Dallas, Texas
JR hadn't communicated with Sue Ellen all week, he felt guilty for what he'd done to their relationship and feared that she would be able to tell that something was wrong if she heard his voice. He couldn't even send flowers because the written cards always sounded remorseful instead of loving. He'd never been in a proper, committed relationship and now understood why. He liked women and he liked options, he didn't like being told no or feeling bad for wanting what he wanted. No commitment and having as many women as he liked was his ideal way of life. There was a huge conflict though, he did love Sue Ellen and he'd never felt this guilty about anything. He'd never known what the guilt of cheating felt like because he'd never been in such a serious relationship, with most of his previous women he never considered any feelings other than his own and it was a new feeling for him to feel remorseful for what he'd done, especially how much he'd enjoyed doing it. He didn't want her to find out and break up with him, he wanted her to be his wife one day, but it wouldn't be right to propose now. If he proposed now, it would be almost as if he were only doing it out of guilt and shame, because he wanted her in his bed so much that he'd marry her to get it. He couldn't do that to her, he couldn't do that to their relationship. He wanted to marry her because they were in love and were ready to make the next move, not because he was secretly trying to make up for his mistakes.
"JR?" Jock tried to get his attention but could tell that JR didn't even realise he was standing there, something was wrong and it had all started at the Cattlemen's Club. Jock and the others hadn't meant to offend JR and Jock wasn't even sure that that's what the issue was, something was bothering JR but he really didn't know what it was. "JR!" he raised his voice and JR snapped into reality, "oh, I'm sorry daddy. What is it you were saying?" Jock realised that his mind was completely somewhere else, "JR, I don't know what your problems are and I'm not sure that I want to know. But please, fix them, you're no use when you're like this", JR's eyes had moved toward the desk as his father spoke and Jock could tell that something was weighing on his mind. "Do you want to talk about it?" JR shook his head no but still didn't seem to be completely paying attention, "JR, go home, or wherever it is that your problem can be fixed. I need you here as a partner, not a deadweight" Jock left the office and JR took his advice, leaving the building in a daze.
Austin, Texas
Sue Ellen was beginning to worry, she hadn't heard from JR all week and was scared that he was angry with her because of Michael. JR had ways of knowing things and she was sure that he knew by now. As she left her monthly Miss Texas schedule meeting, she decided that it was up to her to make the first move and apologise for her actions, though it wasn't really her fault. She had a grand opening ceremony to attend in Dallas later in the week and she would extend the trip and go to talk with JR; she hated that they weren't communicating.
Dallas, Texas
Two days later and still no message from JR, she boarded a plane with the Miss Texas pageant representative and they flew to Dallas. She performed her duties and smiled as if nothing were wrong, but deep down she was preparing herself for an argument. It was a Thursday afternoon and JR would probably be at work, she got in a taxi and made her way to the Ewing Oil office building. "I'm here to see Mr JR Ewing, he's not expecting me, but if he's busy I'll wait," she told the receptionist who called through to JR's secretary, "I'm sorry Miss Shepard, Mr Ewing has left for the afternoon", Sue Ellen was disappointed. She was about to leave when Jock exited his office and spotted Sue Ellen standing in the reception area, "Sue Ellen, how nice to see you in Dallas again. JR's not here, I sent him home. Say, you wouldn't have any idea why he's been acting so strangely the past few days would you?" Sue Ellen's face dropped at Jock's comment, JR had been acting strangely, he must know what had happened. "Well not exactly, but I'm afraid that he knows something and isn't happy about it. That's why I'm here, I wanted to explain before he found out from someone else, but it seems as that he is already aware" she looked upset and Jock felt for her, whatever it was, she was obviously remorseful. "Come with me, I'm heading back to Southfork now; JR should be home soon, I'll make sure you two get to talk" he escorted her out of the building and she began to think of every possible scenario.
Miss Ellie was outside having tea with Mavis, she was surprised when JR arrived home, "JR? You're home early. Are you alright? Were you not feeling well? You've been looking a little sickly all week. You go upstairs and I'll have Teresa bring you some chicken soup" JR wasn't surprised at his mother's reaction, he probably did look awful, he felt awful, unfortunately though, this was not something that chicken soup could fix. He didn't feel like arguing and accepted his mama's orders, he went upstairs and changed into a pair of blue, striped pajamas, maybe a nap would do him good. A short while later, another car pulled into the driveway and two occupants walked toward the patio, "Sue Ellen, what a lovely surprise" Miss Ellie warmly greeted her but Sue Ellen was still not at ease. She saw JR's car in the driveway, but JR wasn't outside; Jock quietly excused himself from the group and went inside to get a drink. "Now dear, you arrived with my husband and you look awfully worried, I'm afraid to ask about the reason for your visit" Sue Ellen felt calmed by Miss Ellie's way of speaking and explained the general reasoning behind her visit, but didn't go into the details of why JR would be upset with her. "Well, he hasn't looked well all week; Sue Ellen, I trust that you are here with good intentions, he's upstairs, you may go and see him, I like you a lot and wouldn't want this silly argument to have bigger consequences than necessary" she squeezed the young girls hand before she walked into the house.
She gently knocked on the door but received no answer, "JR?" she quietly spoke but still received no answer; slowly opening the door, her heart broke as she looked at him asleep in bed; he looked so sad and lonely. Entering the room, she took a seat and watched him sleep. There was a light knock at the door and she went to answer it, Teresa had prepared chicken soup and Sue Ellen thanked her before taking the dish and placing it on the side dresser. JR began to wake; the sound of voices was so near, almost as if she were in the room with him. As she placed the soup down he realised that she was there, "I'm sorry" he whispered, still in a dazed state. She was confused about why he was apologising, but all she really wanted was for him to forgive her, "shh, I'm sorry" she stroked his hair, he looked like a little boy and she felt terrible, she just wanted to comfort him. Her hand rhythmically stroking his hair calmed him, but her words confused him, she was sorry? He opened his eyes and smiled, she still looked gorgeous, probably a hundred times better than he looked right now, but something in her eyes said she was remorseful. Sitting up he noticed the bowl of soup, he really did enjoy Teresa's chicken soup and for some reason, he wanted to eat it now even though he had more important things to think about. She saw him eyeing the bowl of soup and laughed quietly, "you always did like a home cooked meal", taking the spoon she began to feed him. "Sue Ellen, I'm not a child, I can feed myself", she shook her head "shh, I want to say I'm sorry, besides, I like feeding you", she sat on the edge of the bed and they were both in a daze, neither speaking, just focusing on the straightforward task. As he finished the bowl of soup, she placed the empty bowl on the dresser and there was an awkward silence between them, "can I speak first?" she finally broke the silence.
He was still a bit confused about why she was here and why she wanted to apologise; she should be furious at what he'd done, though he'd made sure that Julie told no one and he hadn't told anyone, so she really wouldn't know about his actions. Sue Ellen began to speak, telling the complete and honest truth about what had happened and why she felt so guilty, "so you see, I blame myself for getting into that situation. I wanted to see you and tell you first, but it appears that you already know. I'm so sorry, please forgive me" she looked him in the eye, but he looked away; he wasn't as angry with her as she had assumed, it sounded like she was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. He would have to have his private detective look into this Michael fellow though, he deserved to be taught a lesson on respect. JR couldn't forgive himself for betraying their relationship though, his actions were so much worse than hers and looking into her eyes was too much. "Darlin', I forgive you. But please, listen to me, there's something I need to tell you too", she was relieved at his words, like a weight had been lifted, but then he finished his sentence and she suddenly felt terrible again. "Darlin' I made a mistake and I have regretted it since the moment it happened. I went out with daddy and some of the boys from the cartel to celebrate a deal we just signed, we were drinking and they were talking about how good looking you are and then I started thinking about you, because you are, you're gorgeous. So anyway, we were drinking heavily and as I left I bumped into a girl that I used to know…" he'd changed a few facts because he could see the way the story was affecting her, it was breaking her heart to think about what happened, "it was one kiss and I regretted it, I am so sorry. I love you and I don't want this to ruin us", he just couldn't tell her the truth, it was too hard. She could see the remorse on his face and she had just confessed to kissing another man, though their situations were very different, they had both strayed and had both felt bad about it. "JR, look at me. I forgive you. I will never again do anything to disrespect our relationship and I expect the same from you. Let's just forget that these two things happened and move on" he was still weary, she wasn't mad and he hadn't told her the whole truth, but she was suggesting forgetting everything which was exactly what JR wanted to do. "I promise, that was the first and last time. Now, come here, you're much too far away from me" he opened his arms and she hugged him, leaning against him feeling safe in his arms.
Austin, Texas
It was Sunday afternoon and Michael was driving back to campus, slowing his car as he heard a police siren he began to panic, he had been speeding a little bit, but it wasn't anything serious. "Sir, please step out of the vehicle", the police officer checked his licence and registration and then 'noticed' a small bag of marijuana, and Michael began to panic as the officer found drugs in his car, drugs that did not belong to him. This would not be good for his football career.
Dallas, Texas
Sue Ellen had been extra attentive to JR the past few days; he was beginning to like the power that she allowed him when she was feeling guilty. Maybe he should have made a bigger deal out of it than he had, maybe he shouldn't have told her about his indiscretion, he could have used the situation to his advantage so much more. The phone rang and JR answered, "Mr Ewing, everything is complete as per your instructions", JR grinned to himself, nobody messed with a Ewing and got away with it.
To be continued…