Really enjoying Dallas 2012 from here in the UK so I thought I'd have a go at writing something myself based on the characters, particularly Ann, and maybe a few of my own. Not everything I write will be directly linked to storyline's from the actual show but there will be references. I hope you enjoy because if people are interested I might make more of this fic than just a one shot.
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters of Dallas
"Annie is the food almost ready love; the others will be here any minute."
"Yes! Lord I'm going as fast as I can here so why don't you just stop rushing me!" She snapped and instantly regretted it; it wasn't his fault that she was in this mood. "I'm sorry," her voice was far quieter now, "I didn't mean to snap. It'll be ready."
He hated to see her like this, before he was ill he'd watched her go through these strained emotions but he never pushed her for an explanation. He assured her that he was always there for her and that she could confide in him but she'd chosen not to. What with his cancer and then the aneurism… she'd never had the chance, she'd been the one doing all of the looking after, but now it was his turn. "It's alright," he said warmly as he wrapped his arms lovingly around her waist whilst she stirred some steaming hot gravy over the stove, "you've been under a lot of pressure lately darling, you're bound to be –"
"Bobby," she cut him off as she moved out of his hold fearing that his words would cause her to burst into tears at any moment, furthermore, she couldn't stand to listen to him making excuses for her when she didn't deserve it, "I've got to get this finished." The statement was blunt and cold and Bobby knew that once again he was being pushed away.
"Ann why do -" For the first time, Bobby went to question his wife as to why she was so insistent on pushing him away when she was so clearly upset, he didn't like to invade her privacy but she was his wife and he desperately wanted to be there for her, but he was interrupted by Sue Ellen's arrival.
"Hello!" she called as she entered the kitchen, "Sorry, I'm a little early but now I'm here I thought I might as well help Ann out with the finishing touches," she greeted the couple as she chatted seemingly unaware of the tears in Ann's eyes that she had been holding back from Bobby, "but I see you've done such a marvellous job here there doesn't seem to be anything left to do!" She smiled warmly at the woman; she considered being a good friend, as she complimented her efforts.
"Can I get you a drink Sue Ellen?" Bobby asked politely, always the perfect host despite his feelings.
"I'd love a cold soda please Bobby." She smiled as he left the room but the smile quickly faded as she turned towards Ann in concern. Ann had her back turned and her head bowed over the stove as she hid her face along with her tears.
"Darling, what is it?" Sue Ellen rubbed her friends shoulder in a sign of comfort. The two Ewing women had become such close friends as recent turbulent events in the family and their personal lives had only made their bond stronger. Yes, they had allegiances with their sides of the family that would always remain a barrier between them, but despite this they had become very close. "You can tell me." She added, guessing from the atmosphere in the room when she had entered that this had been something Ann couldn't share with her husband despite how evidently strong their marriage was.
"Oh Sue Ellen it's just that," She didn't get the opportunity to confide in her friend as her husband returned and she quickly brushed away a tear that had fallen down her cheek.
"Look who I found on my way to the drinks fridge!" Bobby was followed in by John Ross, Elena, Christopher and Rebecca. Everyone greeted before getting seated around the dinner table as Ann dished up the delicious home cooked meal.
"Well, who would have thought we'd all be sitting around the dinner table having a good o' family meal eh?" Bobby couldn't help but smile as he spoke to his family from the head of the table. After everything they'd been through it seemed that they were finally being allowed a moment of happiness.
With everyone's meals almost finished Bobby proposed a toast; "to the Ewing's, and many more happy family meals just like this one!" He raised his glass.
"Well isn't that sweet." An unfamiliar voice followed Bobby's before the family had the chance to cheers.
"I'm so sorry Mr Bobby, she just barged in and wouldn't say who she was and –" The maid rambled on in apology but Bobby politely signalled for her to stop.
"It's okay." He assured and allowed her to leave the room as the stranger remained stood in the doorway.
"Now would you like to explain who the hell you are and what you're doing in my house young lady?" Bobby questioned, evidently annoyed by the interruption of the meal that had, so far, ran nice and smoothly.
"Why now, I was going to leave all the explaining up to my mother if you wouldn't mind." The woman ended her sentence with a glare in Ann's direction which caused everyone at the table to face her too.
"Annie?" Bobby tried to look his wife in the eye but she turned her head away, his voice wasn't accusative, in fact it was quiet with bewilderment but before he could say anymore Ann stoop up from the table.
"Going so soon mother?" The young woman taunted as Ann ran past her, leaving the room in a flood of tears.
Bobby leapt up from the table in an attempt to follow his distressed wife but Sue Ellen, sat to his left, tugged at his arm to stop him. "Bobby, just give her a minute alright." She said softly, "I'll go and make sure she's okay but let's just give her a moment to pull herself together right?" She smiled as Bobby returned, slightly unwillingly but sure that Sue Ellen was correct, to his seat.
"Are you going to explain yourself? Who do you think you are barging in here and making Ann all upset! She doesn't even have a daughter!" Christopher had gotten up from the table himself and was now stood in front of the lady, who still remained nameless, as he spoke to her in raised tones due to his agitation. Ann might not be his mother, but she had been good to him and more importantly, she made his father happy, so it annoyed him that this girl had walked in and disturbed what had been a happy occasion.
"Look here, I'm not the one you should be shouting at for explanations alright! I've come here for some answers and I'm sure as hell going to get them. Uh, so she's been telling y'all that she has no daughter right? Figures I suppose, once you tell one lie you just have to keep –"
"Don't call her a liar!" Christopher was shouting now, his Ewing defensive side was pushing him closer towards the woman making him appear to be very threatening despite his usually relaxed nature.
"Chris, it's alright," Rebecca was behind him now lightly urging him to step away before things got out of hand.
Bobby was also standing beside his son, now that he was closer he could see her face and it stilled him. He couldn't say anything for a moment because he was almost mesmerized by the fact that somehow he simply knew – this was Ann's daughter. If her feisty nature hadn't hinted it, those eyes most certainly did. Those eyes that Bobby loved so dearly, well he was looking into them now.
"Why don't you come and take a seat in our living room and let's see if we can't get this sorted out." Bobby spoke with a regained authority and began to lead the lady towards the door.
"Dad!" Christopher called, affronted by his father's kindness to this intruder.
"I've got it Chris, in fact, why don't you all get home. I'm sorry to end the meal so early but there are things me and Annie have to discuss here so I'll speak to y'all in the morning and thanks for coming."
"That's alright Bobby, we'll see ourselves out." Sue Ellen confirmed as to allow Bobby to continue to lead the stranger out of the room. "Well, I should've known a quiet family meal in this house just wasn't possible now shouldn't I!" she joked as the family members departed with a curiosity about what was to come of the girl who had claimed to be Ann's daughter.
Please comment and let me know what you think; good or bad! I have some ideas about where to go with this so if you'd like to read more please tell me :)