Southfork Ranch

So many times before, Southfork Ranch had been used for the glorious occasions of weddings, rodeos, and Ewing barbecues; but today the atmosphere was very different. Donna and Ray and Miss Ellie had decided that Clayton's funeral should be held at Southfork and then the funeral procession would go to Braddock Memorial Park, where Clayton's burial would take place.

The ranch was crowded—the turnout was good. Donna was happy that so many of Clayton's friends and friends of the family had shown up and she was sure that Miss Ellie would feel comforted by that fact—at least she hoped.

Donna stood up and brushed a piece of lint off her black dress before walking over to greet a new guest. “Hi, thanks for coming,” she said with a smile.

The man didn't recognize her, but he suspected she was somehow related to the Ewings. “Well, hello. Where is Miss Ellie? I'd like to offer her my condolences.”

“Are you a friend of hers?” Donna asked.

The man smiled. “I'm an old…friend—of the family.”

From behind her, Donna heard Ray's booming voice. “Well, Mac! I didn't expect to see ya here.”

Carter McKay extended his hand and shook Ray's. “I read about Clayton in the paper, I was really sorry to hear about this.”

“Yeah, you and me both Mac…you and me both…Say, I don't believe you've ever met Donna have you?”

McKay smiled. “No, but I've heard a lot about her. I'm sorry, I didn't recognize you at first Donna. It's a pleasure to meet you.”

“And you too Mr. McKay, I've heard a good bit about you as well.”

“Oh? Not all good I hope.”

“No, not all of it. But thank you for coming. I'll let Miss Ellie know you're here and I'm sure she'll be happy to see you.”

Southfork Ranch, Pam and Bobby's Room

Pam brushed her hair and gazed at her own reflection in the mirror before her. She soon turned her attention to a small framed photograph of her and Bobby. She missed him so much it hurt.

“Oh Bobby, you should be here today. Where are you?” Pam thought back to her conversation with Rex. He had seemed to be hiding something, but Pam couldn't be sure if he was. There was one thing she was sure of though, if she did find out that Rex Wentworth was behind Bobby's disappearance, he would regret it. She would make him pay for this…for Bobby's not being able to be there for his mother when Clayton died, for missing Clayton's funeral, for missing Christopher with all of his current struggles and not seeing their little Gracie, who was changing and growing every day. But most of all she would make him pay for taking Bobby from her. They had already lost so much time and they had found that each day was precious, and the days were slipping by.....

There was a knock at the door and Pam finished brushing her hair before answering. “Come in.”

It was Christopher. “Hi Mom.”

Pam smiled and looked at her son, thinking about how handsome he was. “Hello Christopher. Are you okay?”

Christopher nodded. He hadn't had a drink since talking to Karen, but it was beginning to take its toll on him. He was shaking and sweaty—he wanted a drink so badly…just a small one. But he knew that if he had that, it would escalate and he'd be drunk before he realized what happened.

Pam frowned. She knew the look of an alcoholic who wanted a drink. “No you're not.”

“Really, I'm fine.”

“I can tell that you want a drink. I can see it in your eyes.”

Christopher looked away from her.

“But I could also see something else. I saw determination to stop drinking. How long has it been?”

“Nearly a week.”

Pam closed her eyes and breathed a sigh of relief. That was good news, but she knew this was far from over. She'd been around alcoholics for most of her life and she knew that once they became dependant on that bottle, it would be a constant struggle for the rest of their lives. It would be something they always longed for. She didn't want that for Christopher…she didn't want that constant dark cloud hovering over his head, ready to rain on him when times got bad, but Pam knew there was nothing that could be done about it. “I'm proud of you.”

“I had to do this for Grandma and for you. Dad is gone…I feel like I have to be here for you.”

“Thank you. But I want you to know that I'm here for you too.”

“I just wanted to check on you, to see how you were holding up. Has there been any news on Dad?”

Pam contemplated whether to tell him about her suspicions of Rex. She decided that he deserved to know—he'd earned that right by not drinking for a week. “I found a camera in Grace's nursery, right before Clayton died.”

“Like a video camera, or what?”

“No. It's a spy camera of sorts.”

“A WHAT? Why would someone have a camera in my sister's room?”

“I don't know. Cliff blamed Rex Wentworth and we went to pay him a visit. His story was thin and he seemed to be hiding something, though I'm not sure what.”

Christopher was deep in thought. “You told me how angry Rex got in Paris when he found out that you'd shot Katherine. Do you think he's trying to get revenge or something? For your part in that, even though it was the police that killed her?”

“I thought about that and it could very well be.”

“Maybe he wanted to take Dad away just to get at you,” Christopher reasoned. He clenched his hands together. The urge to drink was still so bad.

“That's my theory, but I don't know how to prove it. All I know is that if Bobby left on his own free will, he would have heard about Clayton and he would have called or come back home. Even if he hadn't heard about Clayton, I know he'd still have called to check on you and Grace.”

“Yeah. Okay, then we know something's definitely up. We need to call the police.”

“No. Not yet. I don't want to alarm Rex that much. If he does have Bobby somewhere, then he might do something to hurt him—or worse.” Pam didn't want to think about that and she didn't want to think about the fact that Bobby might already be dead.

Christopher bit his lip and nodded. “Okay. If you need me for anything, let me know. And please don't keep anything from me. I'm old enough now that you don't have to keep me in the dark to protect me anymore.”

“I know you are.” But Pam wasn't sure if her son was strong enough. His temporary break from the bottle might not last much longer. “Come on, we need to go be with the rest of the family before the funeral starts.”

Christopher nodded and followed her out of the room.

Southfork Ranch, The Stables

Pamela Rebecca thought she'd seen Melissa go into the stable area, but she wasn't sure which stable she had gone into. She needed to talk to her though, if her plan was to go anywhere. She spotted her up ahead, standing in front of a horse.

“I don't guess you have much to worry about do you?” Melissa said to the horse. “Must be easy just being a horse.”

“Talking to horses now Melissa? Is the fact that John Ross doesn't love you making you that crazy?”

Melissa didn't look at her. She bit her lip and turned her head the other way, looking out toward the crowd around the house. “The only one that's crazy is you.”

“John Ross and I had a fun time yesterday with Megan. We took her to a petting zoo here in Braddock.”

“That's nice,” Melissa said with only a little bit of effort. The words were barely audible to Pamela Rebecca.

“We're really getting close…the three of us I mean. There was this old couple there at the petting zoo with their grandchildren. They thought John Ross and I were married…they said we looked so happy. Imagine that!”

“I'm glad that John Ross is able to hide his hatred for you, for Megan's sake. He's really a good man…he'd do anything for his daughter.” This time, the words were louder and more forceful, but she still seemed distant.

“Oh, I don't think he was hiding anything. Despite what you think, he doesn't hate me.” Pamela Rebecca grinned when she thought of something else to mention. “He told me you told him about your being pregnant.”

Melissa looked at her for the first time. “That's none of your business.”

“Well, he told me that he's not happy about it. He doesn't want the responsibility of another child--your child.”

Her words stung Melissa like a swarm of angry bees. She was silent.

“But you know what?” Pamela Rebecca continued. “I don't think that you're carrying John Ross' baby.”

“I stopped caring about what you think a long time ago.”

She didn't let Melissa's comments stop her. She had a goal to accomplish. “I think that baby is Christopher's. You two have been awfully chummy lately. I heard through the grapevine that he even spent the night at your apartment.”

Melissa smiled. She wasn't upset, but she had to admit, she was amused, didn't this girl ever give up? “Just believe what you want to, but it's not true. Christopher is my friend and that's it. He was drunk that night and I would never take advantage of him…or anybody in a situation like that. Now, goodbye Pamela Rebecca. Your plan to upset me has failed. We're here to pay our last respects to Clayton Farlow and it looks like you've forgotten that.”

Southfork Ranch, Jillian's Room

J.R. knocked at the door and waited for his daughter to answer before going in. He found her struggling to fasten a necklace. “Can you help me with this?” she asked.

J.R. realized she was talking to him and he quickly walked over to her where he pushed her blonde hair out of the way and clasped the necklace. “There you go.”

Jillian smiled. “You look nice. I like your tie, but I'd like it better if it were on straight.”

“Wha? Oh, I've never been that good at tying these damned things right.” J.R. made an effort to fix the tie.

“Here, let me. You're just making it worse.” Jillian tightened it up and then straightened it. “Better.”

“Thanks Honey. I thought I'd stop by and see if you wanted to walk out with me.”

“Sure, but I know that's not the only reason you stopped by.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah. You wanted to check on me to see if I was okay. You were worried that Clayton's funeral might bring back memories of my Mom's funeral.”

J.R. grinned. She'd hit the nail on the head and he knew she was a Ewing, being so perceptive and all. “Well, I…”

“You can admit it Daddy, I won't let it trickle out to any of your business partners.”

“You're right,” J.R. confessed. “It wasn't all that long ago that your mother died. I was just worried that this might not be easy for you.”

Jill hugged her father. “Thanks for the concern, but I'm a lot tougher than I look. And for that matter, you look a lot tougher than you really are,” she teased.

“Yeah yeah. Well, we'll keep that from my ex-wife—both of them.”

“Deal. Ready to go?”

“Yep, I reckon so.”

Jillian took her father's hand and they left the room together.

Southfork Ranch, Outside

John Ross caught a glimpse of a familiar face across the crowd and he struggled not to lose it while fighting his way through the people surrounding him. “James!” he called out.

His older brother did a 360 and smiled when he saw him. “Hey Bro! Long time no see.”

“Yeah, that's exactly what I was just thinking. I really didn't expect you here, since you and Clayton weren't all that close,” John Ross said, once he'd reached him.

“I thought I should be here for the family, you know…”

“Yeah, glad you came though. Where's Debra Lynn and my nephew?”

“Back home.”

“Oh, I was hoping Jimmy would be with you. I didn't get to talk much to him last summer when you guys dropped in at the barbecue.”

“Yeah, well let's just hope the funeral turns out to be a little less crazy. What have you been up to?”

“Good Lord, I don't know where to start. Well, I've been busy with Megan, she's growing up so fast.”

“What about Melissa? Still seein' her?”

“That's kind of sketchy. We haven't talked in a while.”

“Whoa, that sucks. She seemed like a nice girl…and she looked good too. What happened with you two?”

“She's pregnant.”

“What? You should be happy about that.”

“But I'm not. I've got Megan and she's the only child I need.”

“Don't talk like that man. Kids are a blessing…I wish me and Debra Lynn had had another one.”

“Why didn't you?”

“Debra Lynn didn't want to.”

“Oh…well I haven't talked to Melissa since she told me…I kind of blew up at her.”

“You need to talk to her. She needs you right now. I couldn't be there for Debra Lynn when she was pregnant with little Jimmy and I've always regretted that. But you can be there for Melissa and for your unborn kid. You know, John Ross, whether you want this kid or not, it exists and you're gonna have to face it, and Melissa.”

John Ross realized his brother was right. He'd talk to Melissa as soon as he got a chance. “OH! James, speaking of kids, I bet you want to meet our 'new' brother and sister.”

“You bet. Where are they?”

“Your guess is as good as mine, but the funeral's about to start I think. Why don't the four of us go out and get something to eat after it's all over?”

“Sounds good to me. I wanted to talk to J.R. before this started, but he seems to be scarce at the moment. I heard that the shooter was aiming for him and hit Clayton?”

“That's what they're saying. They arrested Cliff Barnes.”

James put his hands in his pockets. “I can't say that I blame ol' Cliff. J.R. drove me to the point of wanting to shoot him a time or two.”

John Ross bit his tongue and stared off across the crowd. “I know what you mean…I know exactly what you mean.”

Southfork Ranch, The Kitchen

Gary rubbed his eyes, and then silently prayed. Why was this happening? Why now? Bobby gone and Clayton dead. Sometimes he wondered if there was some sort of Ewing curse. He thought of all the trials and tribulations that each member of the family had had to endure. He thought back to the hardest times in his life: his drinking, cheating on Valene. He always carried so much guilt, and to some degree, when all those horrible things happened after he divorced Valene---Jill Bennett, Ciji's murder, Abby---he felt partially responsible and guilty. It was like he deserved it for the insensitivity and stupidity that he displayed in the past. Even the two times that J.R. was shot, Gary secretly, deep down, felt that it was his brother's penance. But his mama? And Bobby? They hadn't done anything. They were the two most honest people Gary knew. It just wasn't fair.

“Hi Daddy,” Lucy said, walking into the kitchen. He could tell that she had recently been crying.

“Hey sweetpea,” Gary said softly. He pulled her into an embrace. After a moment of silence, he finally spoke. “So how have you been doing? I'm sorry we haven't talked in a few weeks. I had to leave the country for a project.”

Lucy clutched her father tightly. “Then I guess you haven't heard. I'm out of Ewing Oil completely.”

“What? What happened?”

“John Ross sold the 25% I controlled to Sue Ellen. I've got nothing.”

“Lucy, honey, I'm so sorry.” Gary's guilt rose at the thought of his past actions. He had sold the 7.5% that Lucy was controlling to Sue Ellen and had not even consulted his daughter.

“Is there something wrong with me?” Lucy asked rather abruptly.

“What are you talking about? Of course there's nothing wrong with you.”

“Then why doesn't anyone in this family take me seriously? J.R. I can understand. But Sue Ellen, and John Ross?”

“And me?” Gary asked, a mixture of hesitation and inquisitiveness.

“Yeah.”

“I know that what I did hurt you. I think about it every day. It was a mistake. One of the stupidest I've made in my life and if I could take it back, I would.”

“I know.”

Gary pulled Lucy away and forced her to look at him. “Everyone in this family is awed by what you've accomplished.”

“They have a funny way of showing it,” Lucy attempted sarcasm.

“Ewings never notice what they have until it's gone. It's the family curse.”

“What does that mean?”

“J.R., Sue Ellen and John Ross are going to realize what a mistake they made. Trust me.”

Lucy took what he said half-heartedly, but appreciated his thoughtfulness. “Thanks Daddy.”

“I am sorry.”

“I know you are.” It still hurt a little to think about what her father had done. She knew that he felt horrible. Secretly, Lucy wondered why she wasn't upset with her father, whereas she was with John Ross and Sue Ellen. Really they hadn't done anything different. Lucy knew. She had learned a long time ago that her father made mistakes, he really couldn't help it, that's just the way he was and she needed to forgive him. He was a part of her life now, after not being so for so many years. If that meant forgiveness, at all costs, then so be it.

Southfork Ranch, Outside

The funeral was going to begin shortly, but Miss Ellie, J.R. and some of the family still had to come down from upstairs. Valene clutched onto her purse, trying to expunge all her emotions and thoughts through her hands. Just thinking about Miss Ellie, sitting there, Clayton's casket right in front of her. Her eyes started to well up with tears.

“You okay Valene?” It was Jack.

Valene wiped her eyes. “Hi Jack. I'll be fine. This is just….well, it's just real sad.”

“I know.”

Valene tried to change the subject. “I heard about Jamie. Actually, I spoke to her a few minutes ago. It's so wonderful. I'm so happy for you both.”

Jack couldn't help but smile. “Can you believe it? I still feel like I have to pinch myself whenever I see her. I just don't even know what to say. I'm so lucky. I feel like I have a second chance again.”

“You do. You have to let her know how precious she is,” Valene said in a sentimental tone.

“Things like this get you to thinking a lot.” Jack said, putting his hands in his pockets.

There was a moment of silence. Neither really knew what to say.

J.R. couldn't believe his eyes when he saw her standing across the crowd. Who had invited her here? What business did a woman like her have in a crowd of people? She was dressed in black and in the company of two guards from the sanitarium. J.R. strolled over to her.

“What the hell are you doing here Jessica? How did you get out?”

Lady Jessica Montford looked at J.R. and smiled. “Why, J.R., you look handsome today.”

“Answer my question,” J.R. said forcefully.

“J.R., that's enough,” Donna said as she walked to them. “We had Jessica brought over here. Clayton was her brother—she has as much of a right to be here as anyone else.”

“Ohh, great,” J.R. said sarcastically. “That's all we need at a funeral…a nutcase like her. She already tried to kill Momma on more than one occasion. You expect me to welcome her here with open arms? I don't think so Honey.”

Donna nodded toward the guards. “She won't cause any trouble J.R. They won't let anything happen.”

“Well they just best keep her away from me and my family. The sooner that woman is back between the padded walls, the better.”

Donna turned to Jessica. “I'm sorry. I really am.”

“No need to be sorry Darling.” Jessica paused for a moment, looking toward the casket. “Clayton is better of dead…really he is. He doesn't have Ellie to bother him now. But I suppose he does have that damned Amy…unless of course…” Jessica threw her head back and laughed. “Unless Amy went to Hell. And of course he does have Dusty, even if Dusty isn't really his son, but they did love each other. So see? I'm really happy for my brother. He is in a much better place now…a much better place…much better.”

Donna almost had to agree with J.R. Had it been a bad idea to bring Jessica here? When she'd seen her at the sanitarium, Jessica had seemed normal and she'd cried when she heard the news of Clayton. But now?

Across the patio, Todd approached Christopher. “It's nice to not feel like a pariah anymore.”

“How's that?” Christopher asked.

“I was a little scared to come today. You never know what people are going to think.”

“You didn't do it Todd. Everyone knows that.”

“Yeah, but now it's at your Uncle's expense.” Todd took a deep breath and looked around, almost like he was uncomfortable. “Has there been anymore news about the case?”

“No. They kind of put it on hold for today, because of the funeral. Cliff says that he has an alibi, but none of the real formal questioning has been done. He's out on bail, but they are going to bring him in tomorrow. Mom talked to him earlier today.”

“Is he coming today?”

“No. He thought it might be better if he didn't come. I can't believe that Pamela Rebecca even showed up.”

“I noticed that she was getting some stares.”

“Cliff didn't do it,” Christopher firmly stated. “He wouldn't do that. We all had reason to shoot J.R., but he wouldn't do that.”

“Well then I guess the question is who did?”

“Cally?” The tone was a more shocked one than anything else.

Cally turned around quickly. “James.”

“Jeez, I can't believe this! How are you?” He embraced her. Cally did not really reciprocate it.

James pulled away. “What have you been doing? Where have you been?”

“Thanks to you, now I'm here,” Cally bluntly said.

James looked confused.

“You told J.R. about my son. You promised me you would keep my secret, but you lied!”

“I'm sorry.”

“After you announced it at that engagement party, I convinced J.R. that it was really yours, but I guess you told him something different.”

“So have you been living in Dallas the last few years?”

“The last few months. J.R. found me. He would have left me alone, but thanks to you, he knew he had another son out there.”

“Listen, I'm sorry. That was a bad time in my life. But I still don't get it.”

“He came looking for me. He threatened me with a custody suit to get me to Dallas and then he threw one at me anyway. And he tried to prove I was a crazy and a bad mother!”

James was dumbfounded, but why should he be? It was his father they were talking about after all. “I can't believe this.”

“Why? It's J.R. Just like him to do something like that.” There was rage in Cally's voice. It scared James.

“I'd like to meet Justin.” Silence from Cally. “He is my brother.”

“You're….you're right. I'm scared this is all too much for him. Meeting so much family all at once...when for so long he didn't have any.”

“From what I hear from John Ross, he's taking it really well. You know, having brothers and a sister could be a good thing for him.”

Cally didn't respond. She couldn't help but look at James with contempt. It was HIS fault that J.R. knew about Justin. It was his fault that she had to come to Dallas. It was HIS fault that she had to…

“Listen, I know that you're upset. But J.R.'s known about Justin for ten years. I told him right before I left Dallas, and I only left a few months after you. I don't know why he chose to come looking for him now. But that's not my fault.”

Cally wasn't listening, she didn't care . All she could think about were the horrible months J.R. had put her through. How he had tried to take away the one thing that really mattered to her. And now Clayton was dead.... it shouldn't have been him…….

Southfork Ranch, Outside

Everyone had taken his or her seats, and the pastor approached the podium that had been set up next to Clayton's casket. The sun was shining, but the mood was cold. As Ray looked around, all he felt was empty. This was such a time of sadness. He was so worried about Bobby, but part of him felt wrong for not keeping his thoughts entirely on Clayton. Part of him hoped this was all a joke, and that Clayton would come back. Like a bad dream to wake up from. But when the pastor began to speak, Ray knew that nothing was a dream. This was reality. Donna gripped his hand.

“We are here today to celebrate the life of a great man. A father, husband, brother, grandfather, businessman and friend. Clayton Farlow was all of these things, to many gathered here today. We are here to remember him. To pay him tribute, and to say our good-byes. Clayton may not be with us in body, but he is here in spirit. He's all around us. He will live on in our thoughts, our memories, and his family.”

Christopher clenched the podium until his knuckles and hands turned almost white. Then he spoke. “What can I say about this great man, except that I'm going to miss him? I guess I could start by saying he was my grandfather in every sense of the name, except for biologically, but he was the only grandfather I ever knew.”

Christopher clenched the podium more tightly. “He was there for me when I needed somebody to talk to, no matter how unimportant the subject was.” Christopher smiled, thinking back. “I remember one particular time when I'd gotten in a fight with John Ross and John Ross went to tell Clayton. I thought he would be so mad—but he wasn't. He just looked at me with a twinkle in his eye and I think he tried so hard to keep a straight face, but he couldn't. He broke out into the biggest laugh. Maybe it was my black eye…I don't know. But then when John Ross left, Clayton surprised me. He took me aside and he showed me how to block those punches for next time.”

Various smiles broke out across the audience and Ellie smiled while she clasped her tissue.

“I think Clayton also taught me more than that. He helped teach me how to block the punches that life sometimes throws at me. But I think lately I've forgotten those lessons I learned from him…and a few of those punches got through.” Christopher broke eye contact with the audience long enough to soak up a tear that had trickled down his face. “And if anything, Clayton's death reminds me of those times with him…and those lessons. And now thanks to him, I think I know how to block those punches that life throws at me…and I know how to heal the damage that's been done. Clayton…if you're listening to me, please hear my thanks. I love you.”

The stress from the past months finally set in and Christopher broke down in tears as he walked back to the audience. As he sat down, his mother took his hand, and Melissa put her arm around him to comfort him. Lucy gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder as she stepped up the the podium. She was next...and oh, how she hated funerals.

The way she saw it, there was already enough sadness in life without all of this mourning. Not that Lucy didn't truly love Clayton, he had been like a real grandfather to her, and, in the early years, sometimes even like a father. Her own father was so often 'unavailable' physically and emotionally. Clayton had helped to fill one of the many voids in her life and she would always love him and be grateful for his willingness to fill those roles.

Lucy surveyed the crowd, the faces were all familiar and yet she felt strangely detached from all of them. That really wasn't a new feeling to her, in fact, she couldn't remember a time in her life when she didn't feel that way. She'd always felt like an outsider in her own family. Despite all of the sadness around her, she couldn't help but smile just a little; that was what she and Clayton had had in common, they were both outsiders in their own family. Clayton had always been there for her and yet she had never told him just how grateful she was to have him around. A twinge of guilt went through her as she once again realized how selfish she had been in her life. Oh, well, there was nothing she could do about that now and besides, considering the role models that she grew up with, she figured she should be happy that she was just spoiled and selfish and not a serial killer or something!! As her thoughts turned from Clayton she scanned the crowd looking for her grandma.

Miss Ellie had been a strong woman all of her life, but now she was being almost too strong, like she was numb to everything. Lucy knew that that strong exterior would have to break at some point and when it did, she wanted to be sure she was there for her. Maybe that would be a step toward changing her self absorbed attitude.

But before she could find Miss Ellie, Lucy realized that it was her turn to speak. She walked forward, her hair blowing in the soft breeze. As she stepped to the podium, there were no sounds at all except an occasional sniffle. Lucy didn't have notes, that wasn't her style, she would speak 'off the cuff', from her heart.

As she began to speak, she finally caught sight of her grandmother. Miss Ellie gave Lucy a very weak nod of encouragement. “With all she's going through, she's still trying to encourage me. Oh, please don't let me screw this up…”

“Hi”, she began uncharacteristically hesitant. “I came up here thinking that I would talk about all of the great things that my step-grandfather Clayton did. But now that I think about it, I don't think that's what he would want. We all know Clayton was a great man. There's really no reason for me to talk about that. I'm sure there are things that we all wish we had said to him while we had him here - I know that I really scr- ...missed that opportunity. But what Clayton cared about most in his life was family. I think the only thing that we can do for Clayton now is to carry out his hopes and wishes for this family. To care for and support one another and especially to be honest with each other.” As she said these last words, she found herself looking directly at Sue Ellen and John Ross for emphasis.

Ray wasn't sure what to do or say when he stepped up to the platform. The audience suddenly seemed bigger than it had been when he was sitting in it. Had he made a mistake getting up here? He quickly tried to get rid of the feelings of doubt that were surrounding him and he tried to smile.

“Howdy…” he said, but it came out sounding wrong for the occasion. He felt embarrassed. “Clayton Farlow…” Ray paused. He was definitely not good at making speeches. Why had he agreed to do this? And then he knew why—for Clayton. “Well, Clayton was a good man and a good friend to me. He was also a business partner and I guess I'm gonna talk about that, being that Lucy and Christopher already covered the rest.”

Ray clenched his hat tightly in his hands. “Some of my best memories of Clayton were when we were runnin' the Cattleman's Club and getting it ready to open together. Now I'll be the first to admit, neither me or Clayton knew the first thing about the restaurant business, but Clayton learned fast. I don't know what I would've done without him there. He helped me turn that place from just a building into something we could both be proud of.

“Lookin' back, I'm happy that I started that venture, despite that fact that it caused more than a few problems. But what it also did was give me a chance to work with Clayton and to bond with him. I know none of us had any idea back then that Clayton would be taken away from us in just a few short months and I guess that's why we take a lot of things for granted—especially people. We think they're always gonna be there, but then when suddenly, they're not, we regret not having spent that time with them. But I'm proud to say I don't feel like that now. I'm proud that I had the chance to work with him, to know him…and to be a friend to him. I'm proud of Clayton Farlow and everything that man stood for.”

Ray stepped away from the podium and rejoined Donna in the audience, where she put a reassuring hand on his shoulder and whispered into his ear, “And Clayton would've been proud of you too, Cowboy.”

As Sue Ellen approached the podium, Pam looked over at Ellie, who was sitting completely still in the first row. There were no tears in her eyes. No emotion. Just emptiness.

“I met Clayton almost twenty years ago,” Sue Ellen began. “I'll never forget that day. He was sitting in the living room of his son Dusty's home in Dallas. I remember being in awe of the power that Clayton had. His stature was impressive. He was just so big, and so imposing. But there was gentleness about him too. I could see it when he looked at Dusty. He was the most gentle man I have ever known.”

Sue Ellen took a deep breath. “Clayton was the closest thing to a father---and a best friend—that I've ever had. He stood by me in some of the toughest periods of my life. When I would struggle with something, he would support me. When I would fall, he picked me up. I never thanked him for that,” she said, more addressing herself. Her voice seemed like it was lost to Jack. Her hurt was evident. You could read it all over her face.

“We were all blessed to have known Clayton Farlow. To call him our friend. A member of our family. Our husband. He loved this family as much as he loved life. To see the look on his face every morning when he would sit at the breakfast table, and look at Miss Ellie. It was a look of pure joy.” Various heads in the crowd turned to Miss Ellie, who was as stoic as ever.

Sue Ellen cleared her throat, which was shaky with tears. “There are so many things that I would like to say to him. So many things.” She took a deep breath. “We are all blessed to have known Clayton. He will always be in my heart. Forever.”

When J.R. stepped up to the podium, there was silent activity amongst the crowd. Valene turned to Gary. “J.R. is speaking? But he and Clayton…”

Gary just shrugged his shoulders. He had no idea what to expect.

J.R. stood behind the podium and adjusted his posture enough so that he was standing completely straight. He looked at Miss Ellie. She attempted a feeble smile and a nod.

“Most of y'all are probably wondering what I'm doing up here. It wasn't a secret that Clayton and I never got along very well. Being here today….” J.R. hesitated, but finally spoke. “Makes me realize that I made a mistake.” The crowd's silence was palpable, a mixture of shock and awe.

“I spoke with Clayton the other night. In the hospital. I told him everything that I was thinking. Everything that I realized. I was real upset when Clayton joined this family. Thought he was trying to take my daddy's place. No one could ever take Jock Ewing's place, mind you, I knew that. But I didn't like the thought of someone coming into my family and try to take over.” J.R. audibly swallowed. Sue Ellen, in her seat, couldn't believe what was going on. Was he near tears?

“Clayton wasn't trying to do that at all. I realize that now. All he was doing was trying to be a good husband to my mama. And he was. Clayton was there when things in this family got so crazy that it seemed like everyone was going to lose their minds. Clayton kept mama safe, kept her sane, and just loved her. In his own way, he did that for all of us. Like Sue Ellen said, he was her best friend. He was a business partner for Ray, and a step-granddaddy for John Ross and Christopher. But I guess more importantly he was a member of this family.” J.R. cracked a smile and let out a little laugh. “I don't think he'd ever believe I'd say this. I can't believe I'm saying it. But Clayton Farlow was a Ewing. And I'm proud to say that.”

A tear fell down Miss Ellie's cheek.

The service had ended, and the guests were milling about, snacking on hors d'ouevres and chatting. No one was animated, and the smiles so typical of Ewing family gatherings weren't present. Lucy supposed it was a good thing. This was not the time for the events that always seemed to follow a “typical” Ewing event. A funeral was not the right time for anyone to end up in the pool.

J.R. was sipping on some water, standing by himself to the side of the small reception area. Sue Ellen approached him.

“Whoa honey, I don't want to start any battles.”

“Don't worry. That's not what I wanted to say.”

J.R. just looked at her. His eyes darted a bit. Sue Ellen knew: he was upset.

“I wanted to say thank you J.R. That speech was wonderful.”

“Thanks.”

“I know that it meant a lot to Miss Ellie. It meant so much to all of us. But especially Clayton. Hearing that from you, about being a Ewing."

J.R. was a little bit taken aback by the intensity in Sue Ellen's voice. And in her eyes. “I guess he'll never know.”

“Oh he heard you,” Sue Ellen said, not taking her eyes off of him. “I know it.”

She looked at him for another minute and walked off, but not before touching his arm. It was a move not unnoticed by Jack or Iris, who were standing a few feet away.

J.R. didn't want to admit it, but he felt a little giddy.

And Sue Ellen didn't want to admit that she saw, for a moment there, the person that she fell in love with.

Southfork Ranch, Inside

Miss Ellie stood alone in the Southfork living room. People would be wondering where she was. She was only supposed to come in for a moment. Maybe Bobby would be out there when she got back. She had to hope. She had to believe.

On her way outside, she saw a picture of Clayton that was on the mantle. She walked over to it and picked it up, looking at it for a minute.

She tried to hold them back, but tears streamed down her face. “Goodbye sweet prince,” she said before putting the picture back and shutting off the light.

| Back to Main Page | The RTS Forum | Follow Karen and Eric to Mystique Point |


Be sure to send us your comments on this episode!