Season 4: Episode 10
Ann is laying out by the pool, relaxing and tanning herself when her cell phone rings. "Hello?" she answers.
"Ann, it is Sue Ellen. I have a giant favor to ask of you tonight. Would you be up for organizing a dinner? I have an announcement that I would like everyone to hear. Could you contact Christopher, Lucas, and Emma? I will call John Ross and Pamela."
"Um, sure, I think I can throw something together, considering it is just family." replies Ann. "What is your announcement?"
"That is a surprise, but it is a good one," answers Sue Ellen. "I can come over to help you cook or get things ready, if you would like?"
Ann smiles, "I'd like that alot. I will make some calls and why don't you swing by this afternoon?"
"I'll see you then, Ann. Goodbye." Sue Ellen says, hanging up the phone.
Bobby walks out to the pool area, "Who was that calling?"
"That was Sue Ellen. She asked if we would have the family over for dinner tonight because she has an announcement for all of us." Ann says.
"Oh, that could be nice. Though our dinners are never smooth sailing," Bobby says chuckling. "Let me know if you need any help, sweetheart. I am going to go for a ride and check out the ranch. It has been awhile since I have done that."
"Have fun, Bobby. I will see you later," says Ann, as she flips open her phone to call Emma.
…
Sue Ellen picks up her phone and calls John Ross, "Hello, mama?" he answers groggily, yawning.
"Oh I didn't mean to wake you, John Ross. I wanted to invite you and Pamela to dinner tonight at Southfork and to tell everyone about my political plans." says Sue Ellen.
"Yea, we will be there. Whatever you need, mama. Why don't you swing by the Madison Hotel and meet us for brunch? Pamela and I have some stuff to tell you too." he says.
"Hmm, alright. I can be there in an hour," she says. "See you then, sweetheart."
John Ross hangs up the phone and rolls over, kissing Pamela's neck. "Time to wake up, darlin."
She moans and covers her face with a sheet, "Can we not wake up? I feel like we only went to sleep a few hours ago."
"That's because we stayed up all night," John Ross replies, pulling down the sheet and kissing her bare chest. "I had a great time with you, Pamela. I want us to spend more time with one another and with our kids."
Pamela opens her eyes. "You made me laugh so hard, last night. And yes, I want us to have more family time with each other. But I will apologize in advance for being a pain in the ass for the next 6 to 7 months."
John Ross gives her a look, "You can be a pain in the ass pregnant or not pregnant," he says kissing her. "But I wouldn't want you any other way. I'll be by your side the entire time during your pregnancy, darlin. We will tackle it together, just like everything else. I promise you that."
Pamela plays with his messy bed hair, "I know you will, John Ross. Because you're a fantastic father and a wonderful husband. Once you love someone, you love them completely...even if you're a scoundrel to the rest of the world. And the one thing I've learned these past two years is that you love your son, you love me, and I know you already love this baby too. For the record, we may need to try and repeat last night in the future. The more babies we have, the more quality time we will need together to keep things spicy."
John Ross kisses her forehead. "If things get any hotter between us, we might have a fire. The one thing I'm not going to worry about is you and I. We've established that we are partners, in every way. That is something that I have come to fully realize and embrace recently. I know that I love you and want you….but I finally accept and know without a doubt that you love me and want me too. Every other relationship that I've had has never been like this, not even close. It's absolutely scary. But a good scary. I know I'm not in it alone."
Pamela smiles and caresses his face. "It can be scary to love and trust someone, yet make yourself vulnerable to being hurt. But I know you and I are meant to be and we are in this together. Babe, just know that you'll never be alone."
"I already know that," he says grinning. "And you already know that I won't ever let anything happen to you. You're my wife, the mother of my children, and my business partner. So something we both can count on is each other. There's always going to be people gunning for us, but we can handle them together. Now, how about every week we meet in this room?" he says, hopping out of bed to put on his underwear.
"I don't think that I have the strength for that. My God, I am exhausted from the lack of sleep and YOU!" Pamela replies laughing.
John Ross jumps back onto the bed next to her, "I know you're in delicate condition and all, but darlin I suspect you will always find the strength for some quality time with your husband."
She smiles, arching her eyebrows, "I suspect you're right. Speaking of quality time, why on earth did you put on your underwear? Take those off!"
"I put these on cause my momma is coming over to the hotel and meeting us downstairs for brunch in less than an hour," he says grinning.
"John Ross! Why didn't you tell me your mother was coming? I need to shower!" says Pamela, scurrying into the bathroom, as John Ross laughs.
He hears the shower turn on, and Pamela's head pops back out "I know I'm in a rush, but would you care to join me? I think I can spare a few minutes to wash your body."
John Ross shakes off his boxers and runs into the bathroom, tossing Pamela over his shoulder on his way to the shower, "You got yourself a deal, little lady. We may be late for brunch, though." as she giggles, smacking his butt.
…..
Sue Ellen is sitting at the hotel cafe at a table, sipping coffee and reading the newspaper, as Ross is laying in his stroller, when John Ross and Pamela walk in, arm-in-arm.
Sue Ellen looks up, "Well look at you two! You guys look like you're on your honeymoon." She says giving them each a hug. They each give Ross a kiss, who proceeds to suck on his pacifier.
"You could say we had a very nice anniversary together," says John Ross, kissing Pamela.
Sue Ellen breaks out into a smile. "Look at how in love you two are with each other. I just adore it. Well I wanted you two to be the first to tell, that I am officially tossing my hat in the race for mayor of Dallas. I'm not announcing until next week."
"I'm so excited for you, Sue Ellen!" says Pamela.
"Congratulations, momma. You'll knock them dead!" chimes in John Ross.
"Thank you, thank you. That is why I want everyone at dinner tonight so I can tell them, but figured you both should know beforehand." says Sue Ellen.
A waiter comes and takes their breakfast orders.
"You said you had things to tell me?" asks Sue Ellen, buttering a muffin.
"Do you want the bad news, the sorta good news, or the really good news first?" inquires John Ross, sipping some orange juice.
Sue Ellen stares at him, "Hmm. Bad news first."
"Darlin, you found out, you can tell her." says John Ross to Pamela.
"Lucas is after the Ewings. He has a massive grudge, mostly against John Ross and Christopher. From what I can tell, he is bitter about not being viewed as legitimate and successful and not having a role in the family business. Lucas also had a former Ewing Global employee seduce Christopher and attempt to seduce John Ross in order to further cause problems." states Pamela. "I spoke to this woman that was helping him and she gave me two tape recordings of their conversations which prove everything."
Sue Ellen rolls her eyes, "Of course that boy is causing problems. And to think we gave him a job at the company. I think we should fire him and put him out of our lives. Bobby may object, but he can't condone this type of behavior. Maybe we should talk to Bobby tonight after the dinner. What is the good news?"
"I managed to get us back the methane patent for free," says John Ross smugly. "Turns out Ryan Anderson was a crook and did not want that coming back to bite him in the ass. So for him staying out of jail he turned the patent over to us and is staying away from all of us, especially your daughter-in-law."
Sue Ellen smiles, "Well done! That should make Christopher happy to have the patent back. And Ryan's departure should make you quite happy, John Ross."
"I told John Ross he had nothing to worry about. And last night he finally realizes that." Pamela says smiling.
"Now what is the really, really good news?" asks Sue Ellen eagerly.
John Ross and Pamela look at each other grinning. "Pamela's pregnant." says John Ross.
Sue Ellen screams, startling the other diners and gets up to hug both of them. "I'm so happy for you two! How far along are you Pamela?"
"About 3 months. We should know more information in a few weeks with my next doctor's appointment." says Pamela happily. "I found out a few days ago, but wanted to surprise John Ross for our anniversary. Boy did it work!"
Sue Ellen smiles, "Today is just shaping up to be a perfect one. You have to tell everyone tonight. I won't be able to keep the secret much longer than that! This actually is the perfect time to tell you what I was thinking of doing. Since I am running for office I need to give up my business interests to avoid any conflicts of interests if I win the election. The two of you gave me 15% of Ewing Global and a seat on the board, last year. If it is alright with you, I would like you to give my seat on the board to Ann. She is really trying to pull herself together and having something to do might be good for her."
"I'm fine with that, if you are darlin," says John Ross to Pamela, who nods.
"And regarding my 15% ownership, I was going to say we can put it into a trust for Ross. But now that you're family is expanding, I would like to do a trust for my grandchildren, including the future ones. Leave them the 15%, to be split evenly among them. We can discuss who the trustee should be, but I am thinking it should be Bobby. What do you think?" asks Sue Ellen.
"Sue Ellen, that is beyond generous. Are you sure?" asks Pamela.
"I am positive. I have thought long and hard about this. What do you think, John Ross?" inquires Sue Ellen.
John Ross kisses Sue Ellen on the cheek. "I think you're the best mother and you're going to be one hell of a mayor." He then picks Ross up out of the stroller and holds him, "Looks like you got some big news today, little buddy. You are now a part owner of a multi billion dollar company. This is just going to be the tip of the iceberg of what your momma and I are going to leave you one day. And more importantly, you are going to be a big brother. You and I got to be the men of the house now."
Ross just says "da-da" and claps his little hands, as they all laugh.
…
Emma sits reading a book on the couch when Christopher comes into the apartment.
"Where have you been?" she asks him, her voice dripping with contempt.
Christopher is still groggy, "I don't know. I'm exhausted. Someone may have drugged me."
"I'm sure," says Emma sarcastically. "I was worried about you. No one heard from you in almost 24 hours. Even if you don't care for me, you need to love this baby."
"I do, Emma," says Christopher, slightly confused. "I do care about you and I do love my child. I need to go lay down."
"Fine, go lay down," retorts Emma. "You only can for a few hours, we are going to Southfork for dinner tonight, everyone will be there."
Christopher groans, "Great, fantastic. Another peaceful family gathering. I need my sleep now to prepare myself."
…..
The Ewings gather around their large dinner table. Bobby, Ann, Christopher, Emma, Sue Ellen, Lucas, John Ross, and Pamela all sit down...some of them warily.
"Thank you for all coming and thank you to Bobby and Ann for having us all over for dinner, I wanted to gather you all here to announce that I am running for Mayor of Dallas on Monday. I've thought long and hard about it and my old campaign adviser thinks I have a very good chance of winning. So I would love all of your support and maybe even a campaign donation," says Sue Ellen smiling.
"Sue Ellen, that is wonderful!" says Bobby, excited. "I'm glad you are tossing your hat into the political arena again."
"I think this is fantastic," Ann chimes in. "If you want us all to help, please tell us. I'd love to be a sign waver!"
"You already have my support and Pamela's," says John Ross. "Knock them dead, momma."
"Good for you," Lucas says, half heartedly.
"Congratulations Sue Ellen, I like the fact a woman may be in a position of power," Emma says smiling.
"Anything you need, you let us know." offers Christopher.
"Well I am glad all of you are so enthused. I appreciate it. As the election gets closer in the coming months, I would appreciate your support." a beaming Sue Ellen says, taking a sip of water.
"Since you are re-entering the political arena Sue Ellen, what will happen to your ownership in Ewing Global?" asks Lucas, taking a bite of salad.
"Lucas, we don't need to discuss business right now," Bobby says.
"No, it is alright." replies Sue Ellen, her eyes sizing Lucas up, "Don't you worry. That 15% ownership is going into a trust for my grandchildren. If and when I am done with public life, I may take up the reins again. But in the end, I am leaving that to my family."
"Grandchildren?" asks Bobby. "You mean Ross?"
Sue Ellen smiles and looks at Pamela and John Ross. "No, I mean grandchildren."
The table looks at the couple, "I'm pregnant." says Pamela grinning. "Surprise!"
Ann and Bobby stand up and hug both of them. "Congratulations!" they yell.
"I'm happy for you," says Emma. "Maybe we can go baby shopping sometime, Pamela. I could use some tips."
Pamela smiles, "Sure. I'd like that."
Christopher shakes John Ross's hand and looks at Pamela sadly. "I'm happy for you." he says and gives her a hug.
Lucas just sits there, rolling his eyes.
"So does that answer your question, Lucas?" asks Sue Ellen icily.
Lucas nods slowly, "I see."
"What did you expect Lucas, to get that 15%?" taunts Christopher.
Lucas eyes him, "No, but I thought you might want to get back into the company, brother."
Christopher looks at him confused, "I am in the company. I own a third of it."
Lucas laughs, "Think again. As of yesterday, your ownership belongs to me."
The table looks at him incredulously. "Here is a copy of the paper Christopher signed."
Christopher snatches it from Lucas' hands. "You! You drugged me! You won't get away with this."
"Already have. Paperwork has been filed with the SEC. You're out." Lucas says cockily.
"Speaking of out, get the hell out of this house!" yells John Ross. "You sniveling little weasel. Didn't think we would find out what you were up to?"
"John Ross! He is my son and we aren't throwing him off Southfork." says Bobby angrily. "What Lucas did was wrong, but we will figure it out."
"Figure it out?" interrupts Christopher. "He stole my ownership in the company!"
"He's been trying to take us down from the second since you arrived. Lucas paid a woman to sleep with Christopher and try to seduce me. All to cause turmoil and eventually get a piece of our company." John Ross says angrily, looking at Lucas, who feigns innocence.
"Is this true?" Bobby asks him shocked.
"I don't know what he is talking about. I can't help that John Ross and Christopher are stepping out on their women." says Lucas.
John Ross and Christopher go to grab him, but Bobby steps in front of them. "Enough! Sit down, the both of you." He turns to Lucas, "You better not be guilty of this."
"I'm not, I swear." he says.
"Bullshit!" says Pamela. She opens her purse and pulls out a tape recorder. "This little con artist is guilty of everything said and more." She plays the tape for the table of Lucas and Danielle's conversations.
"Oh my God," says Ann.
Emma lowers her head and starts to cry.
"That is a fabrication!" yells Lucas. "This bitch doctored the tapes to try and take me down. I saw her flirting with Ryan Anderson, so this is her payback."
"That's it." John Ross punches Lucas square in the jaw. "One more word like that about my wife, boy, and we will be burying you out back."
Lucas struggles to sit up, wiping blood from his mouth, "Well I may not have been able to take you two down, but I got Christopher dead to rights. Did you tell Emma how you were having an affair with Danielle for weeks?"
Christopher stutters and looks at Emma. "I'm sorry."
Emma bursts into tears. "Oh Christopher, I slept with Lucas."
Christopher looks at her shocked and then at Lucas, "You piece of shit!" and punches him in the face.
"Just because I took your woman and your business, doesn't mean you got to be a sore sport. There's a good chance that you ain't the father of that baby, either." Lucas says menacingly. "Tough day for you."
Christopher looks at Emma. "Please tell me that isn't true. Please."
"I don't know who the father is!" Emma yells, crying and running out of the room. Ann runs after her.
Christopher closes his eyes and storms out of the back of the house.
Bobby, Sue Ellen, Lucas, John Ross, and Pamela remain.
"I'm going to give you 5 minutes to get the hell off of Southfork. Five minutes," yells John Ross. "I don't want to hear any objections, Uncle Bobby. This land is half mine and this prick has caused enough damage over the past few months. He took Christopher's shares, he slept with Emma, he paid a woman to sleep with Christopher, tried to have me seduced, tried to have Pamela's old boyfriend steal her away from me, and God only knows what else."
Bobby sits there silently and nods.
"Figured you would once again, abandon me." says Lucas, as he stands up.
John Ross grabs Lucas up by his collar and slams him against the wall. "If I see you near Southfork again, I'm going to beat you to a pulp. If you plot against me or my wife or my children or my mother or any other member of this family, it will be the last thing you do. And don't think for one second that you won. All you did tonight was start a war."
"And when Ewings unite, nothing can stop us," Sue Ellen says staring at Lucas. "Don't forget that."
Lucas pushes John Ross off of him and exits the house.
"How did I not see this?" says Bobby. "I don't even know what to say."
"You didn't know, Bobby. None of us did." answers Sue Ellen.
"I better go check on Ann and Emma," he says, taking a big gulp of bourbon and walking upstairs.
Sue Ellen wraps an arm around Pamela and an arm around John Ross, "Well tonight sucked, though for our side of the family it was alright. Walk me to my car."
….
Pamela and John Ross are walking down the driveway towards their home, "Want to keep the baby sitter a little bit longer and head back to that hotel?" asks John Ross, wrapping an arm around her waist.
Pamela closes her eyes, "MMM, after tonight that sounds so good, but I miss our home. Doesn't mean we still can't have fun."
They continue walking, "John Ross, look." says Pamela pointing at Christopher in the distance sitting on a bench in front of the family's cemetery plot.
The two of them walk cautiously up to Christopher, who is in tears and has a bottle of whisky next to him, periodically taking sips.
"Chris?" asks Pamela softly, "What are you doing out here?"
"The golden couple arrives! Have you come to enjoy my life falling apart?" he says bitterly.
"It's not like that, Christopher. You know that. Come inside and sleep it off." John Ross says.
"Do you ever visit them?" Christopher asks, looking up at Pamela. "This is the first time I've been here since we buried them."
Pamela puts a hand on Christopher's shoulder, "Yes, I visit them from time to time. I find it peaceful out here, maybe you should try it some time."
Christopher begins sobbing, "I really thought Emma's baby was mine."
"It still might be, you don't know what yet." John Ross says, sitting next to Christopher.
"Why did our children have to die?" Christopher says crying, and hugging Pamela's waist. "My life collapsed then and has never been the same. You're here in front of me with a son and you're pregnant again, married to my cousin. You moved on, but why can't I? Our babies died, but they shouldn't have. I never should have left you. We should've been a family."
Pamela pats his back, "Look at me, Christopher." She gets on her knees and puts a hand on his shoulder, "Let go of your anger and rage. Come to terms with the twins dying and move on with your life. It isn't easy to move on, but you can always keep them in your hearts and visit them. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about the twins or Ross or the baby I'm growing now. The only reason I am standing here today and am in such a good place is because of John Ross," she looks at John Ross with tears in her eyes and Christopher glances back at him. "I contemplated killing myself after my miscarriage. If John Ross hadn't come to my penthouse that day when he did, I -" Pamela trails off. "So you need to find someone that makes you happy and that you love. I love John Ross so much and that is why I am so strong today. And if Emma is going to have your baby, be there for her. Love that baby. And if the child isn't yours, you will have children one day Christopher. Pull yourself together, stop abusing alcohol and drugs, and find an inner peace. Trust me, that is the only way."
Pamela stands up as John Ross hugs her, as she wipes away her tears.
"I'm going to need your help Christopher. We are going to need to take on Lucas. I promise you we will help you get your shares back. I didn't tell you yet, but I got your methane patent back. All of us need to band together and get rid of Lucas. Now, I need you to man up. I can't be the only Ewing man doing battle against our enemies. What do you say?" John Ross says, extending his hand to Christopher.
Christopher dumps his whisky out into the grass and takes John Ross's hand. "I'm in."
John Ross smiles, shaking it, "Glad to hear it."
Christopher gives Pamela a hug, "Thank you for opening up to me. And I am happy for you, I truly am."
"You're sleeping on our couch tonight," says John Ross.
"No, I'm fine. I'm going to sleep in the main house, in one of the guest rooms. We can talk more tomorrow, it is late." he waves and walks up to the main house as John Ross and Pamela look on.
As they begin to walk back to their home John Ross stops Pamela, and puts his hands on her face, "You never told me that you thought of killing yourself after your babies died," he says quietly.
Pamela looks down, "When they died, it felt like part of me died. And I guess it did. But I thought I didn't have anything or anyone to live for. I just felt broken and alone and sad. Then you showed up, and that all changed. That is one of the reasons why I fell in love with you, because you saved me, just by being you."
He kisses her forehead, "I'm so sorry for all that has happened, Pamela. If I never stopped by that day, you might not even be here. I don't know what I -."
Pamela kisses his lips, "But you did come by and I am here, with you. Let's not live in the past, John Ross. We have our whole lives ahead. We have a son and we're expecting again. And you make me so incredibly happy," she takes his hand. "Walk a girl home?"
He smiles, "I'll walk a girl home and then sneak up to her room later."