As the Clifford Group jet sped through the air, Cally silently prayed that her worst fears were not going to come true.

Had J.R. seen her license, with her address? After she realized she had dropped her purse when leaving the wedding, she immediately went back to retrieve it. She found it in the exact spot where she had whacked J.R. with it---the contents were all intact. Could J.R. actually have a heart and respect her wishes to be left alone?

As the pilot started his descent into Arkansas, Cally Harper Ewing crossed her fingers that her ex-husband didn't find her.

The Ewing Jet

      J.R. knew that Cally would head back home the second he made his presence known to her. Too bad she let her purse slip out of her hands and went running. He got a quick glance at her driver's license, wrote down her address, and started making plans on his way out of Cliff's. He was confident that Afton would be able to handle things from there---Cliff and Sue Ellen were finished.

The first thing J.R. did when he got in his car was to call the airport to get the Ewing jet ready. He saw the look of fear in Cally's eyes---she did not want to be found. What was she hiding?

His son, that's what.

Up until he saw her, J.R. had tried to respect her wishes about leaving the baby alone. Hell, she thought that HE believed the baby belonged to James. But seeing her again made him realize everything that he was missing---he had a son out there, a full blooded Ewing! He owed it to his daddy to make him a part of the Ewing family, and eventually, Ewing Oil. John Ross was grown up, and not expressing too much of an interest in the business. James was in the east with his family. J.R. missed having a son that he could advise, be proud of.

It was time to rectify mistakes. He'd be damned if he let Cally get away again this time. That was why, as soon as he stepped on the Ewing jet, he ordered the pilot to fly to Arkansas---immediately.

Cliff Barnes' House

      Sue Ellen was in shock. She couldn't believe what was going on. One minute, she was staring into Cliff's eyes, as they were about to be married. The next, Afton was screaming for the wedding to stop. And Cliff went along with it! He said they were through---they were divorced!

Torn between hurt and anger, Sue Ellen stepped into the house just before Cliff, who wheeled in Afton.

“What's this all about?” Sue Ellen harshly demanded toward Afton.

“You taking what's mine.” The former Mrs. Barnes responded.

“Afton, hold on a second.” Cliff tried to play mediator. “How did you get here? I mean, I can't believe this---you're doing so great!”

Afton flashed Cliff an innocent smile. “Thanks. Pamela Rebecca flew me out. She told me what you were about to do.” She paused. “Cliff, why didn't you tell me that you were getting married? You made me a promise.” Her voice was laced with feigned hurt and vulnerability. Cliff was eating it up. Sue Ellen wanted to puke.

“You didn't tell her?” She interrupted.

Cliff didn't know what to say. He looked at Sue Ellen, his face devoid of an explanation. He turned. “Afton, I'm so sorry….”

“How could you do this to me? YOU were the only reason I'm in this wheelchair and speaking Cliff! Why do you think I tried to even get better? It's not like I had a lot going for me….no more show, my daughter is hardly around, my mother shoots me…”

“Afton, I don't know what to say.”

“Say you love me! Say you won't marry her!” Afton pointed at Sue Ellen with disdain.

That was it. Sue Ellen had had enough. “Listen you little manipulator, don't think for a second this is going to work. Are you forgetting everything she's put you through Cliff? She tried to have you framed for beating her! She publicly humiliated you at the Oil Baron's Ball last year!”

Afton remained silent. Cliff acknowledged her point. Not wanting to lose her ground, Afton quickly jumped in. “Really? Don't you remember WHY I did that Cliff---because you had me backed against a wall! First you slept with Lucy, then you tried to assault me…..what was I supposed to do?”

“I was drunk.” Cliff tried to explain himself.

Afton continued. “Bad excuse.” She turned to Sue Ellen. “Stop trying to fling accusations at me. It's obvious the only reason you're with Cliff---you're using him.”

“Oh really? Please explain.” Sue Ellen crossed her arms.

Afton turned to Cliff instead. “She hates J.R. Everybody knows it. So do you---and you run one of the most powerful companies in the world. Ever think that she's just using you to get to him?”

Cliff's silence could be read as contemplation. This infuriated Sue Ellen. “Don't tell me you actually believe her? She's a manipulative little liar—she always has been! Cliff, she tried to ruin you---don't forget that!”

Knowing that Sue Ellen was starting to sound desperate, Afton decided to move in for the kill. “Cliff, you know that everything I did was to protect myself. Are you forgetting what you did to me? You cheated on me, tried to kill me, then went and died on me, leaving me with nothing…now you're leaving me again.”

Cliff was starting to feel the guilt. His silence was indicative. Sue Ellen couldn't believe this was happening. “How dare you come in here and do this! Are you some sort of predator---it's over between you and Cliff. You're divorced!”

“We weren't supposed to be, not according to you Cliff,” Afton retorted back. She had enough. “If you marry her, its over. You'll never see me again, and I can guarantee you Pamela Rebecca will say the same thing. Megan goes too then.”

“Are you going to believe her? She's nuts!” Sue Ellen was shouting now.

Cliff remained silent nonetheless. Afton continued to drive in her point. “If you ever have a chance to make things right between us Cliff, it's now. I love you---I never stopped loving you. I want to be with you. I'm here because of you.” She reached out and grabbed Cliff's arms, her eyes giving him the look of a wounded puppy dog. “Please don't do this to me again. Don't leave me again.”

The silence for the next moment was deafening. Finally, Cliff spoke, turning to Sue Ellen. “I can't.”

“What?” She responded.

“I'm so sorry. I can't. It's not right.”

Afton tried to suppress a smirk as Sue Ellen went on a rampage. “What the hell do you mean 'not right?'” This isn't right! You told me you love me!”

“I do….”

“No, no, no. If there's one thing I learned from J.R. it's that you don't do this if you love someone. I can't believe you---you're really going to believe her? She's manipulating you, just like she always has!”

“Sue Ellen, I made a promise….”

“Yeah, to me! You said you loved me!” Sue Ellen was trying to fight back tears.

“Maybe it just wasn't meant to be….” Cliff couldn't believe this was happening. He hated hurting Sue Ellen like this. How could he do this to her? But Afton. He had made so many mistakes with her. He owed this to her…after all he had done. Despite all her shortcomings, he did love her. He never stopped loving her. Her face, right after the shooting, was still fresh in his mind. She needed him---so much. She needed him now.

“Fine!” Sue Ellen shouted. “If this is what you want, take it. Maybe this was a mistake. It's obvious that you never had feelings for me…”

“That's not true.” Cliff interjected. Afton remained silent.

“Oh really? We wouldn't be having this conversation if you truly loved me Cliff.” She paused. “Think about it. If you really loved me, there would be no question in your mind that we would be married today.”

Cliff didn't say anything.

Sue Ellen brushed a tear from her eye. “Well, there's your answer then.” She looked straight at Afton. “I'll give you the pleasure of telling everyone the wedding is off.” She stormed out.

As soon as she left, Cliff broke down. He couldn't stop crying. On his knees, he leaned against Afton's wheelchair for support. She started to rub his back as he clumsily tried to wipe the tears away. “It's OK Cliff…” she said, rubbing his back. “I'm sorry….I love you, and everything is going to be OK…”

And it would. Mission accomplished.

Cliff's House, A bit later...

      The crowd had grown restless when Afton wheeled herself out of Cliff's house. Her eyes immediately met with Pamela Rebecca's, a look that assured her daughter that everything went okay.

“Sorry everyone,” Afton said loudly.

Jack looked around for Sue Ellen. Where was she? Afton seemed to be gloating. Lucy rolled her eyes, something not unnoticed by the crowd.

Afton began. “I'm sorry to announce that the wedding is off indefinitely. Extenuating circumstances have gotten in the way. On behalf of Cliff and Sue Ellen, I want to thank you all for coming.”

“Oh shove it! What the hell did you do this time?” Lucy was screaming. Afton was the LAST person she wanted to see.

Afton didn't respond, just quietly smiled to herself. She had won, after all.

Cliff's House, even later...

      Sue Ellen avoided the dispersing crowd. She couldn't stop crying. Why was this happening? It wasn't supposed to work out this way! Cliff was supposed to say “I do”, she was supposed to say “I do”, and they were supposed to live happily ever after. What happened? Why did Afton do that? A million questions were running through Sue Ellen's mind. Did Cliff ever love her? Was there something more to Afton's appearance?

“Oh what the hell does it matter?” she mumbled to herself, trying to wipe away the tears. It wasn't going to happen. Oh God, why did she have to be hurt again?

“Sue Ellen?”

Oh God. Jack. Don't let him see me like this, Sue Ellen pleaded with a higher power.

“Oh my God are you OK?” Jack ran over to her. She was leaning against the side of the house, away from everyone. They were all starting to leave anyway.

“I'm sorry….” Sue Ellen mumbled, trying to pull herself together. It didn't work. She just sobbed more.

“Shhh…..it's OK.” Jack rubbed her arm. He continued to make hushing sounds. Sue Ellen had to admit they calmed her. He calmed her, almost as much as he made her nervous. Damn, he was so attractive.

“It's OK….” He continued to say.

“Did everyone leave? What did everyone say….?” She was mumbling more.

“Everyone's very concerned about you. Afton just made an announcement. She doesn't really have too many fans, that one. You should have seen the look Lucy gave her.”

Sue Ellen managed to give a laugh, muffled by tears. Jack was hugging her now, rubbing her back. It felt so good to be in his arms. She felt safe. Like none of this happened with Cliff…..it was all a bad dream. She'd wake up in his arms and it would all be over.

Then, in an instant, it happened. They both moved their heads away from each other at the same exact second, and looked into each other's eyes. Although her eyes were blurry with tears, their gazes were locked---almost as if they could see into each other's hearts. They were telling each other the same thing.

And then they kissed.

It lasted for what seemed like an eternity, until Sue Ellen pulled away. She was still crying. What had just happened? She had wanted to do that for so long, but it wasn't right….she was too confused.

Jack moved closer to her for another kiss, but she quickly pulled away. “I can't…” was all she mumbled before she ran off.

Cally's House: Somewhere in Arkansas

      J.R. glanced at his watch. By his calculation, Cally should have already arrived home. He had used some connections at the airport to find out that she had taken the Clifford Group jet back to Arkansas soon after she left the wedding. Damn that Sue Ellen, J.R. thought to himself. He was comforted by the fact that she was probably wallowing in unmarried misery as they spoke.

He slowly walked up the steps of Cally's poor excuse of a home. No son of his would be living in a dump like this. He was already making plans for his boy at Southfork, and at Ewing Oil.

His son. Imagine. All these years and J.R. has never even met him. What the hell happened? What the hell was wrong with Cally, not letting the boy get to know his own father---the boy MUST have been curious. J.R. cursed himself again for letting his son escape him for so long. He swore to double his efforts to make damn sure that boy stayed with him.

He gave two quick knocks on the door. The last person he expected to answer was his son.

Neil Lancaster's Apartment

      Lucy Ewing collapsed onto Neil Lancaster's bed and kicked off the shoes that had been bothering her all day.

“Are Barnes/Ewing weddings ALWAYS that interesting?” asked Neil with a tone of amusement in his voice.

“Usually only happens when they take place at Southfork,” laughed Lucy, massaging her sore feet.

Neil pushed her back on the bed and massaged them for her. “Feel better?”

Lucy closed her eyes. “Much. Now if you could just make Afton go away, everything would be just fine.”

“She seems like quite the bombshell.”

Lucy let out a loud laugh. “You don't even know the half of it.”

“I take it you two have some kind of interesting history?”

“To say the least. Cliff and I used to be together. I don't want to go into detail, but the three of us were involved in a kind of sick triangle.”

“Ohh, a threesome?” teased Neil.

Lucy hit him over the head with a pillow. “That's sick! So…where's Tiffany?”

“She's out with the babysitter. I have a little surprise for you Lucy.”

“Surprise? What is it?”

“Now if I told ya, it wouldn't be a surprise. Come on.”

“What? I need to change first.”

“No you don't. Keep that dress on. It'll be perfect for the occasion.”

Lucy smiled. “I HATE suspense!”

Neil picked her up, startling her. “Come on! I can't wait to show you this.”

Cliff's House, that same day...

      Miss Ellie tried everywhere. She and Clayton had asked every set of ears they could find, but no one knew: not John Ross, not Lucy, not her secretary Kelly. Where was Sue Ellen? Miss Ellie even managed to corner Cliff, whom she gave a stern look of disappointment to.

Miss Ellie tried not to worry about her ex-daughter-in-law, and friend. She prayed that she was all right. Everyone was concerned, but Miss Ellie couldn't help but notice Jack's face. He looked crushed.

Braddock County

      John Ross Ewing found himself smiling as he drove back to Southfork. A part of him felt guilty for delighting in the break-up of his Mom's wedding to Cliff, but he knew that Cliff wasn't the right man for her. He had stayed there for almost two hours after Afton arrived, but still wasn't sure what the outcome was.

He adjusted the radio as he sped up. More than likely, there wasn't going to be a wedding—and that made his day.

Up ahead, John Ross saw a car in the ditch and several people gathered around it. He turned on his signal and pulled off into the grass. “What happened here?”

“This woman ran off the road,” remarked a man. “We've called an ambulance, but we're not moving her until it gets here.”

John Ross walked up to the car. “Oh my God. It's Mandy.”

Blood trickled from her ear and she was slumped over. Her hair was in a tangled, bloody mass. Sirens wailed and a few moments later, an ambulance had pulled up and was busy getting her out of her car.

John Ross frowned. He knew what was going to come next—he had to tell his Dad.

Cally's House

      “Hi,” the boy said energetically.

J.R. didn't know how to react. "He looks just like my daddy," he thought to himself. A huge beam spread across his face. This is HIS son. HIS boy. J.R. shook out his hand. “J.R. Ewing. Pleased to meet you, Mr..”

The boy, around ten, stuck out his hand in reply. “Justin Harper. Hi.” He smiled, thinking this game was a bit strange.

“Well say Justin, it's a pleasure to meet you. How old are you?”

“Nine. Almost ten.”

“Well, you're almost grown up then. Do you know who I am?” Should he tell the truth?

“No, not really.” Justin answered unapologetically.

“Well, I'm an old friend of your mother's. From before you were born even.” J.R. was almost at a loss for words. He was just letting the words spill out. My God, this is my son. It was repeating over and over in his head. He didn't even think what came out of his mouth next. “Your momma and I used to be married, long time ago.”

Justin stood silent, almost perplexed. His eyes filled with amazement. “Really? Cool!” He turned around. “Hey Mom, there's a guy here who used to be married to you!”

Cally didn't even hear the door knock. Now she was frozen with terror. He found her. He was talking to Justin.

Slowly, trying to quell her shaking hands, she walked to the door.

“Justin,” she said calmly when she got there, “Can you give me a minute alone? I think Road Runner needs to be fed.”

“That's my rabbit,” Justin interjected before trotting off.

J.R. made sure Justin was out of earshot before he said anything. “Well, honey, you ran off before, I needed to make sure we had a nice chat.” Their eyes locked.

“What are you doing here?”

“I came to see my boy.”

“Oh My God, he knows,” Cally thought. She tried to play it cool. “James's.”

“Mine. Don't try to play me for a fool Cally. James told me the truth.”

Damn James! “He's not yours.”

“Willing to prove that with a blood test darlin'?”

She couldn't counter that. “What do you want?”

“To see my boy.”

“You've seen him. Now go.” She stood her ground.

“He doesn't know I'm his daddy, does he? Who does he think it is---that louse you were shacked up with in Florida?”

How did J.R. know about Adam? Has he known where she's been the whole time? “How did you know about him? Have you been following me?”

“Truthfully, no, but I wish I had. I know that you were dating some art fella. Where's he?”

“He's not around anymore.”

“He a pansy or something? You and Lucy---you really know how to pick 'em”

Cally slapped her ex-husband clear across the face. “Get off my property. I never want to see you again. Don't ever come near me, or Justin, or so help me—“

“You'll what? Paint me a picture? Tough luck Cally, the boy is gonna know who his daddy is.”

Her mind was racing at a million miles per hour. What could she do? She didn't want to run again—she couldn't. No money. Maybe Sue Ellen could help her, but she had her own problems to deal with. “J.R., I'm warning you.”

“About what? Not seeing my boy. I've got every right.”

“Why now? Why after all these years?”

“Because seeing your pretty little face at the wedding made me realize what a mistake I made. Well, two mistakes. First thing, that I ever married you. Second, that I haven't gotten in contact with my son. He's a Ewing. He deserves to be treated as one.”

“You've really known all this time?”

“Ever since you left town.”

“You make me sick.”

“Feeling's mutual. Now let me see my son. We've got a lot of catching up to do—“ J.R. made motions to enter the house, but Cally blocked his path.

“You're not getting near him,” she said with steely determination.

“Woman, get out of my way.”

“No. You pushed me around for three years. Not again—I'm going to fight you on this one.”

“Battle's already over Cally. Look at this dump. This is no place for my boy. He belongs at Southfork.”

“So help me…” But before Cally could interject, she was interrupted by the shrill ring of J.R.'s cellular phone.

Hoping it to be Afton with promising news, J.R. took the call. Gave him a bit of a breather from Cally. “J.R. Ewing here,” he said.

“Dad, it's me.” John Ross. What was he calling for?

“John Ross, let me call you back. Something's come up…”

John Ross cut him off. “Dad, you need to get to Dallas Memorial fast. Your friend Mandy….she's been….hurt.”

J.R.'s eyes bulged. “What happened?”

“I found her car---she hit a tree. She doesn't look too good….”

“I'm on my way.” J.R. quickly hung up the phone, and gazed back at Cally. “This isn't over. Don't think about leaving, because I'll find you.” With that, he was back to the car waiting for him, leaving a trembling Cally to wonder what she was going to do now.

Central Dallas Park

      The sound of crickets chirping and a few distant cars was all that Lucy could hear. She was dying to take the blindfold off. “Where are we Neil?”

“Ah, c'mon Lucy! Just think about it. Where did we first confess our feelings for each other?”

A smile lit up Lucy's face. “We're in the park?”

“Bingo!”

“Okay,” said Lucy, her look now turning to confusion. “Why are we here?”

“I just thought this might be a good place for me to say what I'm about to say and do what I'm about to do.”

Neil removed the blindfold and Lucy looked in front of her to see a horse and carriage. “Neil Lancaster! What is this?”

He smiled and helped her into the open-topped carriage, then climbed in himself. “Isn't it a beautiful night out?”

“Yeah, just a little chilly though.”

Neil took off his suit jacket and wrapped it around Lucy's shoulders, then pulled her close to him and put his arm around her. “How's that?”

“Much better,” she said, snuggling up to him.

“Just look at the stars.”

Lucy looked up at the twinkling lights in the sky. “My Grandma used to tell me that a star was made when the hearts and souls of two people on earth became one. Of course, I always laughed at that. Just look at all my failed relationships. There must not be a star up there for me.”

“Lucy, I think there is one. There's one up there for us. See that bright one there?” Neil pointed to a bright, twinkling star that was off to itself, away from the rest of the stars. “That's our star.”

They held each other closely while the horse slowly pulled the carriage through the park. The moonlight reflected on the lake, creating a beautiful effect. “I had no idea you were a hopeless romantic.”

“I'm hopeless alright,” he laughed. “Lucy, I didn't just bring you out here to look at the stars all night.”

Lucy was suddenly snapped back into reality. “What did you want to tell me?”

“Ask you.”

“Ask me.”

Neil took out a black box and opened it to reveal a ring. “Lucy Ann Ewing, will you be my wife?”

Lucy was stunned. It had never crossed her mind that he was going to propose to her. She smiled. “God Neil, I don't think I've ever wanted anything more in my life. I want to be your wife. I will.”

Neil smiled and slipped the ring on the finger, then took her in his arms and kissed her—all the time, their star was twinkling up above.

Dallas Memorial Hospital

      It was late when J.R. arrived at Dallas Memorial. He hadn't bothered going to Southfork first. Immediately after arriving back from Arkansas, he had taken his car to the hospital. J.R. walked up to the nurses' station.

“Where is Mandy Winger's room?” he said.

“I'm sorry sir,” said the nurse. “Mandy Winger is in intensive care. She can't have any visitors right now.”

“Dammit! Do you have any idea who I am? I need to see Mandy.”

“Dad, hey,” said John Ross, walking up to him.

“John Ross? What are you doing here?”

“I thought I'd wait for you. She's not doing too well. I'm sorry Dad.”

J.R. stared ahead blankly. “Well of course she is. Mandy'll be okay.”

John Ross knew more about his father's history with Mandy than J.R. would have imagined. “Dad, I know you care about her, but they're just not giving her long to live.”

“Where's the doctor?”

“He's with her right now. The room's right at the end of the hall if you want to look in.”

“Yeah, I'll do that,” said J.R. He followed John Ross to the door and looked through the window. A doctor was standing by Mandy's side, reviewing a chart. He saw them standing there and walked out.

“I'm J.R. Ewing. Mandy is a…friend of mine. How is she?”

“Well Mr. Ewing, Mandy is in critical condition. Her injuries are very extensive. She has several contusions to the brain. Her left lung has collapsed and she's sustained several broken ribs on that same side. However, the thing we're most worried about is the hairline fracture on her spine that could be damaging to the nearby nerves.”

“Oh my God,” said J.R. “Doctor, I want to see her.”

“I'm afraid I can't let you.”

“I'm going in for a second,” said J.R. He quietly pushed open the door and walked in.

Mandy lay on the bed, looking as if she could die at any moment. J.R. kneeled down beside her. “Mandy, I'm so sorry this had to happen to you. You didn't deserve this.” He was quiet for a few minutes. “Don't you worry. We'll fly in the best specialists and you'll recover and by your old self in no time.”

He kissed her on the cheek, looked at her for a second longer, then left the room.

Southfork Ranch, the next day...

      Pamela Barnes Ewing smiled when she saw Bobby standing outside on the patio at Southfork. The events of the wedding and Sue Ellen's disappearance had really begun to depress Pam, but seeing Bobby now made it all right. She just hoped Sue Ellen and Cliff could work out their problems and everything would turn out for the best—whatever that may be.

Pam was going to surprise Bobby, but noticed he was on the phone. She was about to tap his shoulder when she heard Katherine's name mentioned. Pam stopped and listened.

“Okay, then it's settled,” said Bobby into his cell phone. “I want the police at the Wentworth house to arrest Katherine within the hour. The longer that woman is on the lose, the greater the chance that she'll hurt somebody.” Bobby paused for a moment, listening to what the person was saying. “Yeah, that'll be great. And let's keep this quiet. I don't want Pam finding out so soon after giving birth. Great. I knew I could count on you.”

Bobby flipped the phone shut and returned it to his pocket. He turned around to rejoin everyone else outside, when he saw Pam. Upon seeing the contemptuous look on her face, he knew that she had heard every word he said.

“Pammy, look…I can explain.”

“Explain? How can you explain going behind my back to arrest my sister, AFTER you said you had dropped that! How COULD you Bobby Ewing?”

“Please, hear me out.”

“I'm not going to listen to this. Goodbye Bobby.” Pam stared at him coldly for a second, then stormed out of the house.

“Oh God, what have I done,” wondered Bobby.

Donna's Campaign Headquarters

      Cliff walked slowly into Donna's campaign headquarters. He was worried about Sue Ellen. He tried to call her last night, but she wasn't there. He just let the phone ring and ring….why didn't she answer? God, Cliff prayed that he wasn't making a mistake. He couldn't even face the crowd yesterday at the wedding. He hadn't spoken to anyone except Afton, hadn't even left the house. What must be Pam thinking? Cliff was surprised she hadn't tried to contact him. Perhaps she was angry.

He couldn't stand going into the office. Sue Ellen could be there. But he needed to take his mind of things, just to get away.

He found Donna sitting behind her desk. She looked shocked that he was there. “Cliff, wow, I wasn't expecting you.”

“I'm sorry, I should have called. I needed to talk to you about something though.”

There was an uneasy moment of silence. Donna was unsure of what she should say about the wedding. “Is everything okay?”

“You mean about yesterday? No, not really. Things are messed up, but I don't really want to get into it now. I do want to apologize for the scene that Afton caused, though. That was unnecessary.”

“When you've been in the same family as J.R., anything that Afton Cooper pulls is crumbs.” Donna said with a slight tone of sarcasm, but a bit of a smile. It made Cliff more relaxed. She had decided against making judgement calls over the broken engagement—although no one knew WHY Cliff and Sue Ellen didn't get married yet. Cliff would tell her if he wanted. “So, what can I do for you?”

“Well, when we were talking yesterday, before everything went crazy, I had an idea. You were telling me that your campaign manager isn't exactly the greatest in the world.”

“Well, that feels a little harsh……she tries her best.”

“OK, well, she's not doing the kind of job, the way I see it, that you need done. You'd make a fine mayor, Donna. You need someone who can help you get there.”

What was Cliff proposing? Donna's eyebrow visibly arched in curiosity.

“I think we're getting on the same wavelength here. I'd love it if you'd have me on your campaign—as manager.”

Donna was blown away by the offer. This was the LAST thing she had been expecting.

Cliff took her silence as doubt. “C'mon, I have experience in this stuff---I used to be a politician. We work well together---remember the Dave Culver campaign?”

Donna thought back---all those years ago, when they had dated! “That didn't end too well, Cliff.”

“OK, good point, but our personal lives were involved. It's different now---you've got Ray, I've got Afton….” Cliff couldn't believe he said that.

Donna couldn't believe he said it, either. Afton? So she WAS the reason the wedding was off. He must have still been in love with her.

The mention of Ray's name was something that Donna did not want to hear.

“Alright, you've got a good point there. You really want to do this? Aren't you going to be busy?”

“The Clifford Group is my company---I can basically be there when I choose. Sue Ellen and Jack are holding things up there, anyway.” Donna thought it strange that Cliff was working with his recent ex-fiancée. Perhaps that was why he was seeking campaign management---to avoid her.

She contemplated Cliff's offer. He was a good politician, and he knew the Dallas voters. He could only really help her. She sensed an earnestness in him, such that she could trust him. He wasn't going to harm her.

“OK Cliff, but what about Mavis? I don't want to hurt her.”

“We'll co-manage, but I'll do the work, if you know what I mean.”

Donna gave a little laugh. That would be just great. “You've got yourself a deal. I'll call the papers today and let them know.”

Cliff flashed her a huge smile. “Excellent! Thanks Donna---you won't regret this. Especially when you're sitting in the mayor's seat.” After that, he left.

Todd popped his head in after seeing Cliff leave. “What was he doing here?” Against his better judgement, Todd had decided to remain helping on Donna's campaign. He actually hoped she won.

“He's my new campaign manager,” Donna replied back.

“No more Mavis?” Todd was silently thanking God. That Anderson woman was a buffoon.

“No, Mavis is going to still be doing it, but helping Cliff.”

“Hey, he give a reason why he and Sue Ellen didn't take the plunge? Cold feet?” Todd wanted the gossip.

“Actually, he didn't say---I didn't ask. He'll tell me eventually.”

“I wonder if the old Dallas Dish lady---Afton, right? I wonder if she's the other woman.”

Todd's words reverberated in Donna's head. She knew enough about 'other women.' Damn Ray.

The Wentworth House

      Pam slammed the door to her car and she ran to the front door of the Wentworth house, unlocking it with her key. She stepped inside. “Katherine? Are you here?”

She flipped the lights on. Katherine walked into the living room and hugged Pam. “Pam, I'm glad you're here. I've been meaning to call you.”

“We don't have any time to talk. Bobby has called the police and they'll be here to arrest you soon.”

“WHAT?” hissed Katherine, sounding more like her old self by the minute.

“We have to get you out of the country. I have a house—a house in Paris that was left to me in Jenna's will. You can stay there. I don't have the key, but here's the address.” Pam handed Katherine a scrap of paper. “I called the airport and asked Trent to get the Ewing jet ready. You can take that.”

Katherine was dumbfounded. How easy this was all going to be! “Pam, thank you. I just wish I knew why all of this was happening.”

“Come on. There's not time for you to pack anything.” As Pam and Katherine went back out to the car, Pam almost couldn't believe what she was doing.

Southfork Ranch

      “Gary, if we're ever going to make it to the ground-breaking ceremony, then you'd better hurry up!” said Val, walking into their bedroom.

“I'm almost done honey!” said Gary, buttoning up his shirt.

“Poor Sue Ellen,” said Val suddenly. “I know she must be devastated.”

“I know,” said Gary, putting on his shoes. “Alrighty, I'm ready. Are the kids ready?”

“They've already gone. Betsy took our car. They were going to stop by and get something to eat before going over to the land.”

“Who are we riding with?”

“I thought we could hitch a ride with Lucy or Miss Ellie,” said Val. She took Gary's hand and the left the room. Both were nervous about the impending ceremony for Gary's construction project.

The Cattleman's Club

      Ray tried to be excited, with all his hard work going to fruition. The Cattleman's Club would be opening in a few weeks---the paint just needed to dry, and he needed to finish the hiring process. This was the first time he had been here in a while. With everything that happened with Jenna….

Ray didn't even want to think about it. How could he have done that to Donna? She had actually moved out---living at Southfork now. Margaret decided to go with her. Lucas was not sad to see them go. He actually smiled. It tore Ray apart even more.

What Ray didn't know was what the family was thinking? They had to know something was wrong, with Donna moving in. He knew that Donna told Miss Ellie, but what about Clayton? Bobby? Lucy? Did they know? What would they think of him. The last two days had been so hectic, with Sue Ellen's botched marriage, that he wasn't even sure if Donna got a chance to tell the family. They'd know soon enough though.

He wasn't expecting anyone, so Ray quickly turned around when he heard the door open. It was Jenna.

“Hey,” she quietly muttered.

“What are you doing here?”

“Working. I still work here---have been coming in every day getting this place ready. You want to fire me?”

No. He wouldn't do that. She had a daughter to feed. He went back to his paperwork.

“Ray, we need to talk about what happened. We haven't even spoken since.”

“There's nothing to talk about.” He didn't want to blow up at her. Paid off by J.R. The nerve of her!

“Yes there is! We had sex---you're married!”

“And you're a liar!”

That one took Jenna by surprise. “What are you talking about?”

“Don't play innocent with me. I know about the tape. I know that J.R. paid you to get me in bed. You never gave a damn about me---it was too earn your keep! He have you in the sack too?”

Jenna tried to hold back the tears. “You don't even know what you're talking about!” she screamed.

“Oh, I don't? I saw the tape. I know everything—EVERYTHING! You make me sick. Thanks to you I'm sleeping alone at night.”

Now it was Jenna's turn to get nasty. “Thanks to me? I don't remember anyone forcing you into bed? You did it all yourself, bub.”

“And I'm sure J.R. forced you to get it all on your camera?!”

“Actually, he did,” Jenna quickly responded. “He threatened to tell my husband where I was. I escaped him—took me nine years, but I did it. You wouldn't like my husband, Ray. He was in the Irish Mob. He liked to hit me—hit my little girl once too. That's when I left.”

This sobered Ray back into reality.

Jenna continued. “J.R. threatened to tell him where I was. Who knows what the hell he would have done to me if he found me! I was scared…. I had no other choice.”

“Why didn't you tell me? I could have handled J.R. I've certainly done it before.”

“If you knew, he would have told my husband! The only way I was going to get out of it was to get you in bed and get it on tape!”

“Well, how am I supposed to forgive something like that? I thought you were my friend!” Ray shouted back.

“I am,” Jenna quickly replied. “But what the hell was I supposed to do? I care about you Ray---which is why I didn't do anything for so long. There were opportunities. You know it. I care about you a lot. I didn't want to hurt you.”

“But you did.”

“You know why.” Ray didn't know what to say. Jenna stated, “I understand if you want to fire me. I can get my stuff and clear out.”

Ray turned to her again. “You're not fired. Just, take today off. I need to sort some things out.” God, why was life so complicated?

“Ray, please know that I never meant to hurt you.”

“Just go! You're not fired though.” He tried to calm himself a little. “Just go though.”

Jenna Evans left, leaving Ray wallowing his head in his hands, his mind a muddle of guilt and confusion.

Gary's Land: Braddock County

      Ellie shielded her eyes and looked across the wide expanse of the land. There was a roped off area set-up and a gold-handled shovel rested against a stand. Gary and Val walked into the crowd and walked up to Ellie. “Good grief Momma, this makes me feel kind of important,” said Gary sheepishly.

“I'm very proud of you Garrison!” said Ellie with a smile.

“This is quite a nice piece of land you've got here Gary,” said Clayton. “I wouldn't mind having a house here myself.”

“Well I hope you're not planning on moving out of Southfork anytime soon!” said Ellie.

Gary's car drove up and Betsy and Bobby stepped out. “Hey everybody,” said Betsy. “We're not late are we?”

“No, right on time,” said Val. She brushed a piece of lint off of Betsy's dress.

“Ugh, Mom!”

“I'm sorry honey. I can't have you going up there with lint all over you!”

Betsy rolled her eyes. “Where's Luce?”

“Right here.” They turned to see Lucy walking hand in hand will Neil. Both looked like they were on cloud nine.

“Hey everybody,” said Neil.

“Hello Neil,” said Val. “It's good to see you again.”

“Likewise Mrs. Ewing.”

“Ooh Lucy, you pick well-mannered ones,” blushed Val.

“Mom!” mouthed Lucy quietly.

“Hey Guys,” said Gary. “I think we'll get started.”

Miss Ellie nodded. There was a small crowd of people gathered around the roped off area—most were affiliated with the project in some way. Unbeknownst to any of them, one of the men was one of J.R.'s right hand men who was there to keep an eye on things for J.R.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” came the voice of a man. “We're about to get this show on the road.”

The man introduced Gary, who made a short speech, then took the shovel in his hand and plunged it into the ground. There was a quiet applause from the audience. After a few more formalities, the groundbreaking ceremony was over.

Five minutes later, Gary stepped off the platform and rejoined his family. “Well?”

“You did a great job Dad,” said Betsy.

“Yes you did,” commented Val.

“We're all proud of you,” smiled Miss Ellie. “I can't wait to see these houses. You'll be building dreams for these people Gary—a place for them to start their families like Jock and me did all those years ago.”

“Now Momma, don't go getting all sentimental on me,” said Gary.

Lucy decided she had to tell. She couldn't keep it a secret any longer. “Dad, I don't wanna steal your thunder by saying this, but Neil and me are getting married!”

“Oh my Gosh!” said Valene. “I had no idea you two were so serious!”

“Hey, that's wonderful Honey,” Gary said to Lucy. He shook Neil's hand.

Miss Ellie hugged Lucy and Clayton congratulated them.

“That is SO cool!” said Betsy. “Can I be the maid of honor?”

Lucy smiled. “We'll see Sis.”

Everyone seemed to be talking at once. “Have you set a date?” asked Val. “I hope it's not too soon. We've got so much work to do!”

Lucy and Neil continued to hold hands. “We're not sure about that part yet,” said Neil. “But, I'm not opposed to having it right now!”

Lucy playfully punched him in the shoulder. “That's not gonna happen! This wedding HAS to be perfect.”

“Yeah, well that's okay too,” he said, kissing her.

“Then I think Lucy and I will go start planning this thing right now,” said Val.

“Sounds good,” said Gary. “I'm gonna run by the bank to see about this loan. I'll be back at Southfork a little later.” He paused. “Lucy, Neil, I'm really happy for both of you.”

“Thanks Daddy.” Lucy hugged him. “And congratulations on the great turn-out today. I just know this project of yours is going to be a mega-success.”

“And your wedding will be too,” exclaimed Val. “Nothing is going to ruin it.”

Cliff's House (the day after the wedding)...

      Afton Cooper Barnes looked out the window at all of the wedding decorations that still remained. Cliff had been so distraught that he hadn't even bothered to have them taken down.

From her wheelchair, she thought back to everything that had happened. She did feel kind of sorry for Sue Ellen, despite the fact that she was trying hard not to. But it had been her life dammit! Sue Ellen was trying to take her place.

Paranoid, Afton glanced around to make sure no one was looking at her. When she was confident that there was no one there to see her, she stood up. There wasn't a bit of shakiness…no hesitation…barely a sign that she had even been paralyzed. Afton walked without a limp to the table that held the wedding cake.

She took her finger and scraped it across the cake until it was full of icing. Afton licked the icing from her finger, then poured herself a glass of champagne. Raising it to the sky, she made a toast.

“To ruined weddings, old relationships, and to reclaiming my life.”

She turned her head back and drank the champagne in one gulp, then, she walked back inside Cliff's house.

West Star

      Christopher sighed loudly. Why was life working out this way? West Star wanted him to step down, Pamela Rebecca was trying to take Megan away from him. He had just hung up with Karen. She was screaming at him again, cursing him for putting her in there. God, he felt so bad. He thought it was the best thing. Kimberly, Todd, all of them---he told them it was.

He walked over to the bar. He quickly washed down the scotch as if it were water. It calmed his nerves—so what if he indulged in the occasional drink?

“You made quick work of that,” said Kaitlin. She was standing in the doorway to his office.

“Hey,” Christopher said, putting down the glass.

“Everything OK? You look pretty distraught.” Kaitlin walked over to him, putting her hand on his shoulder. She may have done some shady things in her past, but she genuinely cared about her nephew.

“Just everything. Work, home, everything.”

“Want to talk?”

“Thanks Kaitlin,” Christopher smiled, “but I'd just rather get out of here if you don't mind. I'm watching Grace tonight.”

“How is the baby?”

“She's great. Really cute.” Christopher hadn't planned on watching Grace, but his father had called and asked him too, saying that something last minute had suddenly come up, and he and Pam wouldn't be home. He had done the same last night. His father was very quick and terse on the phone—what was going on? Christopher had to admit this was the first time he really gave it any thought. He just assumed his parents wanted to get away, so he was happy to watch his little sister. “Actually, her nanny gets off work soon, so I should get going home.”

“Well, I brought you a present,” Kaitlin said, waving some papers in front of him. “10% of West Star. You just need to sign. I already have.”

Christopher didn't want to do this, but giving it to J.R. might be the only way to get custody of Megan. He couldn't let Pamela Rebecca win.

“Kaitlin, I can't tell you how much I appreciate this.”

“So don't,” she replied, messing up his hair and smiling. “You don't need too.” She handed him the papers.

Without even thinking, Christopher quickly signed them. It was official. “Well,” Kaitlin began, “looks like West Star now has a new 10% stockholder. Congratulations.”

Christopher breathed in that statement. 10%! Not too shabby. Perhaps he didn't need J.R. to help him in the custody suit! After all, 10% was a lot.

What Christopher did know was that he needed a drink.

Southfork Ranch

      Donna realized it was time to tell the family. It had been two days since she moved into Southfork, but really things were just settling down in the wake of the wedding. No one knew where Sue Ellen was---not even John Ross had heard from her. Donna wondered where she would be living---she was going to move in with Cliff, but now that the wedding was off, it seemed that she'd be back at Southfork. Everyone at the table was quietly speculating as to the reasons for the break-up. The pretty much unanimous ruling was that Cliff went back to Afton---something that Donna knew, based on her earlier conversation with him. She remained silent though.

Lucy pretty much summed up the last two days when she was referring to Jack, who was sitting next to her, about Afton. “She's a bitch,” she whispered quietly, not wanting Miss Ellie to hear. It seemed that ended the discussion.

Margaret was over at a friend's house working on a project, and Donna felt that it would be better to let everyone know that she and Ray were separated without her daughter witnessing the announcement. She didn't want to upset Margaret anymore than she already had been.

She quickly looked around the table. A full house: Miss Ellie, Clayton, Jack, Lucy, Kimberly, Christopher, John Ross, Melissa, Gary, Valene. She had no idea where Bobby and Pam were---no one had really heard from them since the wedding. J.R. was at the hospital, with his new girlfriend. She had been in an accident. J.R.'s absence just gave Donna added incentive to let the ball drop.

After the conversation at the table reached a lull, she spoke up. “I know everyone here is probably wondering what's going on, with me moving in and everything.”

No one responded. How would they?

Donna continued. “Ray and I have separated. Miss Ellie was nice enough to let Margaret and I stay here for a while.”

Still, silence. Uncomfortable shifts. “Ray and I just have some issues that we need to work out, but we thought it would be best if we did that living in separate houses. No hard feelings between us, though.” Why tell the truth? A little white lie couldn't hurt. She didn't want to drag everyone into this.

“Is there anything we can do, Donna?” Valene spoke up.

“Thanks, Valene, but no. Just knowing that y'all are there though, means a lot to me.”

“Well, we are,” Clayton chimed in.

“Please, don't let this effect the way that you look at Ray---we're not mad, we just need to straighten things out. I don't want this to effect his relationship with his family. You're all way too important to him.” That was the truth. Despite her own issues with Ray, she wished him no ill way in his relationship with the Ewings.

Miss Ellie felt it was her time to speak up. “Donna, you didn't have to explain yourself. What goes on between you and Ray is your business---not ours. But I speak for all us when I say that you're welcome here as long as you want, and we all hope that things work out for the best, because we love you—both of you.”

Donna thanked Miss Ellie. She felt better.

The Ewing Jet

      Pam followed Katherine onto the Ewing jet, then took Katherine's hands in hers. “Katherine, I hate to let you go. I've really become attached to you these past few months.”

Katherine was silent and she looked into Pam's eyes—a familiar glint returning in her own. “Oh, don't worry Pam. No one's letting anyone go.”

“What do you mean?” asked Pam.

The jet's hatch closed with a loud hiss and a man walked from the cockpit. “Miss Wentworth, we're all set to go.”

Pam's eyes grew wide with fear. “Oh my God, where's Trent, the usual pilot?”

Katherine smiled. “Oh Pam, we're going to take a little trip together. And that's Arturo, one of my assistants. He'll be carrying us to our final destination.”

“We'll be taking off now,” said Arturo. He disappeared into the cockpit.

“And don't even think about pulling anything funny,” said Katherine, waving a gun.

Pam collapsed onto one of the seats in a fit of tears. How could she have been so stupid! Bobby had been right all along. Katherine had been FAKING her amnesia. Now, she was trapped. “Katherine, please. Let me go. I have a baby back at Southfork…she needs her Momma.”

“Don't play your damned little games with me!” shouted Katherine with contempt. “That girl will be far better off if she doesn't have YOU in her life.”

Pam felt the jet taking off and she braced herself, trying to think of what to do. She HAD to get away. “Please…”

Katherine peered out the window. “Look, there's Southfork. Why don't you take one last look at it? It's going to be the LAST time you EVER see it again!” hissed Katherine in her asp's voice.

“No,” said Pam, her eyes filling up with tears. She beat her fists against the window as she watched the ranch grow smaller. It soon turned into nothing but a small blob on the vast Braddock plain. “NO!”

Katherine laughed. “Oh, so much fun we're going to have together. Soon, you'll forget all about Bobby and Christopher and little Grace…and Southfork…and Dallas…and your entire LIFE!”

Pam listened to her ramblings and she was afraid. “I'll give you anything. Please, just take me back to my family!”

“It's not going to happen! Live with it Sis!” Katherine put her hand on the back of Pam's head and pressed her face against the window. “One last look…and it will be your last. You're finally going to know what HELL I've lived through all these years! Only, my hell will have been nothing compared to yours.”

“NO!!” screamed Pam. She turned around and pushed Katherine back with all the strength she could possibly muster. Katherine went crashing into the opposite row of seats.

“You BITCH!” screamed Katherine. She lunged forward and grabbed Pam, her fingernails digging into Pam's neck.

Pam tried to cough, but she only choked. She grabbed Katherine's dark hair and pulled with all her might. Katherine shrieked a hellcat's cry, and let go of Pam.

Tears were rolling down Pam's cheeks as she lunged for Katherine. “You are NOT going to hurt my family EVER again!” she screamed. She clawed at Katherine's face, drawing blood.

Katherine cried out in pain and slapped Pam, sending Pam reeling back against the window. Pam yelled out in pain as Katherine slammed her head repeatedly against the window. Pam's head screamed at her and she knew she couldn't take much more. With one last bout of strength, Pam threw Katherine from her back and Katherine fell to the ground.

It was then that Pam saw the gun. She made a lunge for it, just beating Katherine to it. Pam brandished it at her. “Don't move.”

“You wouldn't do it,” said Katherine, blood dribbling from the corner of her mouth. “You don't have the guts.”

“Try me,” sobbed Pam. “I don't have anything else to lose.”

Katherine smiled and a hateful look overtook her china doll face. She stood up, then jumped forward. A million thoughts flashed through Pam's mind prior to her pulling the trigger. She saw baby Grace's face, Bobby's, Christopher, Miss Ellie, Digger, her mother—she saw the truck that had crossed the road in front of her—felt the fire from the explosion—saw Bobby in the hospital bed after being shot. She was doing this so she could be with her family…and to insure that she never had to go through that kind of hell again.

The bullet struck Katherine in the shoulder, but she didn't stop. Katherine was only a few feet away from Pam when Pam pulled the trigger two more times. Her eyes were slanted and blurred with tears—she wasn't sure where she was aiming at, but she had to stop this.

“Oh God…Momma…please forgive me,” she muttered in a strained voice. When Katherine was at point blank range, Pam pulled the trigger a final time. Katherine came to an abrupt stop and collapsed to the floor of the jet in a bloody, crumpled heap.

Credits Roll

The questions for the week...(1) Do you think Pam's actions against Katherine on RTS were what she would have done on Dallas? (2) Do you want Lucy and Neil to marry?

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