"All ready honey?" she asked.

"Almost. Are we leaving so soon? The party doesn't start until seven."

"I know, but I want to get there early. Ewings must never be late."

"Well you're not officially a Ewing yet," said John Ross.

"I will be soon," she smiled. Pamela Rebecca did enjoy playing the innocent soon to be Mrs. Ewing. If her plan were to work, she would have to play the part to the tee.

"And I can't wait."

Pamela Rebecca and John Ross turned around as Karen walked in. "Pamela Rebecca, do you have any black heels that I can borrow," she asked.

"Of course I do Karen," replied Pamela Rebecca in a voice so sweet that even Karen was surprised. Pamela Rebecca went over to the closet that she now shared with John Ross and took out a pair of shoes. "Here you go. If you need anything else, just ask."

"Now what is she up to with this nice act of hers," thought Karen.

"Karen, I know what you're thinking. You're thinking that I would never let you borrow anything from me, or even give you the time of day. That was the old Pamela Rebecca. This is the new Pamela Rebecca. I want you and I to forget these silly fights and be friends."

"Pamela Rebecca, I'm trying, but the last time I heard that, you tried to pull a nasty trick by arranging for Candy and I to wear the same Halloween costumes. How do I know if this time is any different?"

"You'll just have to trust me. I have changed. John Ross' love and my daughter have changed me."

"I hope you're right, for John Ross' sake and Megan's." Karen thanked Pamela Rebecca, took the shoes, and went across the hallway to the room she and Christopher shared.

Pam walked out of her room just as Karen entered hers and went downstairs to find J.R. and Bobby talking. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything," she said.

"Oh no, nothing at all," said J.R. "We were just planning a few last minute details for the party tonight. We've got the club all to ourselves from seven until we're ready to go. That should be sometime after midnight. We're all going to ring in the New Year together, Ewing style."

"This all sounds so wonderful, I can't help but worry that something is going to go wrong," said Pam.

"Everything is going to fine honey," said Bobby kissing her.

"I hope so."

Christopher entered the room and Pam directed her attention to her son. Just last night, he had found out that his biological mother was still alive. Pam had thought Christopher took it all too well and even went out of his way to make Kristin feel at home at the party. For a brief few moments, Pam had felt as if she were losing her son's love to a complete stranger.

"Hi Christopher," she said. "I've been meaning to talk to you. Why don't you come sit down in the living room with me."

"Sure Mom," said Christopher with a tense look on his face. He followed Pam and took a seat on the new couch that Ellie had purchased earlier. "What's up?"

"I want to talk to you about Kristin."

"What about her?"

"Christopher, if she is indeed Kristin, then that means she is your biological mother. That worries me."

"Are you saying I don't have a right to get to know my biological mother?"

"No, I'm not saying that. I just want you to be careful. J.R. is investigating her and I want you to stay away from her until we find out more."

"But she showed us the birthmark, the one that only Kristin had."

"Birthmarks can be easily faked by the right doctor. A part of me feels like J.R. is behind all of this. I want to believe he has changed, but it's a hard pill to swallow. This would be a perfect opportunity for him to wreck our relationship if she is Kristin."

"Mom, that's not going to happen. I may share Kristin's blood, but you by all means are my mother."

"Thank you Christopher, that's all I needed to hear. I love you," said Pam, hugging her son.

"I love you too Mom. Now we should all be going soon. We wouldn't want to be late for this celebration. Ever since you left us I've dreamed about the moment you would return and marry Dad. Now that moment is finally going to happen."

"I know, it really is."

Christopher excused himself and went upstairs to finish getting ready for the party. "Does he really love me and think of me as his mother? I left him for so many years, maybe deep down inside, he holds that against me."

Back upstairs, Ellie and Clayton were in there room putting the final touches on their wardrobe for the evening. "You look beautiful Ellie, as beautiful as the day we married."

"You look rather handsome yourself." Ellie gave her husband a kiss on the cheek. The two turned towards the door at the sound of loud knocking.

"Grandma, may I come in?"

"Of course Lucy, come on in."

"Would you two ladies like a few moments alone?"

"No Clayton, I want you to hear this as well."

Ellie and Clayton sat on the edge of the bed. "Well, first of all I want to apologize to both of you for ruining Christmas dinner."

"Lucy, you have nothing to be sorry for, Afton was at the top of her game."

"Thanks for saying that Grandma, but I should have shown a little more self control." Lucy paused for a moment staring at the ceiling. "I need to do something tonight, and I'm not sure what time I am going to make it to the party."

"Oh Lucy, can't it wait?"

"No, I have waited since Christmas, I need to finish up a few things, but I will be as quick as I can, I promise, would you just tell Bobby and Pam that I'll get there as soon as I can."

"Of course Lucy, but please try to get there quickly, I want everyone there tonight to help celebrate this night for Bobby and Pam, they have traveled a rough road to get here."

"I will Grandma, I promise."

Kaitlin had moved into the mansion with her father and stood in her room getting ready for the party. Jeremy Wendell entered the room. "Katie, where are you going?"

"To the party at the Oil Baron's Club."

"We weren't invited."

"Just a minor technicality," said Kaitlin, putting on lipstick.

"Oh no, you're not going to pull anything tonight are you?"

"Maybe, maybe not."

"I do not want to be implicated into your little plan, at least in the public's eye. I just got out of jail and I'm where I've always wanted to be, back into the position as CEO of West Star. If you ruin that for me, I'll never forgive you."

"Don't worry Daddy. As long as you follow my orders, your nefarious little purchase won't be exposed."

"I don't like being ordered around. I may have a lot to lose, but you've got more to lose."

Bobby picked up the phone and thought for a moment before dialing. "Do I really want to do this?" He decided the answer was yes and dialed the number. Within a few minutes, he was talking to Abby Ewing. "Abby, how have you been?"

"I've been OK, Bobby, considering everything that's been going on out here. What persuaded you to call? I admit, I was surprised and perplexed to learn that you were calling me, of all people. I didn't think that Jack and I were on your list of top ten Ewings at the moment."

"I'm calling you because you've got something that I want."

"What could I possibly have that you want, besides our 15% of Ewing Oil and that's not for sale?"

"No, it's something you took from Cliff Barnes that I'm after."

"Ah, yes. That idiot. You must be referring to NorthStar Oil. What could you possibly want with that one-horse company?"

"I want to take it off your hands. You don't have any use for it. I do, I have big plans."

"You want to buy it?"

"Yes, I do."

"Well, Bobby, I'm sure we can come to a mutual agreement."

"I'd like to discus this in person, if that's OK with you."

"I don't know about that, Bobby, I'm quite busy at the moment."

"Abby, I don't want to cause you any inconvenience. I'd like to meet with you tomorrow morning. I'll even extend an invitation for you and Jack to attend my wedding."

"Isn't it funny how things are forgotten when it comes to business? All right, Bobby, I'll do my best to make it in the morning. Expect to meet my jet at Love Field at 9am, tomorrow morning. I'll give you a call if something comes up and I can't make it."

"Thanks Abby, you won't regret this."

"I'm sure I won't. Goodbye, Bobby."

"Bye, Abby."

Kaitlin paused for a minute. "Things went really well last night. Our little fake birthmark did the trick. Christopher is really taking interest in me and Sue Ellen believes that I am Kristin."

"All of your records should be switched by today," said Wendell.

"Good. I just hope it's not too late."

"What do you mean?"

"J.R. is on to me. He'll start snooping around soon, if not already."

"Damn. I'm going to ask this one last time. What IS it that you want? Why are you impersonating Kristin?"

"I have a few reasons. I'll give you one. I want to find out what really happened to my sister. They said she was on drugs, but I don't buy that. J.R. had something to do with her death, I know it."

"And if he did?"

"Then he prevented me from ever knowing my twin sister and he'll pay. I'll get him where it hurts then he will go to jail."

"I'd like nothing more than to see J.R. behind bars. He put me there for so many years. I think I'll be more willing to fight for your cause now that I know it's going to possibly effect J.R. Ewing in an adverse way. What is your other reason?"

"You'll find out soon enough. It's time to go to the Oil Baron's Club."

The room was already alive with partygoers as Bobby and Pam entered the restaurant with Christopher, Karen, J.R., Sue Ellen, Ellie, Clayton, John Ross, and Pamela Rebecca. They were all dressed as only Ewings would dress for such an occasion and the crowd watched as they entered and took their seats. The group broke off into couples, save Ellie, Clayton, J.R., and Sue Ellen and began to dance. Unbeknownst to any of them, another couple had sneaked in behind them and stood off to the side of the room.

"This is beautiful isn't it Clayton?" commented Ellie.

"Yes it is. Pam and Bobby deserve it after all the years Jenna and Katherine kept them apart."

"Yes they do. J.R., you've done a wonderful job of setting up this party. I'm so proud of the way you and Pam have managed to become friends," said Ellie.

"I'm just glad it makes you happy Momma. I know how long you've wanted this to happen."

"But how long will this peace remain intact. Afton revealed to the whole family that J.R. was the father of her miscarried child."

"How about a dance Momma?" asked J.R.

"Of course J.R.," said Ellie, standing up and taking her son's hand. Sue Ellen and Clayton were left alone at the table.

Pam and Bobby danced slowly and talked as they danced. "Is Ray going to make the wedding?" asked Pam.

"I hope so. I tried to call Gary but there was no answer. I'd like for both of my brothers to be there. What about Cliff?"

"I don't know. Cliff was really hurt when he found out that Afton lied to him about the baby. I'm sure he's not in the mood for a wedding."

"It looks like we might be short a few guests then," laughed Bobby. "Oh my God…would you look at that."

Someone tapped Pam on the shoulder as Bobby spoke. She turned around to see who was behind her. "Oh my…"

Lucy walked into the restaurant and headed towards the table she had reserved.

"Lucy!"

Lucy turned to see two familiar faces sitting a few tables away, she reluctantly headed over to say a quick hello. "Marilee, Eric, hello, and happy New Year's."

Eric got up and took Lucy's hand and gave her a gentle kiss. "Happy New Year's to you too Lucy."

Marilee gave her son a tug on his jacket, and he sat back down. "Lucy that was some party your family had last week. It was quite….interesting spending the night at Southfork, between all the fighting and footsteps in the hallway, I barely got any sleep."

Lucy gave Eric a quick wink and he grinned back. "Marilee, that's how it is every night. We Ewing's are a little like vampire's, sleep all day, then roam at night."

"And those of us around them should watch we don't get bitten."

"Marilee, I don't think you have anything to worry about, J.R is the only one who would bite you, and he is getting a little long in the tooth."

Eric continued to grin, he enjoyed the way Lucy did not take his mother's crap, most people were intimidated by her wealth and let her speak to them any way she chose to.

Marilee was determined to rile the young Ewing at least once. "Lucy what are you doing here, aren't you joining the rest of your family at the Oil Baron's.?"

"Yes I would not miss it, I just have an engagement here first."

"Well, Eric and I thought about dropping by and giving Pam and Bobby our best wishes."

"Well you should, oh Marilee I am sorry, on second thought, that might not be such a great idea, it is invitation only."

"Well, Lucy you have a nice night!" Marilee had had enough of this back and forth, especially since she was not winning.

"I will Marilee, thank you, you too have a wonderful evening as well."

"It was nice to see you Lucy." Eric rose again as Lucy was about to depart. "I enjoyed the tour of Southfork you gave me. It came in handy when I was looking for a washroom in the middle of the night."

"Eric please!" Marilee was not at all impressed that these two appeared to be hitting it off.

"It's ok Marilee, relax. But remember Eric, at Southfork we call them quiet rooms, because sometimes they are the only rooms you can actually go into to get any peace and quiet." Lucy and Eric again exchanged quick grins, and Lucy headed towards her table.

"Eric, what was all that smiling going on between the two of you? Lucy Ewing is not someone I will permit you to get involved in. And besides, she must be almost 25 years older than you!"

"Mother, as Lucy said, relax. I have no intention of getting involved with Lucy, she is otherwise occupied, with my father remember! But she is only sixteen years older than me, we compared ages on our tour." Eric laughed as his mother began to choke on the drink she had just taken.

Kaitlin had left the Wendell Mansion earlier in a separate car. The last thing she needed right now was to be connected to Jeremy Wendell. She drove down Highland Avenue and found the parking garage next to the Oil Baron's Club. Darkness had fallen and there was a winter chill in the air. All of the snow and ice had melted but the cold still remained. To make matters worse, the forecast called for more snow later in the week. Kaitlin pulled on her fur coat over her shoulders and locked her car door. She crossed the street and entered the building, taking the elevator up to the top.

"I shouldn't have any problems getting in. They'll ask for my invitation but I'll explain that I left it at home." Kaitlin passed an older couple and didn't notice the funny looks they were giving her for talking to herself. She entered the club with no trouble and was soon among the rest of the people enjoying the celebration.

She noticed Pam standing with Bobby and a blonde woman that she was unfamiliar with.

"Val!" said Pam, "We weren't expecting you and Gary. Bobby said he tried to call but there was no answer."

"We must have already left. Gary and I took the first available flight to Dallas when we heard about your wedding."

"But who told you?"

"Hi Aunt Val, Uncle Gary," said Christopher joining them. "Glad you could make it."

"We're glad you invited us, Christopher. It feels good to be included in Ewing family events again, after all this time," said Gary.

"It wouldn't be a wedding without all of the family here," said Christopher.

"Where are the kids?" asked Pam.

"They're staying with Karen and Mack until we get back to Knots Landing."

"Karen…I forgot that we had a Karen Mackenzie and a Karen Ewing," replied Christopher.

"How is Karen taking the loss of her son?" asked Bobby.

"As well as can be expected," said Val with a tone of sadness in her voice.

"I'm so sorry for what she is going through. I know I don't know her personally, but you've told me so much about her that I feel as if I've known her all my life," said Pam.

"She's like a sister to me," replied Val, this time the sadness showed through even more.

"Gary," asked Bobby, "how is the rebuilding project going?"

"Things are progressing smoothly, Bob. I'd like for it to be faster, but I'm satisfied. We all have lives to rebuild after the quake. We'll have a place to start that once Seaview Circle is ready to occupy again."

"Garrison," said Miss Ellie. "I'm so glad you're here." Ellie hugged her son. "I'm also glad to hear that the trust fund is helping with the construction."

"I couldn't have done it without you, Momma."

Pam continued to talk with Val as Bobby, Ellie, and Christopher talked with Gary.

John Ross stood across the room, watching the group. He needed to talk with Christopher so he motioned for him to come over. A few moments later, Christopher had joined him. "How is our little surprise going for our women?"

"I hope everything is fine. I haven't checked on it," replied Christopher.

"They're going to love us for this," said John Ross in an excited tone.

"I don't know about Pamela Rebecca and you, but Karen already loves me," laughed Christopher. "But they're both going to love this surprise. I can't think of a better way to ring in the New Year."

"And neither can I my friend," said John Ross looking for Pamela Rebecca. Thankfully, Melissa McSween was not attending the party. "I hope we'll have a little privacy just in case things progress a little farther than we think they will."

"Oh come on John Ross," laughed Christopher, "please, not on the roof."

"I'll go make sure everything is okay. I'll see you in a little bit."

"Ok."

John Ross went out into the hallway. "What are you two smiling about?" asked Karen.

"Oh, you'll see soon enough."

"A surprise?"

"Maybe."

Lucy sat at her seat, wondering which of the two guests she invited would show first. She knew which one she hoped would, although she really did not want to see either one of them. When she made the telephone calls earlier today she was not at all surprised that one said yes right away. She was a little more surprised about the second, she had expected a bit more of a fight, but Lucy supposed she had peeked the person's curiosity.

From across the room, Marilee and Eric were about to depart when Marilee saw Lucy's first guest enter. "Sit down Eric, I think I feel like a little dessert."

"Mother, you never eat dessert."

"Well, it is almost the new year, I am allowed to make some changes in my life….sit down please."

Cliff walked up to Lucy and attempted to give Lucy a kiss on the cheek, she brushed him away with disgust. "Cliff please! I am sorry to disappoint you, but I did not invite you here to kiss and make-up."

Cliff sat down, his bubble was burst. He had hoped Lucy's invitation might have meant they would be bringing the New Year in together. "Lucy, you have got to let me explain, I love you, we can work things out."

"Save it Cliff, you love me, you love Afton, you have no idea what the hell you want."

"I want you Lucy, you have to know that." "Right now Cliff I am sure you do, but if you were alone with Afton, you would want her too."

"Can't we talk this out."

"We can talk, but let's wait until the third party arrives shall we."

"The third party?"

"Yes Cliff, and here she comes now."

Marilee could not believe it when she saw Afton Cooper heading towards the table that Lucy and Cliff were sitting at. "I am so glad I ordered desert Eric, so glad in fact I may have another slice of that cheesecake."

"You haven't even touched the slice you have in front of you." Eric really did not care whether his mother ate her cake, he too was glad they stayed. His curiosity about what was going on with Lucy was getting the best of him.

"Well well well. I had no idea Cliff was join us Lucy, I thought you just wanted a repeat of our little fight in the barn. The fight to the finish, to see who gets Cliff." Afton Cooper sat down at the table, surprisingly she was very comfortable sitting at the same table as Lucy and Cliff.

"Wrong Afton, I do not plan on involving myself in any more fighting, that is why I asked you both here."

Afton looked over at Cliff. "How are you doing honey, you look tired."

"Afton please!" The last thing Cliff wanted was for Lucy to see he and Afton actually getting along.

Lucy did not have time for the two of them to play out this farce. "Listen you two, I just want to say a few things, then I have a party to go to. If you too want to sit here and hash it out, feel free, but I am in a hurry."

Afton was thrilled, anticipating what Lucy was about to say. "Well then Lucy….talk!"

Lucy looked at Afton with that grin on her face, she would love to wipe it right off, but not now, not now. She looked at Cliff next, looking worried, sad, pathetic. What the hell did I ever see in Cliff Barnes she thought. "Ok, here it is, I have given this a great deal of thought. I did not like the expression on my Grandmother's face at Christmas dinner. I did not like my role in ruining what could have been a wonderful Christmas. I am tired of all this fighting, especially with you Afton. Cliff, I am tired of wondering who the hell you want, me, or your wife. I'm taking myself out of the game. From now on, you two can have each other, I no longer want to have anything to do with either of you! I am beginning the New Year alone, not part of some sick triangle. It has gone far enough, I am too old for this crap, you too can have each other, you deserve each other!"

Cliff rose. "Lucy please! I want you, I want to marry you. Please just give me a chance to prove it to you!"

"The time for proving is over Cliff, you are a little to late!" Lucy got up and began to leave the restaurant. Cliff got out and began to follow her. When he reached her he grabbed her arm. "Cliff get your hands off me!"

Cliff held on, and moved himself closer to Lucy. He whispered quietly in her ear. "Lucy you can't leave, we have been through too much to just give up."

"Forget it Cliff, it's over!"

"What about Arliss!"

"Cliff don't you dare bring that up, I helped you, you want to bribe me back! Just try it, you will fry not me." Lucy wriggled herself out Cliff's grip and headed again outside of the restaurant. Lucy got outside, thrilled with the feel of the fresh air. She stood and waited for a cab.

Back inside Marilee had been enjoying the show. "Eric, will you excuse me." She walked up to Cliff who was standing in shock just a few feet away from her table. " Cliff is there anything I can do to help?"

Cliff stared at Marilee for a few moments, barely able to speak, he all of a sudden thought of what he should say. "Yes Marilee you can, is that job offer still available, I think taking off for awhile might be the best thing, the only thing actually I can do right now."

A huge smile filled Marilee's face, almost with out her knowing. "Of course Cliff, it is, we can head out tomorrow if you wish."

"How about the day after, I should go to my sister's wedding tomorrow."

"Sure Cliff, what ever you say."

Charlie Wade and Jory Taylor stood before the grave of April Stevens Ewing. The two had been following the lead that Charlie had come across but this was where it ended.

"I can't believe this. I just knew that she was alive. She would have been the perfect candidate for my revenge against Pam. After all she did to my mother, she's going to go unpunished. No…she will NOT. She'll pay some how…some way."

"Charlie, this revenge plan is ridiculous. Whatever Pam did to your mother is in the past. Let it stay that way. Let Jenna rest in peace."

Charlie wiped a tear from her eye. "All I wanted was for my mom and Bobby to be together. Now Mom is dead and Bobby is marrying that bitch Pam. I can't let that happen."

"Leave it be Charlie. Please."

Charlie grew silent and continued to look at the grave. Her plans for revenge were buried along with April and there was no chance of digging them up. Jory was right.

"You're right. This is crazy. My plan was crazy…April Stevens Ewing is dead and so is my revenge."

The woman and man continued to lounge in their hotel room. The woman grew restless and paced about the room. Tomorrow was the day she would strike. The wedding was not going to happen. Though her husband didn't know it, he was a key element in her plan to break up Bobby and Pam for good.

"Things are definitely looking up after all these years," she said, glancing across the sky. The hotel room was across the street from the Oil Baron's Club and with binoculars, she could see into the restaurant. She could barely make out Bobby and Pam dancing together. "Not for long Pam, not for long." She heard a snore and turned to see that her husband was asleep. The woman turned back to the window. "Soon Pam, Soon you'll get my letter and it'll do no more than make you a little nervous. Ruin your fun. Then, tomorrow, your fun…and your relationship with Bobby will be over. And not far after that, your son will begin to turn against you as well, thanks to my accomplice." She laughed at the thought of finally having Bobby back. "All those years of hiding of hiding out in France will finally pay off."

Lucy had been waiting for awhile, but it was New Year's eve, and she was sure the taxis in Dallas were pretty busy.

"You really shook him up!" Afton Cooper walked out of the restaurant and stood beside Lucy.

"I am sure you will help ease the pain for him."

"I am not sure I have any interest in that Lucy."

"Come on Afton, you have lived for this moment, it is all you wanted for months."

"Not all. It is just that now that Cliff is not with you, well, he doesn't seem quite so interesting."

"Afton! After all the hell you have caused, you mean to tell me you are not sure you even want to be with Cliff! You are really a nut case, do you know that?"

"Well, you will see…."

"Afton, I told you the fighting is over, You and I have no reason to continue this foolishness."

Afton stood over Lucy, staring down at the woman with the evilest grin she could muster. "Lucy, can't get out of the game that easy. I am running the game, don't you forget that, and I am not by myself anymore, there is an army forming against you."

Lucy was beginning to feel a bit of fear, for the first time in her interactions with Afton, she was actually unsure this woman was stable.

"Cliff was only a part of it Lucy, a small part. You have tried to ruin my life, not to mention all the pain you caused Mitch. That in itself would be enough to stick it to you, but no, there is more. You are the reason I do not have my son, you are the reason I lost the baby!"

"Afton, you know that's not true!"

"Do I? But that Lucy is not even the worst thing you have done. My daughter tells me you slapped her last week. That Lucy was something I can assure you, will never happen again. You cause me to lose one baby, and now are attacking my other child. My war with you is only in it's beginning stages, by the time I am done, you will have nothing left!" Afton ran for the cab that was driving up for Lucy. Lucy was too shaken to even stop her.

"Lucy, you ok?" Eric had gotten tired of watching her mother attempt to console Cliff inside, and walked outside, hoping to still catch Lucy. He had heard most of the conversation between she and Afton.

"Yes Eric, I'm fine, I don't know why that woman get to me the way I do!"

"Well, she was pretty convincing."

"She is all talk, I just have to remember that."

"Well, are you off to the party?"

"It's the last thing in the world I want to do. Right now, I just want to go home, pour myself a drink, and get into bed. But Bobby and Pam are very special to me, I should go, for a little while, for them."

"Would it help to have a little company?"

Lucy smiled. "Are you inviting yourself along Eric Stone?"

"Actually Lucy, I would love to go, and…you would be doing me a favor. The last thing I want to do tonight, is go home and ring in the New Year with my mother!"

"Well, Eric, she is your mother…but…I understand." Lucy began to laugh, followed quickly by Eric. "Now if only I could get a damned cab!"

"No need, my car is parked around the corner."

"How will your mother get home?"

"Who the hell cares!" Lucy and Eric continued laughing, and instinctively locked their arms together and headed off to Eric's car.

It was almost 11 p.m. and as the woman across the street watched, the party continued. Dora Mae walked to where Pam stood and handed her a small box, telling her that it was for her. Pam smiled, thinking it must be an early wedding gift and pulled off the bow and paper. She opened the box and pulled out a picture frame. A frown soon spread across her face.

"What is it Pam?" asked Bobby.

Pam showed him the picture. It was of herself and him. There was a jagged silver line drawn between them and written on a sheet of paper inside were the words "Enjoy your fun Pammy, because it's all going to end tomorrow."

"Oh no," said J.R., looking over their shoulders. "This wedding is going to go on. I'll post guards at the wedding and have everyone checked before they can get in."

"He's right Pam," said Bobby, "we've come too far to let some threat stop us."

"Bobby, I'm so worried. What if it's more than just a threat."

"Then that's what the guards are for."

J.R. took the stage and stood before the microphone. "Attention everybody. Could I have your attention please. I just want to let everyone know that tomorrow Pam and Bobby will be married." J.R. produced a bottle of champagne. "Let the opening of this bottle symbolize their union and good fortune." J.R. took a corkscrew from his pocket and began to diligently work on the bottle. However, he soon lost his grip and the bottle crashed to the floor, shattering and sending champagne over the edge of the stage.

Meanwhile, Karen and Pamela Rebecca had received invitations to join Christopher and John Ross on the rooftop of the building. "I wonder what they have in store for us," said Pamela Rebecca.

"Why don't we go find out. It says to meet them at 11:30. It's almost that time now."

Karen and Pamela Rebecca found the door that said stairs and began their ascent to the roof. A few minutes and several deep breaths later, they had reached the summit. It was surprisingly warm on the rooftop. The heat must have been rising from the building. The two looked around, but there was no sign of John Ross or Christopher.

"It's almost 11:45 and they are nowhere to be found. Maybe this is some kind of joke," said Karen.

"I'm going back down to the party to look for John Ross," said Pamela Rebecca angrily. "Are you coming?"

"Yeah, there's nothing better to do up here."

The two women opened the door and went back downstairs where they rejoined the rest of the group. However, Christopher and John Ross were still nowhere to be found.

Sue Ellen Ewing was beginning to get bored. She loved Pam and Bobby, and truly shared their joy. Sue Ellen still could not shake the feeling she no longer had a place in the Ewing family. Since the moment she decided to return to France, she was having trouble feeling comfortable with any of the Ewings, even John Ross, and this bothered her very much. She looked around to find him, hopefully to share a moment or two with him, but he was no where to be seen.

"Mrs. Ewing?"

Sue Ellen turned around to see Dora Mae standing with a cordless phone.

"Mrs. Ewing, Mr. Ray Krebbs is on the phone, he wanted to speak to one of the family, but everyone else seems to be occupied, will you take it?"

"Yes of course!" Sue Ellen took the phone from Dora Mae. "Ray, how are you, are we going to see you soon?"

Ray was still in Washington, still at the cabin, Donna was by his side, attempting to hear the conversation. "Yes, we are flying out in the morning, we just wanted Bob and Pam to know we would be there, and not to start the wedding without us."

"We thought you might make it here tonight!"

"I know, but we were having such a wonderful Christmas, we didn't want it to end, I spoke to Lucas the other day, he was ok with it, he was who I was most worried about. How was your Christmas Sue Ellen?"

"Fine Ray, thanks, not as magical as yours I would guess, but it was fine."

"Well I am off Sue Ellen, I will see you tomorrow."

"Good night Ray, give my love to Donna." Sue Ellen did not need to hear that another couple was so happy and in love, Donna and Ray, Bobby and Pam. At least Lucy and Cliff appeared to be fighting. Sue Ellen was not happy and in love. What Dusty had done in Paris had totally shocked and frightened her. She knew it would be smart to just forget about it, but she couldn't, for some strange reason she felt compelled to return, and make sure things were exactly as they had seemed.

Christopher and John Ross stood on the roof and watched as two caterers opened a crate of champagne and put a bottle on ice. The table was set and covered in food. John Ross tipped the caterers nicely and the caterers went back downstairs, leaving only John Ross and Christopher on the rooftop. "Karen and Pamela should be here by now."

"What time did you tell them to be here?" asked John Ross.

"11:30"

"It's after 11:30."

"Well either they're not coming at all, or someone has a slow or fast watch."

"We'll wait for a while, then we'll go look for them."

"Ok," said Christopher.

Meanwhile…

A custodian noticed that the roof door was unlocked and he produced a key to lock it back. "I thought this was always supposed to stay locked. I wonder how it got like this." He scratched his head, locked the door, and went back downstairs.

"Bobby. The champagne incident was a bad sign. I'm more paranoid than ever now," said Pam.

"It's going to be ok."

"He's right, Pam," said Val confidently, "this time tomorrow night, you and Bobby will be celebrating your marriage somewhere exotic."

"Oh, we probably won't even take a honeymoon," said Bobby.

"Yes you are," said Ellie. "I was going to wait and give you these, but I'll go ahead now. Clayton and I have chipped in with J.R. and we're giving you a honeymoon in Hawaii."

"Miss Ellie, that is so thoughtful, but you really didn't have to do that," said Pam.

"It was J.R.'s idea."

Pam and Bobby thanked Clayton, Ellie, and J.R. "It was the least we could do Pam," said Clayton. "You and Bobby deserve to be happy."

"We are happy," spoke Pam, forgetting about the earlier omens. Pam turned when she felt a tap on her shoulder. "Lucy, I am so glad you made it!"

"I would not have missed this for the world, I'm sorry I am late, did I miss anything exciting?"

"Well, in case you hadn't noticed, your parents are here, but nothing else I'd care to share." Pam took Lucy by the arm and led her away from the group. "Lucy is that Eric you are with.?"

"Yes Pam, have you met him?"

"Briefly. I take it you being here with him means my brother is spending New Year's alone?"

"Pam, my being here with Eric means nothing, it was just a lucky coincidence. As for Cliff, we are through, and I would guess that from what I last observed, he is either spending the New Year with Afton, or Marilee."

"Oh God, what a choice, my poor brother!" Pam and Lucy began to giggle, uncontrollably. "The poor guy doesn't stand a chance…either way." When the giggling stopped, Pam took Lucy by the hand. "Lucy are you ok, I know you did love Cliff."

"I'm fine Pam, really, you just know sometimes when something is doomed, I am just happy I realized it before it was too late."

"Well, I was kind of getting to like the idea of you with my brother, but I understand completely. Lucy, I want you to be my maid of honor."

"Pam are you serious!" "Yes of course, despite the hell you gave me when I first got to Southfork, we always had a connection, I love you Lucy, and am proud of the changes you have made in my life. I have felt a little more than parental to you over the years."

Lucy's eyes began to tear up. "If I have made positive changes, I owe a lot of it to you, you have been like a mother to me Pam"

The two women embraced. "Well, come on Lucy, let's stop this sentimental stuff, before I lose it. I am sure your parents will want to see you."

"That's it, I'm going downstairs." John Ross looked at his watch one final time. "11:48" He pulled on the door handle but nothing happened. "Damn, this thing is locked."

"What?" said Christopher going to the door. "It can't be, the caterers just got out."

"Try it. It won't budge."

"Damnit."

"What now."

"Yell, scream, somebody will hear us."

"I don't think so. There's a lot of noise down there. No one is going to hear us."

"You're probably right. I'm starving. There is no reason to let all of this food go to waste. I think I'll have something."

John Ross followed Christopher to the table and took a seat. "I hope nobody sees us. This could paint the wrong picture if someone sees you and I having dinner New Year's Eve on the rooftop."

"You are crazy."

"I know," said John Ross popping the top from a bottle of champagne.

"You're not going to drink that, that stuff's expensive. We could take it back."

"If I'm crazy, then you're cheap…stupid too."

Christopher took a wineglass and John Ross poured champagne into it.

"I wonder what Karen and Pamela Rebecca are doing right now."

"Lucy, we got a few stares when we walked in together."

"Yeah, great isn't it, is wonderful to get stares especially when there is nothing going on between us."

"Nothing, I was thinking we really connected."

"We did, but Eric, I am sorry, I am so glad you brought me here, but I am not ready for a new relationship right now, I am flying solo in 99. And besides, I am a little older than you."

"Yeah, a little, but not too much older."

"Eric, are you flirting with me?"

"Giving it my best shot! But don't worry, I understand you just finished a pretty heavy duty relationship, I am not looking to be the rebound man. But….when your ready, I would love to ask you on a date. Promise me two things, when you are ready….for a date, you will let me know."

"Ok, you are persistent." Lucy laughed. "But you said promise you two things?'

"The second, is despite your flying solo in 99, we still both need someone to kiss to ring in the New Year."

"I think we missed the countdown Eric."

"Maybe the official countdown, but not the countdown of my heart beat."

Lucy giggled. "That was the most lame line I have heard in awhile."

Eric smiled. "To lame to have worked?"

"Kiss me you fool!"

Karen pulled the car into the drive at Southfork and she and Pamela Rebecca got out and entered the house. It was empty, except for Ana, Megan, and Judy. Judy and Ana were playing with Megan as Pamela Rebecca walked into the nursery. After checking on the baby, she went back downstairs and collapsed on the couch. Karen sat in the chair across from her.

"I don't know about you Karen, but I'm furious. Some nerve they have inviting us up there and then not showing up themselves. The clock struck midnight and it was suddenly 1999.

"Wait a minute Pamela Rebecca," said Karen, "what time does your watch say?"

"Midnight of course."

"No, look at it."

"Oh no, it says 12:15. It was wrong all along. John Ross and Christopher probably thought we stood THEM up."

Karen and Pamela Rebecca began to laugh and they were soon howling. "This is hilarious, who would have ever thought you and I would be ringing in the New Year together."

"I have an idea. I've got a secret hobby that no one knows about, not even John Ross. I do karaoke," said Pamela Rebecca laughing.

"Oh no, you don't."

"Yes I do. I know a great club that we can go too."

"Then let's go. Nothing to do here," said Karen, secretly hoping that Pamela Rebecca's singing was at least a little better than her mother Afton's.

Val and Gary had watched Lucy enter, talk with Bobby and Pam, Ellie and the young guy she came in with. Despite a wave and smile upon seeing them, she still had not initiated any conversation. Val turned towards her husband. "Gary, do you get the feeling that Lucy is avoiding us?"

"Val, she hasn't been here that long. I'm sure she'll come see her old mom and dad, shortly."

"Well, I'm not so sure. Miss Ellie told me about what's been going on with Lucy and Cliff and I have to tell you that I hated hearing it from her. Lucy has not called in weeks, just that two-minute conversation after the earthquake and even then, SHE didn't call, she just got in on the tail end of Pam's call. I'm beginning to think our reunion with Lucy was only short lived."

"Well, Val, we haven't been a part of Lucy's life, consistently, since her birth. It's understandable that things might be a little awkward."

"I can handle awkward, but you need to talk to begin with in order for it to be awkward, Gary!"

John Ross and Christopher were now more than a little drunk. The caterers had left the remainder of the case of champagne on the roof by mistake and John Ross had pulled out several more bottles.

"You know John Ross," said Christopher taking another sip. "I don't know if your dad ever told you, but he and my dad were in a situation similar to this before."

"Oh really?"

"Yeah. They were stuck in an elevator. My dad sold your dad drinks from his stash that someone had given him. By the time they got out, they were too drunk to walk."

"I could imagine that."

"Now here we are, stuck on the freezing rooftop on New Year's Eve without Pamela Rebecca or Karen."

"It's actually New Year's Day now. Happy New Year."

"Happy New Year's to you too John Ross," said Christopher, splashing champagne from his bottle.

"And a happy one it is. Chris," slurred John Ross, "did you ever have sex with Pamela Rebecca when you were together?"

Christopher was so surprised by the question that he laughed. "What makes you ask that?"

"Just wondering. I also think that Megan looks an awful lot like you," said John Ross laughing.

"You've had a little too much to drink Johnny," said Christopher laughing. "Here, this will cool you off." He doused John Ross with the remaining champagne from his bottle. John Ross' chair turned over and he fell to the ground.

"Now that was uncalled for. Uncalled for but definitely funny."

"Yeah. I bet Karen and Pamela Rebecca aren't having this much fun."

Pamela Rebecca stood onstage with her microphone. She too had been drinking and she was almost too drunk to walk. She belted out her drunken version of "Where Have All the Cowboys Gone" as best she could remember and Karen laughed from the crowd. The rest of the crowd had gotten into the mood as well and most of them were singing along with Pamela.

Pamela sang about watching the children and paying the bills as various men from the crowd threw their money onto the stage.

"Go Pamela!" said Karen. Karen had not had anything but ginger ale to drink so she was one of the few that wasn't in an inebriated state. "You know, your singing really isn't that much better than your Mom's, but that still isn't saying much."

Pamela Rebecca threw a shoe at Karen and continued to sing.

"So who was that sexy woman you were with on Christmas Eve John Ross?"

"Oh, just a friend."

"Oh come on, I know you better than that."

"Her name was…Melissa."

"You two disappeared for a while there, what was goin' on?"

"Nothing much, I was just getting laid."

"Ouch, in Southfork, with Pamela Rebecca there? That's sick."

"I don't care who knows…I think I'll let EVERYBODY know." John Ross stood, propping his hand on the table to regain his balance and walked over to the edge of the roof. He cupped his hands to his mouth and began to shout out about his little adventure at Southfork. John Ross stepped up onto the edge and wobbled precariously.

"Hey John Ross, watch it, you might get hurt."

"Me? Get hurt?"

"No, not you, the pink elephant dancing on the roof beside you." John Ross laughed and it was then that he lost his balance and fell over the edge. "John Ross!" Christopher ran over and was relieved to see that John Ross had fallen onto a balcony only a few feet down. He had landed onto an overstuffed patio chair. A light came on and an old lady in a housecoat ran out onto the balcony and began to yell at John Ross. Christopher almost fell over the edge himself laughing.

Ten minutes later, the two were in a taxi bound for Southfork. The party had dispersed and everyone had gone home. It would definitely be a New Year's Eve to remember.

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