you are."

"Welcome Marilee!" J.R helped Marilee off with her coat.

"J.R, have you met my son Eric?"

"Yes, I think we were introduced on the Oil Baron's cruise, nice to see you again son."

"You to Mr. Ewing."

Marilee surveyed the room. "J.R, quite an eclectic group you have gathered here tonight, have I mixed any fire works?"

"Not yet darlin, but....the night is young."

Kaitlin removed her coat and pulled back her sleeve, revealing a small birthmark on her left shoulder. "Oh my God," said Sue Ellen.

"I told you."

"Then that means that you are my real mother."

"Yes I am Christopher. I've wanted to see you for so long."

Sue Ellen stood silent, letting the shock go away. "I…I don't know what to say. What to do…"

"I know you and I have had our differences in the past. Can we please let those stay in the past?" reasoned Kaitlin.

"I think we can handle that."

J.R. stood outside the door. "What is Kaitlin up to. I'll talk to her later."

Lucy and Cliff were dancing alone in the library.

"Cliff, I am so happy, despite the last week, I feel like you and I are going to have a wonderful 1999. Is it....to early to start planning our wedding?"

"Our Wedding?" Cliff Barnes was as confused and messed up as ever. When he was with Afton, before Halloween, his thoughts always returned to Lucy. Now that he was with Lucy, he could not get his mind off Afton. Both women swirled around his head, sometimes at the same time. "Lucy, that might be a bit premature, I'm still married."

"Just a technicality my dear, after the New Year it will be time to go for the big divorce."

"Well, let's just get through Christmas shall we."

Afton stood by the door. "He still wants me, it is not going to be that easy to get him away from me Lucy Ewing."

"Afton, what are you up to?" Marilee and Eric walked up to where Afton was hiding. "Nothing Marilee, happy holidays."

"Yeah, where is Cliff?"

"Right in there."

"Ok, now I understand why you were playing eavesdropper at the door, come on Eric."

Marilee and Eric walked into the library interrupting yet another Christmas kiss between Cliff and Lucy. "Cliff, can I see you a moment....alone."

"Marilee, I am kind of busy...."

"I see that, but this is important."

Cliff looked at Lucy."Lucy do you mind?"

"No, we have all night. Hello Marilee."

Marilee gave Lucy a curt hello, she was never too fond of the young Ewing." Cliff, you remember my son Eric, you met on the cruise."

"Hello Eric."

"Mr. Barnes." Eric stared into the eyes of his father, although his father did not know it...yet."

Marilee turned to Lucy, this time speaking in an overly sweet voice. "Lucy maybe you could take Eric on a tour of Southfork."

"Sure Marilee, how exciting." Lucy spoke in her sarcastic way, the way usually reserved only for evil uncles. "Follow me Eric, we'll start with the Southfork bathrooms, cleanest cans in Dallas."

Once Lucy and Eric left, Marilee shut the door to the library. "Cliff, I need your help. I am having a great deal of difficulty with Joe Landry, he is running my off shore wells, and they are not producing. I am almost 16 millions dollars into it, and still no oil. I know it is there, the perspectives proved it. I know the reason is because of Joe. He hates dealing with women, and just won't listen to a word I say."

"What do you want me to do?"

"Fly over to Asia, speak to him see what's going on. I will go with you, but alone I don't stand a chance. If it were not Christmas I would fire the bastard, but the crew is all his, and I would spend millions more on the delay it would take to find a new crew. Cliff you have worked with Joe before, he likes you, he trusts you. Will you please do this for me."

"When?"

"Day after Christmas, we will take a 6a.m flight."

"The day after Christmas, sorry Marilee that is too soon."

"Cliff I know you are not exactly up to eye balls in work these days, I thought you could use the cash."

"I could, but I am not leaving Lucy over the holidays."

"New love, damn it! Is there nothing I can say to change your mind?"

"Not a thing Marilee, sorry."

John Ross opened the door to welcome the newest guest—she would be the last to arrive before the storm set in bad enough to make the roads impassable. He welcomed Melissa McSween in out of the cold.

"Merry Christmas Mr. Ewing," said Melissa to John Ross.

"Now I thought we got that straight last time we talked. John Ross will do fine."

"Ok John Ross," said Melissa seductively. John Ross glanced nervously around the room looking for Pamela Rebecca, but she was nowhere to be found. "Why don't we skip this party and go find a little Christmas cheer on our on."

"Melissa…"

"I want you so much."

John Ross could not deny the fact that he wanted her too. He thought about Pamela Rebecca but soon forgot about her. "Maybe that isn't a bad idea. I'll meet you upstairs in about five minutes. My bedroom… First one on the right."

"Ok. Don't be late."

Kaitlin mingled with the rest of the crowd, though most of them were not convinced she was Kristin Sheperd. Only Sue Ellen and Christopher seemed to believe her. Whether they believe her or not, Kaitlin was taking full advantage of the situation. She stepped off into the foyer to make a phone call.

"Daddy, this is Kaitlin. Our little fake birthmark did the trick…yes, yes. Sue Ellen and Christopher believed me. J.R. seems a little skeptical…No, I don't think J.R. will be a problem…She is taken care of. There won't be any static from her…ok, bye Daddy."

J.R. walked into the foyer after she folded up her cell-phone. "Kaitlin, what is this all about?"

"Kaitlin? J.R., that was just my cover story to throw everyone off my track."

"I'm not going to say anything…yet. I'm going to research this. Do a little digging. If you're telling the truth, then fine. But if you're lying, and you're not who you say you are, then all of Texas won't be big enough for you to hide from me in."

J.R. left a startled Kaitlin standing alone.

John Ross pushed open his door to find Melissa already in bed. He quietly shut the door behind him before joining her. Pamela Rebecca peered around the corner. Earlier, she had seen Melissa go into John Ross' bedroom. She wasn't surprised when John Ross had followed only five minutes later.

"How smart does he think he is. Well John Ross, you must not be that smart. This is exactly what I've been waiting for. Have fun while it lasts…"

"It is crazy outside!"

The group turned to see Sly returning, soaking wet. She had left ten minutes earlier for home.

"Is it raining?" Pamela Rebecca asked.

"Not exactly."

"Snowing?"

"Again, not exactly."

"Then what is it doing?" Sue Ellen asked.

"Sleeting, it is horrible out there."

Miss Ellie turned off the Christmas music, and the sound of ice hitting the house was suddenly heard. "I don't think anyone should be going anywhere. I think it is best you all stay the night. I'm glad Punk and Mavis left earlier and beat this storm."

Sue Ellen turned and smiled at J.R. "I remember when something similar happened before. Do you remember J.R?"

"Please don't remind me."

"Come on J.R, I haven't brought up your teenage hay seed in awhile, heard from Cally lately?"

"Sue Ellen, enough!"

"Ok, sorry darlin, just been thinking about her lately, her son must be almost ten by now."

J.R walked away in a huff, and headed up to bed, not bothering to say good night, or wish anyone a merry Christmas.

"OK." Ellie was giving out instructions. "Phyllis, you and Sly can share the first guest room on the right. Eric, there is a room right beside for you. Marilee, You can take Gary and Val's room, Cliff you can....."

"I know where I am sleeping Miss Ellie." Cliff interrupted.

"Good, thought you might mind being here on the couch. Now, is that everyone.?"

"All except me."

"Afton, sorry, almost forgot you were here. Hmm."

"I could room with Lucy!"

"Over my dead body!" Lucy had been quiet for awhile, but suddenly sprang to life.

"Come on Lucy, what are you afraid of?"

"I am certainly not afraid of you."

"That's ok Miss Ellie, I can find a place here in the living room."

"Yeah right." Lucy thought, down here with Cliff. "Sly, would you mind sharing with me, then Afton could go in with Phyllis?"

"Sure Lucy, not a problem."

Afton glared at Lucy, and Lucy just smiled back.

"Alright then everybody." Ellie was grouping them all together as if they were in the army. "Tomorrow is Christmas, we are all going to need a good night's sleep, so off to bed, and I don't want to hear any little elves up during the night."

Christmas eve was over, it was almost 2 a.m. The house was amazingly quiet, except for the sound of the ice beating against the roof. Cliff could not sleep, he had been tossing and turning all night. The Southfork couch was lovely to look at, but not at all comfortable to sleep on. Cliff decided he would see if he could find a more comfortable bed to rest his weary head. Very carefully Cliff tip toed up the Southfork staircase and headed towards Lucy's room. He and Sly had a history, rather sordid of course, but he was sure he could talk her into giving them a little time alone. He slowly began to turn the knob to Lucy's room when he heard a noise behind him. Cliff quickly jumped behind the huge potted plant in the hallway. He watched with interest as J.R Ewing slid down the hallway, just as he had done a few moments earlier. J.R tapped very slightly on Sue Ellen's door.

"Who is it?" Sue Ellen had been asleep, and was not thrilled to turn over and see J.R in her door way. "What the hell is going on, there had better be a fire J.R!"

"Just the fire in me."

"What the hell!"

"Sue Ellen, it's Christmas, thought you might want to give me my gift a little early, for old times sake."

Sue Ellen was not as angry as she should have been, she almost felt sorry for the old guy. "J.R, I was there for the first and second, and maybe even third act, I am not going for a forth. Try door number 2, Marilee is just down the hall."

J.R did bother to argue and headed back to his room, he stopped in front of the room where Afton was sleeping for a brief moment. "Nah!" Not worth the effort.

Cliff had a hard time from not laughing out loud at the J.R's attempt for a little Christmas cheer. When the coast was clear, Cliff made his way to the door again. Again, just as the he was about to turn the door, noises could be heard from down the hall. Again he made a dive for the plant.

"John Ross thanks for meeting up with me."

"It's ok Karen, We are friends."

"I know, but after what I said earlier about Pamela Rebecca, I thought you might not want to be my friend. We have been through a lot, I want us both to remain friends."

"We will Karen, I promise. Good night."

"Good night John Ross."

As John Ross entered his room he heard the voice of his daughter. "Where the hell were you." Cliff heard no more, the door was shut. He loved his daughter dearly, but at the moment felt a little sorry for John Ross Ewing.

Cliff went slower at his third attempt at Lucy's door, but third time was not the charm. "Cliff, may I help you?"

"Miss Ellie, no..hmmm....sorry...ummm."

"Save it Cliff, just go to bed."

"I was just trying to...."

"I know exactly what you were trying to do, but it will not happen, not tonight, even if that means I have to park myself right here in the hallway all night."

"Sorry Miss Ellie, good night."

"Good night Cliff!"

Cliff made his way down the stairs, and slowly back to the uncomfortable couch. As he got closer he saw the body of a beautiful blond lying seductively across his bed."

"Lucy?"

"Nope, it is your wife dear."

"Afton what are you doing?" Cliff was both annoyed and excited.

"Well waiting for you of course. Where have you been?"

"Went to the bathroom, but I couldn't go, hate when that happens."

"Yeah, I know what you mean, come a little closer Cliff, I won't bite."

"Afton it is late, I just want to get some sleep."

Afton stood and walked towards her husband. She gently kissed him. Cliff kissed back. Afton smiled, a sort of evil 'grinch-like' smile. "I knew you still wanted me, I have always known it Cliff. Lucy was just a small, runt like distraction. You and I will be back together."

Cliff pushed Afton away. "Go back to bed Afton."

"I will, and I will be having sweet pleasant dreams."

Ellie was thrilled, the next day had gone off without a hitch. The family opened their gifts full of smiles, no fighting, no complaints. In fact the family was quieter than they had been in awhile. Breakfast was even pleasant. Sue Ellen in fact had been down right cheery. She kept smiling at J.R. "Was it possible the two of them might actually get back together?" Pamela Rebecca was putting on her angel act, which Ellie, for now, was buying, or choosing to buy at least. Marilee, Eric, Phyllis and Sly left shortly after noon. The worst of the ice storm had passed, the roads were fine. Understandably they wanted to get back to their own homes. Most of the Ewing's were off doing their own thing. Ellie was in the kitchen putting the finishing touches on the turkey feast. The day was perfect. Nothing was going to spoil it.

Donna and Ray lay by the fire in the cabin. They to had a perfect day. They awoke to bacon and eggs. Exchanged gifts, things they had made, since there had not been time to plan purchases. The tree, the Charlie Brown tree was a few feet away. Decorated with pine cones and popcorn, it was the most beautiful tree Donna and Ray could remember.

"Ray, this has been the most special Christmas ever."

"I agree Donna, I am so glad I made my way to Washington."

"I am as well. Ray promise me something."

"Anything."

"When we return to the real world, lets always keep this day in our thoughts. Whenever things get rough, lets always remember today."

"Promise! Donna, shall we retire to the bedroom......"

Donna sat silently for a few moments, and then spoke. "Ray, I don't know if you can understand this, but making love to you after Jenna's death, when Andrew was alive, well, it seemed ok. Something we both needed. But, I think I owe Andrew something. Time if nothing else, can you be patient...until I am ready."

"Donna, I understand, I will wait, as long as it takes."

The began to kiss, but before their lips could meet the phone rang."

"Ray, what the hell is that. There are no phones in this cabin."

Ray began to laugh, and rose to go to his suitcase. "I know Donna, it is my cell phone."

"Your cell phone! Ray Krebbs, you really have moved into the nineties."

Ray reached into his bag, and picked out his phone. "Hello."

"Hey Ray, it's Bobby, just wanted to call and wish you a merry Christmas."

"Well, hi Bob, Merry Christmas to you to."

"Pam and Lucy and Lucas sent their best wishes as well."

"Well tell them I miss them, and will see them in a few days."

"Ray, you didn't make the Ewing gift exchange, and there was a gift I really wanted you to have on Christmas."

"Well Bob, I am sure it can wait until I return."

"Ray, actually it won't."

"Well, what is it?"

"Lucas."

"Lucas?"

"Ray, he is your son, you raised him. He is not mine to give you, he is your son. I just wanted you to know, Jenna's will means nothing to me. It was the last obsessive ploy by a sick woman. I will not stand in the way of you and Lucas continuing your life together. It is what you both want, it is what I want for you. I love you brother."

Donna rose to put her arms around Ray when she saw the tears fall down his face. "I love you too Bobby. Thanks for calling. You just made my Christmas even more special than it was."

"See you when you get back to Dallas Ray."

"Yes, see you soon....and give Lucas a big hug for me."

"I would be happy to."

The Ewing's and company sat around the dining room table. Ellie helped bring out the food. J.R carried, and insisted on carving the Turkey. The Ewing's ate with only minimal conversation. Most of it initiated by Bobby and Pam, who were trying to get the talk going. Sue Ellen found herself on one side of Cliff, with Lucy on the other. She found this terribly amusing given her past with Cliff. Pamela Rebecca was still seething over finding out John Ross and Karen had met to talk last night. She spent most of the meal shooting glares between Karen and Lucy. Afton, again attempted to be queen of the manor, talking and acting as if she had lived at Southfork forever.

"Ellie, that was a wonderful dinner, thank you so much."

"Ellie?" Miss Ellie grinned at Afton."

"I am sorry, I did not mean to offend you."

"Afton, there is nothing you could do to offend me." Ellie said this rather mockingly. Despite her frustration over what Lucy was doing of late, she felt the need to be somewhat hostile to Afton. At least for Lucy's sake.

Lucy giggled under breath at the tone her grandmother used with Afton.

"What exactly are you giggling about?"

"You Afton!"

Pam spoke up, she was getting a little tired of the two women's constant bickering. "Ok you two, the day is almost over, can we save it, at least until tomorrow!"

"Sorry Pam." Afton spoke up. "I am sorry to you all. I don't want to ruin everybody's supper, it was so wonderful...but considering what happened last night, I thought you all should know that the current relationships between certain people around this table have changed."

Lucy glared at Cliff, who sank deep into his seat.

Sue Ellen turned to Afton. "Afton if you have something to say, just say it, or else be quiet so we can move onto desert!"

"OK, I will say it, Cliff came to my room last night, he wanted me back. I said no, not wanting to hurt Lucy, but I thought you all should know."

Lucy began to rise, but was stopped by her grandmother. "Afton that is strange. I stopped Cliff from entering Lucy's room, about the same time you headed downstairs."

"You lying bitch." This time Lucy could not be quieted.

"Lucy please." This time Lucy Ewing could not be quieted.

Pam and Bobby made a quick exit from the table, taking Lucas with them. John Ross suggested to Pamela Rebecca that they take Megan as well, but she refused to leave the excitement.

"Lucy, I am sorry. Yes I did go downstairs to see Cliff, and as Cliff will have to admit, it did get intimate."

Lucy turned to Cliff. "Cliff tell her to cut out this crap will you. This is getting out of hand."

Afton turned to Cliff as well. "Cliff you can't deny that we kissed last night."

Lucy Ewing had enough. She was not sure what to believe. Instead of pushing the question of whether Afton and Cliff actually shared a moment, she made a decision.

"Afton, you can have Cliff!"

"What!" Afton said in shock.

Cliff turned and attempted to talk to Lucy. "Lucy don't over react, we can talk this out."

"Cliff, there is nothing to talk out, the talking will occur, but I will not be involved."

"What do you mean?"

"The three people who need to talk are you, Afton and J.R."

J.R, presently sitting back and enjoying the show, suddenly was involved.

"J.R has nothing to do with any of this Lucy." Afton all of a sudden felt a little twinge of worry.

"Of course he does Afton, he was the father of your baby."

The entire family sat silent. Cliff Barnes looked at his wife with a stunned expression. "Afton say that's not true. You told me the baby was mine. Please Please say that this is not true."

Afton stood silently, saying nothing.

Cliff Barnes buried his head in his lap, he began to cry. "I mourned for that baby, I actually thought that might be the salvation to our marriage. I cannot believe I mourned for the child of J.R Ewing's."

Lucy put her arms around Cliff in an attempt to comfort him. "Lucy leave me alone, I cannot believe you knew this and didn't tell me!" Cliff rose and bolted from the room.

Lucy stood, glaring at Afton, Afton stood glaring at Lucy. J.R sat, trying not to look anyone in the eye. Clayton, John Ross, Pamela Rebecca, Sue Ellen sat in silence....in shock. Ellie put her hands to her head. "What did I expect! Fa la la la la...la la...la...la."

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